Similan Islands Set to Close in May 2024

The Similan Islands are in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Phang Nga Province. As one of the most well-known island groups in the region, these islands are highly sought-after for snorkeling and scuba diving because they are known to have some of the best coral reefs on the planet.

The beaches of several of the Similan Islands are home to enormous rock formations that give this place a unique and unforgettable quality.

When To Go There

Now is the last chance to reserve your private tour with 5 Star Marine before the breathtaking Similan Islands close on May 15th 2024. There are only a few months remaining to explore the islands before they are closed.

Closing of Similan Islands

To protect the marine habitat and promote its recovery, the Similan Islands are closed to visitors each year from May 16 to October 15 (updated January 08, 2024). The exact date varies a little from year to year, however, this page has the most recent details.

Closing time: This gives beaches, marine life, and coral reefs time to recover from the negative effects of tourism, like pollution and physical damage. This helps ensure that the Islands will always be a stunning and sustainable natural destination for coming generations.

Furthermore, during this time of year, the Andaman Sea has severe monsoon weather, which can result in strong winds and waves that make it dangerous for people and boats to get to the islands.

Restoration of Ecosystems

In spite of their fame, the Similan Islands have a delicate ecosystem. Therefore, in order to maintain the natural beauty of these islands, the National Park requests that all visitors abide by the stated rules starting in October of each year. To prevent damaging or upsetting coral reefs, refrain from littering or polluting, and limit your hiking to designated paths and walkways to avoid upsetting the delicate environment.

Ocean Life

The Similan Islands are included in the approximately 140 square kilometer Mu Ko Similan National Park. Along with a variety of bird and mammal species, the park is home to a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks.

Beneath the astonishingly transparent turquoise oceans lie stunning coral reefs and other uncommon aquatic life, including whales, dolphins, and moray eels. It is estimated that there are more than 500 different kinds of hard and soft coral in the Similan Islands due to the diversity of the marine life and coral.

To discuss your needs or to schedule a custom private day trip itinerary, please get in touch with us. We offer a variety of inspiring day tours, including trips to the Similan Islands.

REMINDER – The Similan Islands will close on May 15th 2024.  They will reopen on October 15th 2024.  This is a normal yearly closure.

A Commitment to Phuket Marine Safety | Phuket Marine Safety Event 2024

Phuket Marine Industry Safety Event January 15th | Changing Phuket Marine Safety

The stunning archipelago of Phuket, Phi Phi, and Phang Nga Bay offers a marine paradise for those seeking unforgettable leisure activities. From crystal-clear waters to vibrant coral reefs, this tropical haven is a haven for water enthusiasts.

Phuket has an estimated 130km coastline, so of course it’s a watersports and marine leisure hub. Speedboat tours to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay, Yacht Charters, Bareboat Charters, Diving Liveaboards, Free Diving, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling tours, Jet Ski Tours, SUP, Surfing, Longtail tours, Ferries to Phi Phi and other islands, and a host of other watersports activities, all happen in and around Phuket.

Sadly, over the years there have been accidents that have cast a shadow over Marine Safety in Phuket, and at no time has the Phuket marine industry come together to talk about the safety issues and also at no time has the Phuket marine industry come together to commit to increased safety in the industry.

This is about the change

A Commitment to Phuket Marine Safety!

Recent Marine Incidents have spotlighted Safety in the local, national, and international media.  It is time for the Phuket marine industry to come together and make a public commitment to increased safety standards.

The Phuket Governor, Vice Governor, Marine Director, and related Agencies will join in undertaking a commitment to improved safety standards.

The Government cannot do this alone, and Phuket Marine operators, owners and suppliers need to also step forward and commit.

You can join us at an Industry First Event where we can move forward to a Phase 1 commitment to safety as an industry.

MARINE INDUSTRY SAFETY EVENT
A Commitment to Phuket Marine Safety!

Date: 15th January 2024
Time: 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM (07:00 PM – 08:00 PM Networking Session)
Venue: The WhiteHouse Phuket Boat Lagoon

Drinks and Snacks will be provided – Attendance is FREE

Sign Up Online Here – https://forms.gle/SEpY6cN6LfAH6zWc8

Now is the time to step forward, to come together, to commit, and to lift industry standards and protocols.

Are you ready to make A Commitment to Phuket Marine Safety

The list below is the Phuket Province and Government who will be attending the marine safety event on the 15th of January at Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina from 5 pm.

1.ผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัดภูเก็ต จำนวน 4 ท่าน – The Governor

2.รองผู้ว่าราชการผู้เก็ต จำนวน 2 ท่าน – The Vice Governor

3.กรมเจ้าท่าจังหวัดภูเก็ต – Marine Department

4.ตำรวจน้ำภูเก็ต – Marine Police

5.ด่านตรวจคนเข้าเมืองจังหวัดภูเก็ต – Phuket Immigration

6.นายอำเภอเมืองภูเก็ต – Chief of Muang District

  1. นายอำเภอกะทู้-Chief of Kathu District

8.นายอำเภอถลาง- Chief of Muang District

9.ตำรวจภูธรจังหวัดภูเก็ต – Phuket Provincial Police

10.องค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัดภูเก็ต – Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization

11.ตำรวจท่องเที่ยว – Tourist Police

12.ทรัพยากรจังหวัดภูเก็ต – Phuket Province Resources

13.ทรัพยากรชายฝั่ง จังหวัดภูเก็ต – Coastal Resources Phuket Province

14.การท่องเที่ยวและกีฬา จังหวัดภูเก็ต – Phuket Provincial of Tourism and Sports

15.สำนักงานคณะกรรมการคุ้มครองผู้บริโภค – Office of  The Consumer Protection Board (OCBP)

16.องค์การบริหารส่วนตำบลเทพกระษัตรี – Thepkrasattri Sub-District Administration Organization

17.องค์การบริหารส่วนตำบลเชิงทะเล – Choeng Tale Sub-District Administration Organization