Slack Water
Liveaboards · Thailand

Similan Islands liveaboards

1–8 nights from Khao Lak (Tap Lamu pier) or Phuket. The only way to dive Similan Islands.

Compare boats and dates ↗Similan Islands dive guide
Smooth granite boulders piled at the waterline of a Similan island under a clear blue sky
Photo: Stella Weis / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

At a glance

Best months
Mid-October to mid-May
Trip length
1–8 nights
Departs from
Khao Lak (Tap Lamu pier), Phuket
Price per night
US$220–US$340Per person, typical published rates
Certification
Open Water on some boatsOpen Water recommended
Current
ModerateMild at most sites, strong at a few exposed pinnacles

When boats run

Mid-October to mid-May (park season); peak November to April.

Overview

Most Similan liveaboards leave from Tap Lamu pier near Khao Lak, and some short trips collect guests in Phuket. Trips run only while Mu Ko Similan National Park is open, from 15 October to 15 May. The 2026–27 season opens on 15 October 2026.

The common trip is 4 to 5 nights. It covers the Similan Islands, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock near the Surin Islands. Short 1-night trips and longer 6 to 8 night trips also run. In 2026–27 listings, prices are typically about US$220 to US$340 per person per night, before park fees.

Routes

  • Similan overnight1 night · Mid-October to mid-May (park season). A 2-day, 1-night trip in the Similan Islands only. It suits divers with little time or those trying a liveaboard for the first time.
  • Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock4–5 nights · 15 October to 15 May. The standard route from Khao Lak: the Similan Islands, then north to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock near the Surin Islands. It suits most divers who want the main sites in one trip.
  • Similan and Surin (longer trips)6–8 nights · From mid-October (2026–27 departures listed from 18 October). Longer trips spend more time at the Similan and Surin sites. They suit divers who want more dives at Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock.

Getting to the boat

  • Khao Lak (Tap Lamu pier)Most Similan liveaboards board at the Tap Lamu (Taplamu) pier near Khao Lak; operators spell the pier name differently, so confirm the meeting point.
  • PhuketSunrise Divers runs its short overnight trips from either Phuket or Khao Lak.

Who can go

Open Water divers can join some Similan liveaboards, but several boats ask for more. The Similan Explorer asks Open Water-only divers to complete an Adventure Deep dive (1,800 THB) or the full Advanced course on board, and other boats ask for Advanced Open Water or a minimum of about 15 logged dives. Nitrox is available on most boats for certified divers, usually at extra cost.

Most sites are fine for Open Water divers. Boats group divers by level.

What it costs

Published rates typically run US$220 to US$340 a night. Typically about US$220 to US$340 per person per night in 2026–27 aggregator listings (4-night trips at US$894 and US$1,275; an 8-night trip at US$2,176 to US$2,720), shared cabin, before park fees and equipment rental. Operator prices in baht vary: Sea Bees lists a 5-night trip from 56,000 THB for 2026–27. Taken from search snippets, not opened pages.

  • Park fees are charged per person (around THB 500–700 a day in recent listings); a 2026 source gives THB 500 per foreign adult entry, and re-entry may be charged again.
  • Sea Bees: national park fee of 2,500 THB for its 5-night trip, not included in the price (2026–27 season).
  • Thailand Master: marine park and port fees of US$80 per person for a 6-night Similan and Surin trip (27 November 2026 departure).
  • Sunrise Divers: 900 THB national park fee for the 1-night trip, paid in cash on board (year not stated).
  • Nitrox is usually extra: 220 THB per fill on the Similan Explorer (2025–26 listing).

Know the risks

  • National park closed about 15 May to 15 October
  • Some operators start trips only in November; confirm dates
  • Current at some sites

Questions

How much does a Similan liveaboard cost?

In 2026–27 listings, Similan liveaboards typically cost about US$220 to US$340 per person per night in a shared cabin. A 4-night trip was listed at US$894 to US$1,275. Park fees, equipment rental and nitrox are usually extra.

When is the Similan liveaboard season?

The national park is open from 15 October to 15 May, and liveaboards run only in that window. The 2026–27 season opens on 15 October 2026. Some operators start their trips later, so check the departure dates.

Can Open Water divers do a Similan liveaboard?

Some boats accept Open Water divers. Others ask for Advanced Open Water, about 15 logged dives, or an Adventure Deep dive done on board. Check the requirement with the boat before booking.

How much are the Similan park fees?

Park fees are charged per person, around THB 500 to 700 a day in recent listings. Operators bill them in different ways, for example 2,500 THB for a 5-night trip or US$80 for a 6-night trip in 2026–27. They are usually paid on top of the trip price.

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Also by boat in the same months

Sources

Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Prices and fees change every season; confirm with the operator before you book.