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Scuba Diving in Khao LakTH
The Andaman liveaboard town: gateway to the Similan and Surin marine parks and Richelieu Rock, open only mid-October to mid-May, which is exactly why the reefs stay world-class.
Why here
The Similans are among the world's top liveaboard destinations for a structural reason: the marine parks close entirely from mid-May to mid-October, giving the reefs a five-month rest every year, and the season that remains delivers 15-to-50-meter visibility with Richelieu Rock, Thailand's most famous single site, producing whale sharks and mantas in the February-to-April window. Khao Lak exists substantially to serve this: a dedicated liveaboard fleet runs four-day, four-night itineraries from Thap Lamu pier, staffed by PADI five-star operations. This is the expedition counterpart to Koh Tao's learn-to-dive scene, a different product on a different sea.
Best months
The parks open October 15 to May 15 by law; February through April is the manta and whale-shark prime. December-to-February departures book out months ahead. Liveaboards suit Advanced Open Water divers; this is not where you learn.
Getting there & around
Fly to Phuket (HKT), then 90 minutes north to Khao Lak; boats leave from Thap Lamu pier with park fees on top. Book peak-season liveaboards two to four months ahead.
Skill levels: intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (2)
Khao Lak Explorer
SchoolA PADI 5-Star dive center in Khao Lak running Similan day trips and liveaboards through the park season.
Similan Diving Safaris
OutfitterA Khao Lak PADI operation running multi-day Similan and Richelieu Rock liveaboard safaris.