Diving Paradise of South-West Thailand
By travel writer Richard Doring

The dive operators of Khao Lak arrange trips and tours by boat to the best known diving sites in The Andaman Sea . The main destination are the Similan Islands ranked among the top ten diving locations worldwide. Other first class dive sites include the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock , Northern Rocks and last, but not least the Burma Banks . They all provide the diver with a lot of fun and adventure. You may even explore a wreck covered by coral in 12 to 20 metres of depth.
.
The Non-plus-ultra in Thailand are Live Aboard Cruises , all inclusive diving trips from 2 to 7 days. Some dive tours even include an overnight stop on one of the islands.

All dive schools offer dive instruction ; within 3 to 4 days a novice can become an Open Water Diver by PADI standards. German, Swedish, and English speaking dive instructors are available every day. Whether you book the dive course or dive trip in a hotel or directly from a dive operator -- the price is the same. By the Tsunami of 2004 only minor damage has affected the coral reefs of the Similan Islands. Not more than 5% of the coral suffered some visible damage. There are still 28 dive sites ready and beautiful for diving at any depth.

The coral bleaching of 2010 had also very little visible damage on the coral at the Similans. Also the Ko Surin Islands, the Richelieu Rock, the Northern Rocks and the Burma Banks, are a beautiful experience even for the spoilt diver. The Boon Song wreck can be found in about 12 - 20 Meters depth. Very popular are Live Aboard Cruises of 3 - 7 days. Specialist for these tours is the Sea Dragon Dive Centre. Also over night dive cruises to island nr. 4 of Ko Miang are on offer.

All tour operators offer dive courses, where one can acquire an Open Water Diver Certificate after 3 - 4 days, with Engish speaking diving instructors.There is no price difference if you plan your diving tour with a diving operator or with a hotel. The small family dive centre Wetzone is popular for it's individual diving service. Micha Reinhardt offers day trips, safaris, diving at the Boon Song Wreck and all PADI courses, but is also specialized in diving at the Khao Sok Reservoir.