Similan Islands, Thailand

[Azza]

My wife and I are looking at going to Thailand for a couple of weeks and are looking at a livaboard trip aboard The Junk
Has anybody on the board had any experience with this dive operator and sites?
Thanks
Azza

 

[Quero]

My wife and I are looking at going to Thailand for a couple of weeks and are looking at a livaboard trip aboard The Junk
Has anybody on the board had any experience with this dive operator and sites?
Thanks
Azza

Those are very good choices for a Thailand dive holiday.

 

[Azza]

Those are very good choices for a Thailand dive holiday.

Thanks Quero. What sort of diving are we likely to encounter? Big Fish?
Any recommendations for land based activities?
Thanks

 

[MoonWrasse]

When are you going?
I don't know of any boats going out to the Similans right now, as it is the rainy season there.

If you want to sea bigger stuff, like giant mantas, you will have better luck going up north to Richelieu Rock.

There are some nice dive sites around Phuket as well.

For Similan /diving info:
http://www.divetheworldthailand.com/thailand-scuba-diving-dive-sites-similan-islands.htm

For a broader perspective on Phuket you can try:
http://www.phuketgazette.com/
http://www.phuket.com/

 

[Quero]

Well, Azza, it does depend somewhat on when you are planning your visit. I assume since you are looking at the Junk's website you have a clear idea of when their trips to the Similans run. You are likely to see some pelagics, but you will have to be lucky to see mantas and very lucky to see a whale shark. As far as other kinds of sharks, any you might see would most likely be reef sharks and leopard sharks. There are jacks and other smaller pelagics around, different groupers (you may see a giant grouper or two). Lots of pretty reef fish, some really cool small things like ornate ghost pipefish and frogfish....

Land-based activities--if you want adventure, you can do some sea kayaking (okay, I realize this is a water activity, but I figure you mean "not scuba") around in Phanga Bay, or climb rocks around Krabi. If you don't want to leave Phuket island, you can hike a few trails in the national park, walk down to the point at Promthep Cape, or explore on your own. If you want relaxation, there's obviously the beach. For touristy stuff, you can ride an elephant, go to a snake show or watch one of the cabaret show things (either the tame ones like Fanatasea or the sexy ones on Bangla Road). Of course there are temples you can visit too (talk about changing gears!).

 

[Azza]

Well, Azza, it does depend somewhat on when you are planning your visit. I assume since you are looking at the Junk's website you have a clear idea of when their trips to the Similans run. You are likely to see some pelagics, but you will have to be lucky to see mantas and very lucky to see a whale shark. As far as other kinds of sharks, any you might see would most likely be reef sharks and leopard sharks. There are jacks and other smaller pelagics around, different groupers (you may see a giant grouper or two). Lots of pretty reef fish, some really cool small things like ornate ghost pipefish and frogfish....

Land-based activities--if you want adventure, you can do some sea kayaking (okay, I realize this is a water activity, but I figure you mean "not scuba") around in Phanga Bay, or climb rocks around Krabi. If you don't want to leave Phuket island, you can hike a few trails in the national park, walk down to the point at Promthep Cape, or explore on your own. If you want relaxation, there's obviously the beach. For touristy stuff, you can ride an elephant, go to a snake show or watch one of the cabaret show things (either the tame ones like Fanatasea or the sexy ones on Bangla Road). Of course there are temples you can visit too.

Hey thanks very much for your help mate.
My wife and I are having a belated honeymoon and thought we would spend half the time diving and half the time sightseeing etc. You have been a great help

 

[Ringo]

The boat is great (my personal favourite - I'm a Junkie!), crew professional and food excellent. Can't wait - am going on a 2 day cruise with some customers to Phi Phi next month. During the low/green season months they offer 2 day/ 2 night cruises to Phi Phi and the Racha Islands. From mid October to mid May they offer the 5 day/6 night cruises to The Similans/Richelieu Rock.
If you do decide to go on The Junk ask for the honeymoon cabin!

 

[Azza]

When are you going?
I don't know of any boats going out to the Similans right now, as it is the rainy season there.

If you want to sea bigger stuff, like giant mantas, you will have better luck going up north to Richelieu Rock.

There are some nice dive sites around Phuket as well.

For Similan /diving info:
http://www.divetheworldthailand.com/thailand-scuba-diving-dive-sites-similan-islands.htm

For a broader perspective on Phuket you can try:
http://www.phuketgazette.com/
http://www.phuket.com/

We are going in Mid-October. I believe Richelieu Rock is on the agenda as well.
Thanks for the links. Most helpfull

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

I've heard nothing but good things about the junk. Similans has OK coral and fish life and some interesting granite rock formations underwater but pelagics are rare. Once saw 2 whale sharks at Richelieu so love the dives there: but their appearance as always is a matter of luck. Broad range of reef fish spieces at both sites.

Cheers,
Rohan.

 

[buksida]

You'll have a top time there, theres more info on the specific dive sites below:

Similans dive sites
Richelieu Rock

I actually enjoyed Koh Bon over Richelieu, less divers and more marine life!