Diving in Khao Lak — Similan Gateway & Liveaboard Capital

Khao Lak serves as the launchpad for three types of diving in the Andaman Sea.

Similan Liveaboards: The primary reason most divers come to Khao Lak. Standard liveaboard itineraries (2–5 nights) depart from Tab Lamu pier and cover Islands 1–9, Koh Bon (manta cleaning station), Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. Premium itineraries add the Surin Islands and sometimes the Burma Banks. Departures run from October through May, with peak season January–April. Liveaboard quality ranges from budget (shared berths, basic meals, $120/night) to premium (private cabins, photography stations, gourmet food, $250+/night).

Similan Day Trips: Speedboats from Tab Lamu can reach the southern Similan Islands (Islands 4–9) in approximately 70 minutes. These day trips typically offer 2–3 dives at the Similans, returning by late afternoon. They provide a taste of Similan diving without the liveaboard commitment, though they cannot reach Richelieu Rock or Koh Bon. Day trips cost 4,500–7,000 THB ($130–200).

Local Dive Sites: Khao Lak has a few local sites including Boonsung Wreck — a tin dredger at 18 meters that has become an artificial reef teeming with seahorses, frogfish, and ghost pipefish. It is one of Thailand's best macro dives and available as a day or half-day trip year-round (in calm conditions). Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are sometimes reachable as ambitious day trips from Khao Lak during peak season.

Dive operators in Khao Lak tend to be owner-operated and highly specialized. The two major liveaboard companies — Similan Diving Safaris and Wicked Diving — run their own boats with fixed itineraries and maintained equipment. Smaller shops offer Similan day trips and local diving. The atmosphere is professional but relaxed, without the hard-sell culture sometimes found on Phuket.

Khao Lak is for divers whose primary goal is the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. If you want maximum underwater time at the best Andaman sites with minimal logistic overhead, Khao Lak beats Phuket. Underwater photographers base here for Boonsung Wreck macro shooting. Couples and solo divers who prefer a quiet town over Phuket's bustle also gravitate here.

October–May, aligned with the Similan National Park opening. Peak: January–April. Boonsung Wreck is diveable year-round when weather permits. The town largely shuts down June–September during the monsoon, with most liveaboard operators suspending operations and some dive shops closing.