Sharks in Thailand
Most scuba divers love seeing a shark. But even with the information available today, some people are still afraid of them. There are still people who believe that anyone who goes scuba diving may be attacked by these monsters! Of course, the truth is that sharks have no interest in humans. Incidents involving humans and sharks are extremely rare, and usually a case of mistaken identity. Surfers and those who go spearfishing are most at risk – but not scuba divers. There are several species of sharks in Thailand, including the largest species of fish, the gentle giant known as the Whale Shark. Almost every dive with a shark is a memory to cherish.
Nowadays you probably see the word ‘Nitrox’ on diving trips and tanks more than you used to. What is Nitrox and its benefits? Compare air to Nitrox mix for scuba diving. Which is best? For those who don’t know what Nitrox is, this page explains in simple terms, and discusses the benefits of using Nitrox. You can also find out about doing the course on a liveaboard and Nitrox certification cost.
Most Similan Islands scuba diving liveaboard diving trips have ‘scheduled,’ trip itineraries. This means that everyone stays on the main boat from beginning to end. But there are also some platform boats which offer ‘flexible’ trips. You can join these trips by speedboat on any day and stay as long as you choose. Which type is better depends on your preference, your budget, and your other holiday plans.
Thap Lamu Pier Similan Islands liveaboard diving main pier is located near Khao Lak, and more than one hour from Phuket. It is not at all exciting or attractive, but its location means it is the best harbour for most Similan Islands diving and snorkelling boats to depart from & return to. It is gradually developing, and now has a few convenience stores, but it is still not somewhere people spend more time than necessary at.
The most-common potential injury from scuba diving is Decompression Sickness (The Bends), which is caused by excess nitrogen in the body. It is usually caused by unsafe diving profiles, or flying in a plane too soon after scuba diving. Scuba diving immediately after flying is ok, but not flying after diving. This page explains the safety parameter guidelines, plus general advice to avoid any potential health issues caused by scuba diving.
Even before the 2003 Pixar movie, Finding Nemo, the Clown Fish was already a diver’s favourite. They are colourful, active, easy to spot, and very photogenic. Clown Fish are among the most-popular fish at The Similans and there are actually several similar species, and divided opinion about which species Nemo is based on. There are also several other ‘facts’ about these fish which haven’t been confirmed by science yet.
This article was written and published before the local authorities changed the regulations. From October 2018 it is no longer possible to learn to dive in the Similan National Marine Park, and all of our guests must be certified before joining a trip.
Recreational scuba diving is very a safe activity for people of nearly all ages. However, there are a few risks which mean that safe scuba diving practice is important to prevent incidents. Some people may presume that running out of air or being attacked by a shark are common risks, but these are extremely unlikely. DCS (Decompression Sickness), the most common serious diving injury, is often called The Bends. This is an injury that is caused by practising unsafe scuba diving, regarding the depth, time spent at depth, and at what speed you ascend to the surface. It’s absolutely avoidable, and avoiding DCS dictates the planning of every scuba dive.
With scuba diving increasing in popularity around the world, many divers like to dive as much as possible over a few days. The best way to achieve this is on a diving liveaboard cruise, also known as a diving safari. For a scuba diving liveaboard Thailand is among the best places in the world for several reasons. Of course, the diving is great, but costs are reasonable, including getting to the nearest airport or harbour town. Also, there’s great diving for all levels of scuba diver. Diving at the Similan Islands is the best enjoyed on a liveaboard.
The largest fleet of Similan diving liveaboards is without doubt the Manta Queen fleet. With seven boats offering 3-5 night diving safaris to the best spots in Thailand, there’s always a trip, cabin choice, and departure date to suit everyone. Every boat has air-conditioned cabins, free Wi-Fi and Nitrox available. Equipment rental fees are the lowest, too.
