Similan live aboard

[stargazer61]

My son and I are looking for a live aboard trip to the Similans in late June early July. At first glance the trips seem to stop between May and November, is there any reason for this?

Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

[ayeshacantrell]

Hi there !

Monsoon and bad weather stops the boats running....in June and July the east coast is where the best weather and diving is.....I live on Koh Tao on the east coast ....most dive sites are less than an hour away so daily dive trips mostly operate - however there is one liveaboard running to Ang Thong Marine park and Sail rock.

Ang Thong Marine Park Learn To Dive On Koh Tao (http://learntodiveonkohtao.com/ang-thong-marine-park)

Let me know if you want some more information......

Ayesha

[ayeshacantrell]

Hi there !

Monsoon and bad weather stops the boats running....in June and July the east coast is where the best weather and diving is.....I live on Koh Tao on the east coast ....most dive sites are less than an hour away so daily dive trips mostly operate - however there is one liveaboard running to Ang Thong Marine park and Sail rock.

Ang Thong Marine Park Learn To Dive On Koh Tao (http://learntodiveonkohtao.com/ang-thong-marine-park)

Let me know if you want some more information......

Ayesha

[Apecks]

I think the similan national park shuts during that period as it is out of season.

[stargazer61]

Thanks for that. I have not thought about doing the East Coast at this stage because we are most likely going to Phuket. I did a "discover scuba" course on Phi Phi in July a few years ago and we had great diving conditions. I wonder if there is any chance of finding a trip to the Similans closer to the time, maybe when we are there.

[stargazer61]

I think the similan national park shuts during that period as it is out of season.

oh, in that case I will have to try to re-schedule for another time of year :depressed:

[stevenl]

There are liveaboard diving trips going to the Similans in that time.

The park is officially closed, so in stead of paying national park fees you pay a fine, exactly the same amount as the park fees are.

Personally I love trips to the Similans that time of year, others have different opinions.

[stargazer61]

Oh, that is good. So we can probably organize something when we are over there.

[mase]

Not a very good time of year to go to the Similans. The Park closes down for a reason. I love liveaboards to the Similans, it's the best diving in Thailand, Hands down. But July? It might be wiser to look somewhere else.

[Arizona]

I would consider Koh Tao as Ayesha suggests. The diving is pretty good and June/July is the time of year for the Gulf of Siam.

[crowleyW]

Its a pity that simillan is closed during the summer, luckily theres other places :) I will hit the phuket in june and gonna go take a look of Koh Changs area aswell.

[Ringo]

Oh, that is good. So we can probably organize something when we are over there.

Sorry Stargazer
The Similans National Marine Park is officially closed then although there are a couple of operators who take the risk to bend the rules.

A thought to consider is would the Insurance companies cover any problem in the event of any mishap during this period? Especially since it is common knowledge that the Park should be closed then.

[stargazer61]

Thanks for the helpful posts. We have decided to put off the Thailand trip for now and go sometime next year.

i will have a look at a liveaboard on the Barrier Reef instead.

[stevenl]

A thought to consider is would the Insurance companies cover any problem in the event of any mishap during this period? Especially since it is common knowledge that the Park should be closed then.Some people like Similans this time of year some people don't, but insurance has nothing to do with that.

[Ringo]

Some people like Similans this time of year some people don't, but insurance has nothing to do with that.

Sorry Steven, I dont believe that it is an issue of liking or not liking the Similans at this time of year. The fact of the matter is that it is supposed to be officially closed then.

Also I am quite sure that Insurance companies would not be so forthcoming if they find this out.

[stevenl]

Yes, officially closed, but allowed by the Rangers.

Regarding the insurance: I used to work for an insurance company, and know exactly how they think and know a lot of the policies. And something like this is NO reason not to pay in case of an accident.

[Ringo]

Steven I also have vast experience with the Insurance Industry and I can assure you that at any given chance under questionable circumstances they will dispute any claims. Otherwise I am not getting involved in a slanging match with you on a forum, especially since we are so closely located. We can discuss this issue in person over a nice coldie.

To the OP - be very careful of the operators trying to promote The Similans during our low season months. Nobody knows what the weather will be like during these months up there. On one hand you could be lucky and have ideal conditions but then on the other hand you could not be as lucky. It can change so quickly and it would not be fair to you or those who are trying to plan their ideal diving holiday.

[Bowmouth]

I am not getting involved in a slanging match with you on a forum...

Ringo, Steven....

:argument:

I think it's time for :hugs: and :beerchug:!

[Arizona]

Sorry Steven, my money is on Ringo:popcorn: Even if the weather is good wouldn't it be wise to give the area a rest?

[mase]

Speaking as an attorney who has been fighting Insurance companies for way too long; Anytime they can slime their way out of paying off, they will.

[stevenl]

Even if the weather is good wouldn't it be wise to give the area a rest?Yes, it would. That is another reason why I like liveaboards to the Similans in July/August, because it keeps the fishermen at bay, giving the area much more rest.

[johnscubadiver]

I am living on Koh Phi Phi On the west coast and the shop I am work for has just received the boat itinerary for live aboards through to September so I recon the diving is open .
John

[stevenl]

I am living on Koh Phi Phi On the west coast and the shop I am work for has just received the boat itinerary for live aboards through to September so I recon the diving is open .
JohnJohn, that is not the discussion here. There are boats going, and as mentioned I like the liveaboards during this time of year, but the duscussion is, as nearly every year BTW, whether it is a good idea to go there this time of year. I think it is, others have different ideas.