Hobo-Ya Similan

Located in the heart of Thailand's diving region, Hobo-Ya Similan specialises in liveaboard cruises targeting the Similan Islands. These expeditions take you through some of the most respected dive sites in the Andaman Sea, including the famous Richelieu Rock and the pinnacles of Koh Bon.

The centre operates out of Phuket and Khao Lak, providing a gateway to the national park's protected waters. Whether you are looking for a short cruise or a longer expedition, the focus remains on accessing the high-density marine life and spectacular topography that these islands are known for.

As an affiliate of both PADI and SSI, the centre provides a wide range of training and professional development. They maintain a strong commitment to environmental protection, ensuring all diving activities respect the protected turtle nesting zones within the national park.

Their approach covers everything from basic skills updates to advanced rescue training. For those looking to specialise, they offer dedicated courses in underwater photography and digital imaging to help you capture the diverse life found on the reefs.

The centre offers a comprehensive curriculum through PADI and SSI, catering to all experience levels. Beginners can start with foundational training, while more experienced divers can pursue the Advanced Open Water or Rescue Diver certifications.

Specialty courses are a core part of their offering, including the Enriched Air Nitrox specialty, which is essential for the deep profiles found at sites like Koh Bon. They also provide the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course and various SSI specialty modules to refine your skills in the water.

For divers choosing to hire kit, the centre provides a full range of equipment. You can rent complete sets or select specific items such as masks, snorkels, and fins. Wetsuit hire is available in both 3mm shorties and 3mm fullsuits.

Nitrox is available for use on their cruises, allowing for extended bottom times on the many deep reefs and pinnacles in the area. The centre also manages transfers between your hotel and the departure points in Phuket or Khao Lak.

The area is famous for its large pelagics, especially during the high season when whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are regularly sighted. You can expect to see leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata), white-tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), and grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) patrolling the reefs and sandy patches.

On the colourful reefs, look for Napoleon wrasse, various species of angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and large batfish (Platax). Schools of fusiliers (Caesio) and barracudas are common, often accompanied by trevally and various species of snapper (Lutjanus).

Macro life is abundant in the cracks and crevices of the granite boulders. Keep an eye out for the ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), frogfish (Antennarius), and various species of gobies. You may also encounter garden eels (Gorgasia), sea cucumbers, and various types of shrimp.

Fixed life provides a stunning backdrop to the dives, with vast colonies of soft corals (Alcyonacea) and diverse reef fish decorating the walls. The rocky terrain is also home to many species of moray eels (Muraenidae) and various types of sea anemones (Actiniaria).

The diving season in the Similan Islands begins in January, following a five-month period when the park is closed. During this time, the sea is typically in excellent condition with high biodiversity.

Conditions vary significantly between sites. Some locations, such as Twin Peaks or Deep Six, are known for strong currents that create high-energy drift dives, while others like Honeymoon Bay or Anita's Reef offer much calmer, shallower waters suitable for more relaxed diving or night dives.