Similan liveaboard
Phuket to Similan Islands: Multi-Day Yacht Liveaboards (Nov–May)
The Similan Islands are accessible only 15 October–15 May, and only by liveaboard — no overnight on land. Whale sharks Jan–April, 9 granite islands, world-class diving at Richelieu Rock. Here's what you need, what it costs, and which operator fits.
At a glance
Min length
3 days
Price/day
$1,500–5,000
Season
Nov–May
Islands
8 + Surin
Similan liveaboard options compared
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| Option | Specs | Price | Best for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liveaboard standard | 3–4 days, 8 cabins | $1,500–2,500/d | First Similan trip | See deals → |
| Liveaboard premium | 4–5 days, 6 cabins | $2,500–3,500/d | Divers, comfort | See deals → |
| Private motor yacht | 3–7 days, full charter | $3,500–5,000/d | Family, friends | See deals → |
| Sailing catamaran | 5–7 days, 4–6 cabins | $2,000–3,500/d | Surin + Similan combo | See deals → |
Prices are 2026 high-season rates (Nov–Apr). May–Oct usually 30–40% cheaper (Similan park closed 16 May–14 Oct). Marine park fees, tip, transfers often extra on private charters.
4-day premium liveaboard (Similan + Surin + Richelieu Rock)
Best balance of time and cost: 4 days, 16 dives, Similan #1–9 + Surin + Richelieu Rock (whale sharks Jan–Apr). $1,400–1,800 pp all-in on a 6-cabin premium boat. Book 3–4 months ahead for high season — best boats fill by October.
What is a Similan liveaboard?
The Similan Islands (9 islands, 84 km north-west of Phuket) are a UNESCO-listed marine national park, only open 15 October to 15 May. No overnight on land allowed — hence liveaboard: you sleep onboard. Standard route: 3 nights, 4 days, 14–16 dives at Richelieu Rock (Surin), Elephant Head Rock, Christmas Point, Boulder City. Boats usually leave evening from Tap Lamu Pier (1h30 north of Phuket) or Phuket itself — you sleep en route and dive morning day 2.
Best dive sites + what you see
Richelieu Rock (Surin Islands): legendary for whale sharks (Jan–Apr), manta rays, schools of barracuda. Elephant Head Rock (Similan #8): swim-throughs, leopard sharks, turtles. Christmas Point (Similan #9): big granite boulders, seagrass meadows, bumphead parrotfish. Anita's Reef: soft corals, ideal for Open Water level. Non-divers (snorkellers) do best in May (start of low season) — fewer dive boats, corals still good.
Combine Similan + Surin + Mergui
5-day trip: Similan + Surin + Richelieu Rock — the standard for serious divers. 7+ days: add Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar) — 800+ islands, near-untouched, requires extra Burma permit ($150–250 pp) which the operator handles. November and April are ideal: water 28–29°C, 25–30m visibility, fewest boats on site. By mid-May boats return to Phuket before the summer closure (park officially shuts 15 May).
Booking tips for Similan liveaboard
- →Only 15 October – 15 May — park officially closed during south-west monsoon. Bookings for Jun–Sep do not exist, and any operator offering them is red-flag.
- →Minimum 3 nights — anything shorter wastes 4h anchoring per day. Best balance: 3 nights = 14 dives, 4 days = 16 dives, 5 days = combo Similan + Surin + Mergui.
- →Whale shark season: Jan–April — Richelieu Rock (Surin) is THE hotspot. Book 4–6 months ahead, best boats fill up by October.
- →Open Water minimum — PADI Open Water or equivalent for Similan diving. For Richelieu Rock and swim-throughs: Advanced Open Water + 30 logged dives strongly recommended.
- →Non-divers welcome (if enough divers) — operators accept snorkellers but boat pricing is dive-oriented. Snorkel + 1 dive per day doable at much lower cost.
- →Marine park fee: $80 for 4 days — $20 pp/day, usually separate from charter price. Surin Islands has extra fee. For Mergui trip: Myanmar permit $150–250.
- →Pack motion-sickness tablets — crossing to Similan 4–5h open water, can be choppy in Nov and Apr. Stugeron or Bonine 1h before departure.
Frequently asked questions
When can I do a Similan Islands liveaboard from Phuket?
Marine park officially open 15 October to 15 May only — closed during the south-west monsoon. Best diving: November through April. Whale shark and manta season: late January through early April at Richelieu Rock. Park officially shuts 16 May; any operator selling Similan trips for June–October is operating illegally or means somewhere else.
What is the minimum length for a Similan liveaboard trip?
3 days / 3 nights (14 dives) is the practical minimum — anything shorter wastes too much travel time on the 84 km crossing. Standard premium trip is 4 days / 16 dives. To include Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock: minimum 5 days. To add Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar: 7+ days (and a $150–250 Burma permit, organised by the operator).
Do I need to be a certified diver to join a Similan liveaboard?
PADI Open Water (or equivalent) is the practical minimum for most boats. For Richelieu Rock pinnacle and Elephant Head Rock swim-throughs: Advanced Open Water + 30 logged dives strongly recommended. Some operators run Open Water + Advanced courses on board for an extra $300–500 (you finish certified + dive Similan). Snorkellers welcome on most boats but pricing stays dive-focused.
How much does a Similan liveaboard from Phuket cost?
Standard 3-day / 4-night liveaboard (8-cabin shared boat): $750–1,200 pp all-inclusive (cabin, all meals, all dives, tanks, weights, guide). Premium 4-day liveaboard (6-cabin): $1,400–1,800 pp. Private full-yacht charter for family/group of 6–8: $3,500–5,000/day all-in. Marine park fees ($20 pp/day) usually extra. Equipment rental $20–30/day if you do not bring your own.
Similan vs Surin — which is better for a Phuket liveaboard?
Similan (9 islands, 84 km from Phuket) — granite boulders, swim-throughs, leopard sharks, turtles, easier currents, beginner-friendly. Surin (5 islands, 60 km further north) — Richelieu Rock pinnacle (whale sharks, manta rays Jan–Apr), deeper structures, stronger currents, advanced level. Most 4-day+ trips combine both. Diving Similan only: pick 3 days. Want whale sharks: must include Surin and minimum 5 days.
Other yacht charter options in Phuket
Plan your Phuket trip around the liveaboard
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How we compared
Rates and boat specs verified May 2026 on Klook, Viator and operator websites (Asia Marine, Lee Marine, Yacht Charter Andamans). Marine park fees validated via DNP portal. We earn a commission on bookings through the listed platforms — this never changes the price you pay or which operators we cover.