Day Trips
Day Trips to the Best Dive Sites in the Surin and Similan Islands from Khao Lak
Day trips from Khao Lak to the Surin and Similan Islands are among the most rewarding scuba experiences in Thailand. In just one day, divers can reach world-class reefs, dramatic granite formations, and thriving marine ecosystems filled with color and life. Early departures and efficient routes mean more time underwater and less time traveling.
Both island groups are protected marine parks, which keeps reefs healthy, visibility excellent, and biodiversity impressive. These trips are ideal for divers who want premium sites without staying overnight on a liveaboard.
Jump aboard our comfortable MV Maxwell, and let King Andaman take you on an unforgettable day trip to the best dives sites in Thailand.
Our daily scuba diving day trips are the fastest way to see the best of the Similan and Surin National Parks during your time in Khao Lak.
Our updated weekly schedule allows you to see the best these marine parks have to offer. From 8 dives a week at the world-famous Richelieu Rock and 2 dives at Koh Bon, our spacious and comfortable Maxwell is the perfect way to get there.
Our professional staff is ready to guide you – with over 10 years diving experience, and over 6 languages spoken on board. Our instructors are ready to guide you in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Thai.
Daily dive day trips schedule
Scuba diving day trip
5,500
THB / Person
- A professional guide
- Breakfast buffet, Lunch, snacks, fruit
- Water, Cola
- Free transfer around Khaolak, namkhem
- Prices Included VAT
Additional Information
Please review the exclusions and available extras to plan your budget accordingly.
Not Included
-
National park entrance fee
500 THB / Day - Diver’s fee 200 THB / Day
- Equipment Rental
- Dive Insurance
Available Extras
- Nitrox 200 THB / Tank
- 15L air tank 150 THB / Tank
-
Equipment rental full set
500 THB / Day - Dive Insurance 650 THB / Day
Discover our divesites
Explore the breathtaking underwater world of the Andaman Sea,
from the vibrant coral reefs of the Similan Islands to the majestic Richelieu Rock
Dive day details
Let’s get ready for an epic day of diving. Here’s everything you need to know
to prepare for your day trip to the Similan and Surin Islands
6:40 - 7:45 AM
Complimentary hotel pick-up for all guests staying
in the Khao Lak area
7: 45 - 8:15 AM
Complimentary breakfast buffet at the pier. Trip preparation
8:15 - 8:30 AM
Leave the pier
10:30 AM
Arrival at the dive site / Dive site briefing / Let’s go diving!
12:00 PM
Lunch on board the Maxwell or on the islands
1:00-1:15 PM
Prepare for second dive
2:30 PM
Journey back to Khao Lak
4:00 PM
Complimentary transportation back to your accommodation
What to bring
Here’s what you should bring to make your trip as comfortable as possible
- Any equipment you want to use
- Towel
- Reef Safe Sun block
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Cash for tips & snacks on the island
- Camera
- Cell Phone
- Waterproof bag
Pier location
If you are not being picked up from your hotel, you can meet us at the pier by 8AM
FAQ
Everything you need to know about diving in Khao Lak
When is the best time to go diving in the Surin or Similan Islands?
These 2 marine national parks are only open from October 15 to May 15. This coincides with the dry season, when visibility is clearer and the weather is calmer.
This is also when you have the best chances to see pelagics like whale sharks and manta rays.
The rest of the year is monsoon season, and these park are closed.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to dive at these national parks?
The Surin & Similan Islands have dive sites for all levels, with most accessible to Open Water divers.
Some sites, like Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai Pinnacle, have strong currents and require more experience. Our team can adjust dive plans to match your skill level. We also offer refresher courses, if you feel the need.
What is the temperature of the water in these dive sites?
Luckily, the water temperatures are generally warm in the Surin & Similan islands. They range from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F).
A light short wetsuit (3mm) is typically recommended for comfort, which you can rent from our shop.
Do I need to bring my own dive gear?
That’s up to you! You can bring your own gear if you feel more comfortable. However, we do rent out a full dive kit at our shop for only 500 THB/Day. This includes your fins, mask, BCD, wetsuit, and regulator. Our equipment is regularly tested, cleaned and maintained to ensure we only provide high-quality gear.
What makes Richelieu Rock so special?
Richelieu Rock is Thailand’s most famous dive site. It’s known for its incredible biodiversity, stunning soft corals, and frequent whale shark sightings. We visit Richelieu Rock many times a week on our daily day trips. On some days, we even dive the site twice.
What marine life can I see at Richelieu Rock?
Richelieu Rock has plenty of marine life to discover, from bigger fish to the tiniest macro life. Expect to see giant trevallies, barracudas, seahorses, harlequin shrimp, ghost pipefish, cuttlefish and plenty of nudibranchs. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale shark or manta ray.
Can beginners dive at Richelieu Rock?
Richelieu Rock has its days. It all depends on the conditions. While the depth ranges from 5 to 35 meters, strong currents are common, making it best suited for Advanced Open Water divers. However, with good conditions and our experienced staff, Open Water divers can explore the shallower areas and have a great dive.
What can we see when diving at the Similan islands?
The Similan Islands are teeming with life. You can expect to see lots of marine life like barracuda, blue spotted stingray, yellow snapper, octopus. There are quite a few sea turtles at the Similan islands too.
What are the best dive sites in the Similan Islands?
We visit some of the top Similan dive sites, like Koh Bon and Koh Tachai Pinnacle.
How far are the Similan Islands from Khao Lak?
The Similan Islands are approximately 70 km (43 miles) from Khao Lak. It takes our speedy M/V Maxwell between 1h30 to 1h45 to get there, depending on weather conditions.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see in the Surin Islands?
At the Surin Islands, you can expect to see a wide variety of marine life. The area is known for its vibrant biodiversity & colorful coral reefs. You can expect to see reef sharks, barracudas, moray eels, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Macro lovers will enjoy spotting nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and seahorses. If you’re lucky, you may spot whale sharks and manta rays.
How far are the Surin Islands from Khao Lak?
The Surin Islands are approximately 60-70 kilometers (37-43 miles) north of Khao Lak. It takes our speedy M/V Maxwell between 1h30 to 1h45 to get there, depending on weather conditions.
What are the best dive sites in the Surin Islands?
We visit many of the best dive sites in the Surins like Richelieu Rock and Ao Pakkad.
Can non-divers or snorkelers join the trip?
Yes, absolutely! The Similan and Surin Islands offer world-class snorkeling opportunities with crystal clear shallow reefs. Non-divers can enjoy snorkeling or simply relax on the sun deck while others are diving.