Similans Islands Diving in November

Similans Islands Diving in November

One of the most common questions we get asked is 'when is the best time to go diving in the Similan Islands'.  While December to May still remains the favourite holiday months, November is an unsung hero on the diving calendar.  All too often it gets overlooked as everyone focuses their attention on Christmas preparations or booking their summer holidays.

However, for anyone wanting to explore the underwater world in the Similan Islands November is the ideal to time to visit. The archipelago is open from October 15 to May 15 limiting the months visitors can access these beautiful waters in order to keep them fertile and healthy, which is fantastic news for divers with an ethical sense of aquatic-awareness.

So, why November?

12-16 November 2017

October is popular as visitors are desperately trying to eke out the last gasps of their summer holidays and December is always a fun time to visit as everyone loves to get away on a Christmas holiday. January to May sees the diving community seek sunnier climes leaving, which leaves November as the black sheep of the Similan Islands Diving months.  As a result, this makes it one of the best months to visit.

Let’s take a look at the stats to see why November is such a great time to go diving in the Similans:

What Weather Can I Expect?

7-11 November 2017

November is one of the best times of the year to visit Khao Lak and The Similans Islands.  The rainy skies of the monsoon season have mostly disappeared and the famous Thailand sunshine brings life and energy to the town and it's neighbouring islands.  The thought of blue skies and good seas coupled with long sunny days must be a tempting choice for anyone trying to keep warm in front of the fire in the colds of Europe.

How is the Water Visibility?

2 November 2017

The visibility is great in November as the sea has calmed down after monsoon season leaving behind it crystal clear water with great visibility of 15-30 metres. The temperature of the water is also ideal as divers can expect to enjoy plunging into water that is a welcoming 29°C.

What Marine Life Can I See?

As the Similan National Marine Park only opens its reefs to visitors between mid-October and mid-May, the water in November is teeming with marine life including:

• The ever-friendly Turtles
• Shy Sea Horses
• Large Tuna
• Big Trevally
• Batteries of Barracuda
• Colourful Angel Fish
• Spiny Lobsters
• Fascinating Nudibranch
• Placid Reef and Nurse Sharks

And whilst less common at this time of year, you can never rule out a close encounter with our gentle giants of the seas, the Giant Manta Ray and even the Whale Shark!

17-22 November 2017

It is important to note however, that it is simply impossible to guarantee what animals will decide to grace us with their presence on any particular trip - but isn’t this unpredictability the beauty of seeing nature in the wild?

Why is November Different to the Rest of the Year?

As November is still considered the beginning of the Similan Islands Diving season, an obvious benefit is that you will avoid the busier months. The November sees less-busy boats, which inevitably means fewer Divers in the waters and less crowding on Similans themselves.  Guests and Crew can enjoy a freer dive schedule whilst exploring a underwater world.

In Khao Lak you are likely to find that hotel prices are cheaper than during the peak season, restaurants are easy to get a table, and bars are friendly and welcoming rather than spilling out onto the street. While always hot, the land temperatures aren’t as high in November as they can be later in the year.

Warm weather, clear waters, and fertile seas, topped off with a beautiful town to stay before and after your Similan Islands Liveaboard - what more do you need to swap your rain coat for a wetsuit? ;-) 

Book Now:  www.oktaviadivecenter.com