Surin Islands Diving Holidays from Khao Lak
Surin Islands
Holidays
Thailand's most remote and pristine island group — five uninhabited islands with the finest shallow snorkelling reefs in the country, regular whale shark sightings at Richelieu Rock and a Moken sea gypsy village
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Flight Time
11h to Phuket + 1.5h to Khao Lak
Best Time
November to April (park closed May–October)
Country
Khao Lak, Thailand
Suppliers
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Surin Islands Holiday Guide
The Surin Islands are Thailand's most remote and pristine island group — Richelieu Rock (the finest dive site in Thailand), regular whale shark sightings, extraordinary shallow snorkelling and the Moken sea gypsy village make them the most extraordinary destination accessible from Khao Lak. Less visited than the Similans and arguably more beautiful.
Day trips or liveaboards from November to April.
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Popular Areas in Surin Islands
Average Temperatures
Jan
29°C
Feb
30°C
Mar
31°C
Apr
32°C
May
—
Jun
—
Jul
—
Aug
—
Sep
—
Oct
—
Nov
28°C
Dec
29°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Surin Islands
Richelieu Rock, whale sharks, the finest shallow snorkelling reefs in Thailand and the Moken sea gypsy village that make the Surin Islands the most extraordinary destination in Khao Lak.
Richelieu Rock
Richelieu Rock is the finest dive site in Thailand and one of the most famous in the world — a submerged pinnacle rising from 35 metres to just below the surface, covered in extraordinary soft coral and home to an astonishing diversity of marine life. Whale sharks are regularly encountered at Richelieu Rock from February to April, along with manta rays, tiger sharks, barracuda, tuna, giant grouper and extraordinary macro life (ghost pipefish, seahorses, nudibranchs). It is the single finest dive site in Southeast Asia.
Snorkelling
The Surin Islands have the finest shallow snorkelling reefs in Thailand — the coral reefs around the islands are in extraordinary condition (significantly better than most of the Similan Islands reefs) and the water is crystal-clear. The snorkelling is accessible directly from the beach on several islands, with sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and abundant reef fish visible in very shallow water. The snorkelling at Ao Bon Bay on Koh Surin Nuea is particularly outstanding.
Whale Sharks
The Surin Islands are one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks — the largest fish in the ocean. Whale sharks are regularly encountered at Richelieu Rock from February to April, and occasional sightings occur at other dive sites around the islands. The whale sharks at Richelieu Rock are typically 5–8 metres long and are completely harmless — snorkellers and divers can swim alongside them. A whale shark encounter at Richelieu Rock is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Southeast Asia.
Moken Sea Gypsy Village
The Moken (sea gypsy) village on Koh Surin Tai is one of the most fascinating and culturally significant communities in Thailand — a traditional Moken community of approximately 200 people who have lived on and around the Surin Islands for generations, with a unique culture, language and way of life based entirely on the sea. The village is open to respectful visitors and is the most authentic cultural experience available in the Khao Lak area.
The Islands
The five Surin Islands are among the most pristine and beautiful in Thailand — largely uninhabited, with white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, dense tropical forest and extraordinary coral reefs. The islands are a national park and have very limited accommodation (camping on Koh Surin Nuea with a permit). The beaches on Koh Surin Nuea are among the most beautiful in Thailand and are rarely crowded even during the peak season.
Underwater Photography
The Surin Islands are one of the finest underwater photography destinations in the world — the extraordinary marine life at Richelieu Rock (whale sharks, manta rays, ghost pipefish, seahorses, nudibranchs), the pristine coral reefs and the crystal-clear water make the Surins exceptional for both wide-angle and macro photography. The soft coral at Richelieu Rock is among the most colourful and photogenic in Southeast Asia.
Liveaboard Diving
The finest way to experience the Surin Islands is on a liveaboard diving trip from Khao Lak — most liveaboard itineraries combine the Similan Islands and the Surin Islands (including Richelieu Rock) in a 4–7 night trip. The liveaboard experience allows multiple dives per day at the best sites and the possibility of night dives. Several excellent liveaboard operators depart from Khao Lak during the season (November to April).
Practical Tips
The Surin Islands National Park is open from November to April and closed from May to October. Day trips from Khao Lak take approximately 2.5–3 hours by speedboat. Liveaboard trips combining the Similans and Surins are the best way to experience both island groups. The park entrance fee is 500 baht. The Moken village should be visited respectfully — ask permission before photographing and follow the guidelines of your tour operator.
Explore Surin Islands on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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