Snake oil! Jellyfish protection cream
As taken from the Wicked Diving Website….please repost!
The season has begun and diving is great! However some unscruplous marketers are trying to exploit people’s fears. Trying to sell divers, snorkelers and visitors some “magic cream” that prevents jellyfish stings – people can be put at risk of injury or death.
Avoid this cream, let any dive shop or retail outlet that supplies it know how they are endangering their clients and please avoid it at all costs!!!
If you think this is just opinion…please read the email below regarding this product. Written and signed by the world’s leaders in Jellyfish stings, envenomation and the head of DAN. I guess they might know a bit more than someone who makes and sells magic creams?
From: JOHN LIPPMANN
Sent: 03 November 2009
To:
Cc: ‘Lisa Gershwin’; ‘Andrew Jones’; ‘Peter Fenner’; ‘Dr. Kenneth D. Winkel’; somchai.bussarawit; potjaman; lthaikru
Subject: FW: Marketing of Safe Sea in Thailand
We have been following the recent renewed correspondence about the proposed marketing of Safe Sea in Thailand. As you are aware, there are a group of us, including some well-known medical and marine biological jellyfish experts, who have been closely monitoring the situation with dangerous jellyfish in Thailand and we are all very concerned about the introduction of Safe Sea at this point in time.
Let us re-state some important facts:
1. There is definitely at least one variety of potentially lethal box jellyfish found in Thai waters. This includes the Chironex species as well as other chirodropids, currently unidentified, but probably just as venomous . There is absolutely no doubt about this as we have received good photographic evidence of these jellyfish, and have extensive evidence from numerous cases over more than a 20 years of the distinctive scarring caused by the stings of these particular jellyfish.
2. There have been numerous documented deaths caused by jellyfish in Thailand over many years: we currently have an article in print with details of a number of documented deaths and “near-misses”. The death of the Swedish girl last year was certainly not an isolated case, although to date it was the one that received the broadest media attention. We also have a steadily increasing number of case reports of life-threatening stings, including those with permanent scarring as well as those producing Irukandji syndrome.
3. Substantial experience from northern Australia over many years has shown the importance of effective prevention strategies. To date these have included the wearing of protective clothing, suitable netting, appropriate signage and education. As a result, despite the presence of large numbers of dangerous jellyfish at certain times of the year, there are very few serious stings.
4. The Safe Sea may have been shown to be an effective barrier to the stings of certain species of jellyfish. However, it appears that there is absolutely no evidence that it is effective in the prevention of stings from life-threatening box-type jellyfish, especially Chironex.
5. We are further concerned that even if Safe Sea should someday be demonstrated to be “as effective” for Chironex-type box jellyfish as it claims for other species (i.e., 75% efficacy, in reducing the frequency and severity of stings), this is still unacceptably high for otherwise unprotected exposure to lethal species.
In light of the above, we consider it to be irresponsible and dangerous to promote an unproven product in an area where the consequences of using the product could prove fatal. It is likely that tourists and Thai locals would be lulled into what could well be a false sense of security by using Safe Sea instead of taking preventative measures that have proven to be effective. Severe stings or deaths occurring without added protection of these preventative measures we suggest could have ongoing consequences.
Receiving FDA approval from Thailand does not indicate that the product is effective against Chironex-type box jellyfish stings and can be misleading in this context.
For all the above reasons we implore you to refrain from marketing Safe Sea in Thailand until such time that it has been independently demonstrated to be effective against the potentially lethal species found there and it is established that this product effectively prevents envenomation when interacting with these species.
Sincerely,
John Lippmann OAM Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin Dr Peter Fenner AM
Executive Director Director MD (London), DRCOG, FACTM, FRCGP
DIVERS ALERT NETWORK (DAN) ASIA-PACIFIC Australian Marine Stinger Australian Marine Stinger Expert and author
PO Box 384 (49A Karnak Rd) Advisory Services
Ashburton VIC 3147
Australia Dr Ken Winkel Andrew Jones
Tel: +61-3-9886 9166; Fax: +61-3-9886 9155 Director Father of jellyfish sting survivor
www.danasiapacific.org Australian Venom Research Unit
Please feel free to contact us, DAN or any of the above with questions regarding this and other products promising to “prevent jellyfish stings”
-Similan Diving
Snorkeling the Surin Islands
Camping and snorkeling tours of the Surin Island
The Surin Islands are famous for their crystalline beauty and infrequent visitors. The corals and snorkeling is among the very best in Thailand, and yet few people visit. If you are staying in Khao Lak, take this opportunity to celebrate the luscious reefs of the Surin Islands
We travel by both minibus and speedboat to get you the Surin Islands quick so you have more time to enjoy and snorkel. No slow boats here. The spectacular underwater show is not to be missed. With amazing diversity of corals, fish and more – you’ll be ready for more and more and more. Bring the whole family! With our attention to safety and concern for eveyone’s well-being you can rest assured that when you’re with Wicked – you’re in good hands.
Surin Snorkelling trip
3 Days 2 Nights
Day 1
7am Pick up from Hotel transfer by minibus to Kuri Buri
9am Arrive in Kuri Buri time for tea or coffee
9am (ish) Transfer to Surin islands by speedboat
12noon Arrive in Surin islands get dropped off at main campsite. Lunch?
1pm Transfer to 2nd beach by long tail settle guests into their tents.
2pm Relaxing on the island walk nature trail.
6pm Dinner at restaurant
Day 2
7am Breakfast at restaurant
8am Charter long tail to NE side of island
1pm Lunch at restaurant
2pm Charter long tail to explore other parts of Surin
6pm Dinner at restaurant
Day 3
7am Breakfast at restaurant
8am Charter long tail OR relax on the island walk the nature trail
1pm Lunch at restaurant
2pm transfer back to main campsite by longtail
3pm Pick up by speedboat transfer back to mainland
5pm Arrive in Kuri Buri transfer back to Khao Lak by minibus
6.30 Arrive in Khao Lak transfer to hotel
The cost for these guided tours is only 9,900 Baht per person based on double occupancy.
Last Minute Special – Similan Diving Safari!
Similan Liveaboard – Last Minute special
Here at Wicked Diving we are always on the lookout for special offers to give you – our guests.
Today we were given the opportunity to share this great value trip!
Trip Departs: Tuesday 20th October 2009
Trip Returns: Saturday 24th October 2009
Duration: 4 days & 4 nights
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands and Bonsoong Wreck
Dives: 14
Standard Quad share cabin: Normal Price = 29,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 23,200 Baht per diver. (4 spaces available)
Standard Triple share cabin: Normal Price = 30,500 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 24,400 Baht per diver. (3 spaces available)
Standard Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 32,000 baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 25,600 Baht per diver (1 space sharing with male diver)
VIP Twin share cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver. (2 cabins/4 spaces available)
VIP Double bed cabin: Normal Price = 37,000 Baht per diver. 20% DISCOUNT = 29,600 Baht per diver (1 cabin available).
If you would like to know more – contact us
The MV Queen Scuba is a 28m (92ft) vessel completed in 2003. She was built to be one of the more comfortable boats plying the Andaman Sea, and she has succeeded in that goal. One of the best things about this boat is the fact that she can take up to 21 guests–so those of you who like to travel in a fairly large group have other options now.
The boat is undergoing a slight redesign at this time, after one-year of operating in the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. She has one master cabin and five “VIP” or deluxe cabins. These cabins offer double-bed accommodation for you traveling couples out there. She also has three cabins with single beds down below; two of them are for two people, and one is a triple. The cabins are priced according to comfort level-lower for the below deck cabins, slightly higher for the VIP cabins, and highest for the master. The highest comfort comes with a price as on most boats.
The Master cabin is the nicest room on the boat, of course, and the owner’s claim the nicest in all of Southeast Asia. That’s pretty tall claim, but the fact of the matter is that you can’t get much better as far as comfort goes. First come, first served! This cabin has a large king-sized bed, a large well-appointed ensuite bathroom with hot water, a DVD entertainment system with movies, a complimentary fruit basket, air conditioning, and panoramic ocean views.
The five VIP cabins all have a large double bed, a large ensuite bathroom with hot water, air conditioning, a complimentary fruit basket, and ocean views.
For you single gentlemen or ladies, the standard cabins are located below deck, but are still light and airy. They also feature ensuite facilities with hot water and air conditioning. One of the cabins take two persons, one of them takes three guests, and one of them takes four guests (perfect for a family). She takes a total of 21 persons on board.
If you would like to know more – contact us
The interior saloon is large enough to seat everyone on the boat, including crew, and features a DVD entertainment system and comfortable benches and low tables to sit and enjoy a drink. Most meals are served in the covered deck area just to the rear of the saloon. She has wooden tables and comfortable chairs where you’ll enjoy your meal with three other guests. Meals are served buffet style, with fresh breads, fruit, and wonderful Thai and Western dishes served up by the fabulous chef.
Dive deck and gear area
Going down the stairs from the top deck you’ll be on the cabin deck and this is where most of your time will be spent–gearing up for diving, the reason we’re here. The dive deck is spacious and well designed. No moving tanks around, all tanks are filled at their stations or the crew will handle the lifting. Put your gear together and forget about it. Two dinghies will transfer you to the dive sites, or we’ll jump off the mother ship. All pick-ups are done from the dinghies for your convenience. Since many of the dives are drift dives, this system is pretty common practice around here.
Divemaster or instructor staff on the boat do dive briefings. They are thorough and interesting, and will help you to have more fun underwater and to help you understand what you’re seeing. All dives are guided if you choose; there is always a divemaster available for you if you want one. If you don’t, that’s OK too, just dive with a buddy. If you are traveling alone, we’ll hook you up with a buddy.
If you would like to know more – contact us
The Queen Scuba realizes that Nitrox is the future of diving, here today, so full Enriched Air or Nitrox services are offered on board. And, for those of you not yet Nitrox certified, we offer these courses for your convenience. There are many options from a two-dive full certification in Nitrox to introductory dives for those not sure if they will like it or not. Of course there is plenty of normal air available as well.
If you would like to know more – contact us
The boat is outfitted with the latest in electronic marine equipment including GPS and radar for safety and ease of navigation. We have VHF radios, and mobile telephone communications equipment.
The Queen Scuba will be doing the standard four-day/ four-night trips, visiting all the best sites in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. She will dive in the nine fabulous Similan Islands, as well as Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, and Richelieu Rock.
Itinerary
| 4-days/ 4-nights: Similan and Richelieu | ||
| Departure |
19:00 from Khao Lak 19:30 Arrive Thap Lamu 21:00: Depart for Similan Islands / Late supper |
No diving |
| Day 1 | Diving in Similan Islands National Park | ~4 dives |
| Day 2 | Diving at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai | ~4 dives |
| Day 3 | Diving at Richelieu Rock and Surin Islands | ~4 dives |
| Day 4 | Diving at Koh Bon, Bonsoon Wreck, depart for Thap Lamu, arrive Phuket approximately 18:00. | ~2 dives |
| Note: For people departing the boat on the final day, transfers are provided to your hotel free of charge. You may not fly this evening due to flying after diving rules. Please note that itineraries are approximate and are subject to change due to conditions, tides, wind, current, and divemaster’s discretion. | ~14 dives | |
The Queen Scuba does 4-day and 4-night trips from October – May every year. These trips visit Similan, Koh Bon, Tachai and Richelieu Rock. These trips will depart from, and return to Thap Lamu pier, 10kms south of Khao Lak.
Price includes accommodation on board, all meals, most drinks, divemaster services, tanks, weights, and belts. Price does not include personal diving equipment or national park fees. National park fees are 400 baht per person per entry (Similan and Surin), plus 200 baht per day. This is payable in Thai baht on the boat and is an additional charge imposed by the Thai Government as of November 15, 2001. A four-day trip is 1,600 THB. We never know what exactly the government will be doing from year to year, but this is the situation as it currently stands.
If you would like to know more – contact us
Similan Scuba Diving – the most fun under the waters of Thailand
Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.
There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centers, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.
It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Khao Lak and the nearby Khao Lak with the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving from Khao Lak is of the highest standard, and the surrounding dive sites host a plethora of great diving. Similan Islands Scuba Diving is frequently listed as one of the ten best diving opportunities on earth. The are also underwater treasures that lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Surin Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.
The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from introducing people to scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to o Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centers and divers. However the dive sites are very overwhelmed and the diving here is often referred to as “champagne diving” – all bubbles.
Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Shark fin Reef are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Koh Lipe Krabi, Phi Phi and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centers. For a good reference try the Best Dive Sites in Thailand.
Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.
The Best Open Water Course in Thailand!
There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. AN instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard – more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.
The Similan Islands are home to Thailand’s most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport – the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards – many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.
The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion – not just a whim.
The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches – no the classroom.
The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It’s fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists – it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!
In the pool or off the beach – the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.
Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable – it’s time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor – gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.
After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray – something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.
After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive – they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!
This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.
If you would like to make this story come true…simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course
Similan Scuba Diving | Suirn Islands
Surin Islands or Mo Koh Surin National Park
Located about 80 km north of Khao Lak in the emerald water of the Andaman Sea, near the Myanmar (Burmese) border. The Surin Islands archipelago consists of 5 islands: North Surin island, South Surin island, Ko Ree, Ko Pajumla, Ko Kai,
Ko Surin Nuea -this is the biggest island- are some National Park accommodations and at Ko Surin Tai there is a small Morgan gypsy village .
The whole Surin Islands National Park covers a area of about 135 square kilometer. The two bigger Surin Island are separated by a 200 m waterway. The Surin Islands are about 40 km offshore form Kuraburi.
Mu Ko Surin National Park – the official name – is a fantastic crossover from tropical forest and coral reefs. The area shows a rich bio – diversity that ranges from the largest sea creature on earth.
From the Whale Shark to rare birds such as the Beach Thick-Knee and the Nicobar Pigeon. Mammals such as the Malayan Flying Lemur can also be discovered.
The Surin Islands Thailand have been declared a national park in 1981 to make sure not to have the usual encroaching and souvenirs shops everywhere. Its a clean, pristine environment full of beauty above and under the water surface.
The Surin Islands, Ko Surin, Thailand, are accessible either by speedboat day tours or liveaboards. As there is no accommodation or infrastructure for tourism in Kuraburi – it is recommended to stayin Khao Lak – just over one hour south.
The whole Surin Islands archipelago offers a excellent snorkeling and scuba diving environment. The Surin Islands are only a little similar to Similan Islands Thailand are a prime area for scuba diving.
The beaches on north Surin Islands are rather small but many very scenic bays compensate this. You also can go camping 2 days/1night, 3 days/2nights, 4 days/3 nights or depend on your need at the Surin Islands.
If you go on your own, to the Surin Islands pier you can buy ticket for speedboat transfer to- Surin Islands and stay in the Bungalows – very basic – you can only snorkel. Contact us has snorkeling package with included equipment . If you want a scuba dive trip – contact a Khao Lak dive operators.
No trip on the Andaman Sea would be complete without visiting the Surin national marine park,located 60 kilometers north of the Similan and only seven Kilometres from the Burmese border.
The most interesting scuba diving site is a around Richelieu rock. The rocky peak, rising from 30 metres to 35 metres above sea level, is especially popular for its sightings of big pelagic like manta rays and the whale shark, the largest fish in the ocean.
Descending onto Richelieu Rock, the peaks and slopes are covered in purple soft corals and reef species.Vast schools of glassfish blanket the reef, so much so you have to wait for marauding trevally to attack the dense schools of batfish to clear a patch, enabling you to see the astounding reef.
You can also hire a long tail boat with contact us travel agent at Surin Islands and move around. At the Surin Islands park headquarter and restaurant and bathrooms are available, also for campers.
The nature trails starting at the Surin Islands park headquarter give a little challenge to test your fitness.
The south Surin Island has a couple of nice beaches / bays, notably Ao Suthep and Ao Pak Kaad – Ao stands for bay -.
At north Surin Island, Ao Sai Ane and on south Surin Island at Ao Born a small group of Morgan Sea Gypsies has settled, still practicing their daily life like ages ago. Ko Surin also check water sports.
Always choose a dive center that has staff speaking your language, have insurance and are certified. Please avoid using uninsured, untrained boats or dive operators. If they offer too good a deal – it IS too good a deal.
Elephant Head Rock – Similan Island Dive Sites
Thailand is home to some great diving. The Similan Islands are frequently listed among the top 10 dive sites on earth.
It is no wonder that the best dive sites on the Similan Islands are good – damn good! Among the most famous and frequently cited as “incredible” is Elephant Head Rock. Located right int he Center of the islands – just off Koh Similan.
Elephant Head Rock is home to some huge pelagic visitors as well as some incredible macro as well. If you imagine a massive pile of boulders the size of houses that just keep going deeper and deeper into the depths – then you can imagine what this site is like.
Due to Dive profiles and the great features of this site – it’s best to visit in the morning. This usually means joining a Similan Liveaboard as the daytrips usually arrive a bit late.
with Depths to 30 meters and far beyond – Nitrox is also a good idea.
For more on Similan island Dive Sites
Scuba Diving the Similan Islands – Thailand
Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.
There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centers, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.
It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Khao Lak and the nearby Khao Lak with the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving from Khao Lak is of the highest standard, and the surrounding dive sites host a plethora of great diving. Similan Islands Scuba Diving is frequently listed as one of the ten best diving opportunities on earth. The are also underwater treasures that lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Surin Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.
The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from introducing people to scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to o Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centers and divers. However the dive sites are very overwhelmed and the diving here is often referred to as “champagne diving” – all bubbles.
Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Shark fin Reef are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Koh Lipe Krabi, Phi Phi and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centers. For a good reference try the Best Dive Sites in Thailand.
Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.
Open Water Course on Similan Liveaboard – Incredible Diving!
There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. AN instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard – more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.
The Similan Islands are home to Thailand’s most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport – the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards – many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.
The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion – not just a whim.
The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches – no the classroom.
The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It’s fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists – it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!
In the pool or off the beach – the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.
Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable – it’s time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor – gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.
After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray – something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.
After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive – they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!
This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.
If you would like to make this story come true…simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course
Similan Island Diving – When is the best time to dive the Similans?
When is The best Time to Dive the Similan Islands in Thailand?
The Similan Islands are renowned as home to the best diving in Thailand. Great dive sites with sloping reefs, deep boulder sites and virtually untouched pinnacles abound. However the weather plays a much bigger factor in the diving there than almost anywhere else in Thailand.
The factors that make the Similan Islands such a pleasure to dive also make them off-limits for 5 months of the year. The deep ocean currents in the Indian Ocean can bring in nutrient rich waters – as well as the monsoons! While the Similan Islands have great diving almost year-round, the monsoons make them unsafe to visit from May to October of each eyar.
The Government of Thailand takes this into account by making all visits to the islands off-limits – and illegal – from May 15th to November 1st. There are some nefarious operators who will offer trips during this time frame – but they are not only breaking the law – but also risking YOUR life. It is unwise to take them up on these offers.
From November to May the Similan Islands are open to diving. As the whole Similan Islands National Park lies just shy of the continental Shelf, the coral is well-fed from the nutrient waters. In addition the Islands are far enough off-shore to avoid the pollution and damage from the mass tourism of Phuket.
The very best time to dive the Similan Islands is in February and March. There are virtually no winds, the seas can be like a mirror and many of the large pelagics (Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and others) are playing in the local waters.
If you do plan on visiting – please book early. The Similan Liveaboards, for which the region is famous are often sold out (or at least the popular and safe ones – be very wary of “Last Minute Specials”). Daytrips to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon and also Richelieu Rock depart from Khao Lak each day. Leaving by speedboat, the Similan National Park is only 1 hour away. However, Phuket is still 120 km south, so one day trips are not feasible or sensible.
