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Similan Islands Liveaboard April 2023 Trip Report

April is the coolest month for Similan liveaboards – things quieten down after the Songkran holiday but there’s still great conditions and visibility

B over the yellow corals, Koh Bon Pinnacle, Similan Islands, Thailand
B over the yellow corals, Koh Bon Pinnacle © chris@divehappy.com

April is near the end of the Similan Islands diving season. The Similan Islands National Park closes in mid-May, and many Similan liveaboards stop running at the end of April, although a few hardy boats do continue to go out until the end of the season. (Check Liveaboard.com for April 2024 and May 2024 Similan departures if you’re interested in finding a trip).

Fusiliers and sunburst, Koh Tachai, Similan Islands, Thailand
Fusiliers and sunburst, Koh Tachai © chris@divehappy.com

April is also when Thailand celebrates Songkran, which is the country’s biggest national holiday where the country effectively shuts down for a massive week-long party. Thais take to the streets for prolonged water fights in the usually sweltering heat and there’s lots of drinking and dancing too.

Soft corals and glassfish, Richelieu Rock, Similan Islands, Thailand
Soft corals and glassfish, Richelieu Rock © chris@divehappy.com

Songkran usually happens in the first half of April (the dates vary each year) and the dive boats are packed during that week as, obviously, lots of Thais want to go diving during their holiday.

Big Barrel Sponge, Three Trees, Similan Islands, Thailand
Big Barrel Sponge, Three Trees © chris@divehappy.com

That means the last couple of weeks of April as the Similan seasons ends tend to be a bit less busy as everyone has already spent their money. And this is also the time of year when conditions can be absolutely stunning in the Similan Islands too – so it’s one of my favourite times to dive the area.

School's out, Richelieu Rock, Similan Islands, Thailand
School’s out, Richelieu Rock © chris@divehappy.com

For a general overview of diving in the Similan Islands, including what you’ll see, how to get there and what a typical Similan liveaboard itinerary looks like, see Diving The Similan Islands: A Quick Guide

Yellow snapper beneath Richelieu Rock, Similan Islands, Thailand
Yellow snapper beneath Richelieu Rock © chris@divehappy.com

Back on board the Blue Dolphin as a last minute liveaboard deal so the Similans dive itinerary was effectively the same as the liveaboard trips I did with Blue Dolphin in February and December. (Follow the links for trip reports and see also my review of the Blue Dolphin liveaboard itself).

Jacks and divers, Richelieu Rock, Similan Islands, Thailand
Jacks and divers © chris@divehappy.com

Highlights included a superb 3 dives at Richelieu Rock where there was a huge amount of frenetic fish action going on around the rock – it had been busy all season but on this trip every dive saw swarms of fish moving fast around the outside of the rock, heading out into the blue and then speeding back in again.

Glassfish around the reef, Richelieu Rock, Similan Islands, Thailand
Glassfish around the reef, Richelieu Rock © chris@divehappy.com

We’d already had a similar experience at Koh Tachai where the water above the pinnacle itself was filled with thousands of fusiliers sweeping back and forth through the sun drenched waters of the shallows

Batfish and fusiliers, Koh Tachai, Similan Islands, Thailand
Batfish and fusiliers, Koh Tachai © chris@divehappy.com

Ao Suthep was a pleasure to dive as always, with the sheer expanse of hard coral in this pristine garden a joy to see. The entwining shapes of the decades-old coral here is just mesmerising. (See more photos of Ao Suthep and a detailed writeup).

Hard coral circles, Ao Suthep, Surin Islands, Thailand
Hard coral circles, Ao Suthep © chris@divehappy.com

Before we’d got to Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock, we’d also had great conditions for our dives in the Similan Islands themselves, particularly at Three Trees and Christmas Point. These sites are always a good warm up for the more challenging dives later in the trip.

Yellow coral and diver, Koh Bon Pinnacle, Similan Islands, Thailand
Yellow coral and diver, Koh Bon Pinnacle © chris@divehappy.com

We did several dives at Koh Bon both on the way and coming back from Richelieu, which marks the furthest north point before boats turn around and start heading back towards home. Conditions were good enough on the last day to dive on Koh Bon Pinnacle which sits just off Koh Bon itself and is covered in bright yellow corals.

Trevally and fan corals, Christmas Point, Similan Islands, Thailand
Trevally and fan corals, Christmas Point © chris@divehappy.com

Time it wrong and you can miss the pinnacle completely if there’s a strong current – on this occasion, it was was super peaceful with great visibility but sadly no sign of manta rays despite other boats having spotted them in the area.

Turtle, Three Trees, Similan Islands, Thailand
Turtle, Three Trees © chris@divehappy.com

Overall, it was a classic Similans April trip – great visibility, decent weather and fewer dive boats at the dive sites as the season was starting to wind down. The fun part of doing several Similans trips over the course of a season is that, even though you’re going back to the same dive sites, they’re constantly changing and it can feel like diving a different place with only a few weeks between visits.

Fusiliers, Koh Tachai, Similan Islands, Thailand
Fusiliers, Koh Tachai, Similan Islands, Thailand © chris@divehappy.com

Similan Liveaboards Overview

  • Luxury Similan Island Liveaboards
  • Mid Range Similan Island Liveaboards
  • Budget Similan Island Liveaboards
  • Last Minute Liveaboard Deals
  • Diving The Similan Islands 2025: A Quick Guide
  • Similan Islands Dive Sites
  • Diving Thailand Guide

Upcoming Similan Liveaboard Availability and Pricing

Check availability and pricing for all Similan Islands liveaboards departing in

    October 2025 | November 2025 | December 2025 | January 2026 | February 2026 | March 2026 | April 2026

(The Similan National Park is closed from mid May to mid October each year)

Similan Liveaboards Trip Reports

Photos from each of the Similan liveaboard trips I've been on over the years.

  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report 9-13 February 2025
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report 21-25 November 2024
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report May 2024
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report 21 - 25 February 2024
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report 15 - 19 February 2024
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report December 2023
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report October 2023
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report April 2023
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report February 2023
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report December 2022
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report February 2020
  • Similan Islands and Myanmar Trip Report March 2015

Recommended Similan Liveaboards October 2025 to May 2026

Blue Dolphin Liveaboard

Blue Dolphin Liveaboard A mid-range liveaboard with 7 cabins for 16 people. Check availability and pricing

The Phinisi Liveaboard

The Phinisi Liveaboard A Similan mid-range liveaboard with 7 cabins for 18 people.Check availability and pricing

Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard

Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard A mid-range liveaboard with 8 cabins for 16 people. Check availability and pricing

The Junk Liveaboard

The Junk Liveaboard A mid-range liveaboard with 6 cabins for 18 people. Check availability and pricing
 


Diving And Travel Insurance

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities including scuba diving, as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Start Planning Your Thailand Dive Trip Now!

:: Check the availability and pricing of liveaboards in Thailand and book online.


:: Find the cheapest flights to Thailand - Phuket (airport code: HKT) is the nearest airport for diving the Similan Islands. You can get direct international flights to Phuket or go via one of Bangkok's two airports - Suvarnabhumi (BKK), the main airport, or Don Mueang (DMK), the low cost carrier terminal.


:: Make sure you don't forget to bring any of the essentials for your scuba diving trip with our comprehensive Liveaboard Packing List


:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.


:: Find available places to stay in Phuket for before and after your liveaboard on Booking.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.


:: Need inspiration? See our Best Places To Dive In Thailand for ideas of where to go and what to do.


Dive Happy Podcast Newsletter

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Listen to previous Dive Happy podcast episodes.

Last Minute Liveaboard Deals

  • Last Minute Liveaboard Deals May 2025

All Similan Liveaboards

  • Budget Similan Islands Liveaboards 2025
  • Mid-Range Similan Islands Liveaboards 2025
  • Luxury Similan Islands Liveaboards 2025

Similan Liveaboard Reports 2025

  • Similan Liveaboard Trip Report 9-13 February 2025

Similan Liveaboard Reports 2024

  • Diving The Similan Islands 2025: A Quick Guide
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard 21-25 November 2024 Trip Report
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard 6 – 10 May 2024 Trip Report
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard 21 – 25 February 2024
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard 15-19 February 2024

Similan Liveaboard Reports 2023

  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report December 2023
  • Similan Liveaboard Trip Report October 2023
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard April 2023 Trip Report
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report February 2023

Similan Liveaboard Reports 2022

  • Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report December 2022
  • Similan Islands Liveaboard February 2020
  • Myanmar And Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report March 2015

Similan Islands DIve Sites

  • Similan Islands Dive Sites Overview
  • West Of Eden
  • Shark’s Fin Reef
  • Boulder City
  • Three Trees
  • Christmas Point
  • North Point
  • Hideaway Bay and Tuna Wreck
  • Koh Bon
  • Koh Bon Pinnacle
  • Ao Suthep, Surin Islands
  • Richelieu Rock

More Thailand Diving Stories

  • Thailand Aggressor Relaunches November 2024
  • Blue Dolphin Liveaboard Review
  • Diving Stonehenge, Koh Lipe, April 2022
  • Whale Shark At Hin Daeng April 2021
  • Diving HTMS Chang and Alahambra Rock
  • Thailand’s Best Dive Sites
  • Where To See Manta Rays In Thailand
  • Whale Sharks In Thailand: Where To See Them
  • Are There Great White Sharks In Thailand?
  • Koh Lanta Diving
  • Koh Tao: An Introduction
  • Diving The USS Lagarto Submarine – Richie Kohler interview
  • Cheap Scuba Diving In Asia
  • Thailand Diving Home

Dive Happy Podcast

  • Tonga Humpback Whales Podcast
  • Tubbataha Reef Diving Podcast
  • The Father Of Palau Diving: Francis Toribiong
  • Sogod Bay Diving Podcast
  • LAMAVE Volunteer Whale Shark Research
  • Dream Job: What’s It Like To Be A Marine Biologist?
  • Dumaguete Diving Podcast
  • Komodo Diving Podcast
  • Diving The Yonaguni Monument, Japan Podcast
  • Diving Koh Lanta Podcast
  • Moalboal Diving Podcast
  • Diving The Banda Sea Podcast: Part 2
  • Diving The Banda Sea Podcast: Part 1
  • Diving Hawaii Podcast
  • Diving Malapascua Podcast
  • Diving Taiwan Podcast
  • Diving Japan Podcast
  • Diving HTMS Chang And Alhambra Rock Podcast
  • Diving The WW2 Shipwrecks Of Coron Podcast
  • Diving Lembongan Podcast
  • Diving Romblon: the Philippines’ Secret Super Macro Paradise
  • Triton Bay Diving 2020 Podcast
  • Dream Job: Liveaboard Cruise Director Podcast
  • Diving Triton Bay Podcast
  • Diving Tubbataha Reef Podcast
  • Diving Yap Podcast
  • Diving Truk Lagoon Podcast
  • Diving Sogod Bay Podcast
  • Misool Eco Resort Podcast
  • Diving Palau Podcast
  • The Manta Rays Of Myanmar’s Black Rock Podcast
  • Diving Myanmar Podcast
  • Diving Bali Podcast
  • Diving Cenderawasih Bay Podcast
  • Diving Komodo Podcast
  • Diving Raja Ampat Podcast
  • Dive Happy Podcast Home Page

My Recent Dive Trips

  • November 2024: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • October 2024: Forgotten Islands and Banda Sea liveaboard, Indonesia
  • August 2024: Komodo and Saleh Bay liveaboard, Indonesia
  • May 2024: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • April 2024: Sogod Bay, Philippines
  • February 2024: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • January 2024:Gangga Island Resort, Indonesia
  • December 2023: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • Mejangan Island, Bali
  • October 2023: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • June 2023: Raja Ampat liveaboard, Indonesia
  • April 2023: Maldives liveaboard
  • April 2023: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • February 2023: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • December 2022: Raja Ampat liveaboard, Indonesia
  • December 2022: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • August 2022: Komodo liveaboard, Indonesia
  • June 2022: USAT Liberty shipwreck, Bali, Indonesia
  • April 2022: Stonehenge, Koh Lipe, Thailand
  • March 2022: Manta Rays at Koh Bon, Thailand
  • January 2022: Richelieu Rock liveaboard, Thailand
  • March 2021: HTMS Chang and Alahambra Rock liveaboard, Thailand
  • February 2020: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • December 2019: Raja Ampat liveaboard, Indonesia
  • October 2019: Malapascua, Philippines
  • June 2019: Sogod Bay, Philippines
  • April 2019: Tulamben, Bali
  • December 2018: Sogod Bay, Philippines
  • December 2018: Anilao, Philippines
  • October 2018: Moalboal, Philippines
  • October 2018: Malapascua, Philippines
  • July 2018: Tulamben, Bali
  • May 2018: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
  • April 2018: Sogod Bay, Philippines

My Less Recent Dive Trips

  • May 2017: Apo Island and Dumaguete, Philippines
  • April 2017: Tubbataha Reef, Philippines
  • April 2017: Sogod Bay, Philippines
  • March 2017: Triton Bay, Indonesia
  • March 2017: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
  • September 2016: Tulamben, Bali at Alba Dive Resort
  • August 2016: Cenderawasih Bay on Damai 1
  • April 2016: Sogod Bay at Sogod Bay Scuba Resort
  • February 2016: Raja Ampat and Banda Islands on Damai 1
  • April 2015: Anilao at Crystal Dive Resort
  • March 2015: Myanmar and Similan Islands on Thailand Aggressor
  • May 2013: Similan Islands on Thailand Aggressor
  • April 2013: Tubbataha Reef on Discovery Palawan
  • January 2013: Komodo, Indonesia on MSY Damai
  • August 2012: Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia
  • April 2012: Similan Islands and Southern Thailand liveaboard
  • January 2012: Similan Islands liveaboard, Thailand
  • August 2011: Hanifaru, Maldives
  • June 2011: Tubbataha Liveaboard Hans Christian Andersen
  • April 2011: Similan Islands and Southern Thailand liveaboard
  • April 2011: Carpe Vita Liveaboard, Maldives
  • March 2011: Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
  • December 2010: Menjangan, Bali
  • July 2010: Tofo, Mozambique
  • July 2010: Sardine Run, South Africa
  • May 2010: Sangalaki / Derawan, Tambora
  • March 2010: MV Flying Seahorse, Similan Islands
  • March 2010: MV Orion, Southern Maldives
  • January 2010: Big Blue Explorer, Palau
  • November 2009: MSY Damai, Banda Sea Liveaboard, Indonesia
  • October 2009: MSY Damai, Komodo Liveaboard, Indonesia
  • October 2009: MV Orion, Maldives Liveaboard
  • September 2009: MV Scubanet, Koh Losin, Thailand
  • May 2009: MSY Seahorse, Banda Sea liveaboard, Indonesia
  • March 2009: Sachika Liveaboard, Maldives
  • February 2009: Daytrips, Koh Lanta, Thailand
  • January 2009: MV Jazz, Burma (Myanmar) Liveaboard

Back In The Day Bragging Rights Dive Trips

  • November 2008: Borneo Explorer, Visayas Liveaboard
  • September 2008: S/Y Siren, Komodo Liveaboard
  • August 2008: Ocean Rover, Sulawesi Liveaboard
  • August 2008: NAD Lembeh Resort, Indonesia
  • June 2008: Koh Tao
  • March 2008: Maldives, Bandos Island
  • February 2008: MSY Seahorse, Raja Ampat Liveaboard
  • January 2008: MV Jazz, Burma Liveaboard
  • October 2007: Bali Dive Safari
  • September 2007: Davao, Philippines
  • July 2007: Great White Sharks, Rodney Fox Liveaboard
  • June 2007: Big Blue, Palau Liveaboard
  • May 2007: Whale Sharks at Exmouth, Australia
  • April 2007: Borneo Explorer, Tubbataha Reef Liveaboard
  • December 2006: Komodo Dancer, Komodo Liveaboard

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  • Similan Liveaboard Trip Report 9-13 February 2025