News
Whale sharks are back in the Similan Islands
The National park of the Similan Islands is open again to the public, much to the delight of divers and snorkelers.
Copyright: Mark Strickland
Considered the jewel in the crown of Thailand diving, the Similan and Surin Islands won’t disappoint. Thriving reefs with over 200 species of soft and hard corals and impressive sea fans abound, as well as an incredible variety of marine life including ghost pipe fish, napoleon wrasse, schools of barracuda, nudibranchs and even beautiful sea horses. There is also plenty of larger life to see with sea turtles, Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrot fish, leopard sharks, manta rays and of course the majestic whale shark.
Whale sharks wander the warmer seas around the world, either alone or in large numbers, in areas with abundant plankton, their main source of food. One of the main dive sites for seeing whale sharks is Richelieu Rock, some 50 miles or so north of the Similans and a mainstay on every Similan Itinerary. This limestone pinnacle covered with soft corals slopes steeply to a sandy bottom at 35 meters (120 Ft). The surrounding deep waters of this pinnacle bring up nutrient-rich currents providing the whale sharks with a ready supply of plankton.
Known to be seen regularly from January to March, The Junk liveaboard has already been seeing whale sharks from her first trip in November, so expect a bumper season ahead.
The Junk is a 33 metre restored teak wood Chinese merchant sailing vessel that can take up to 18 divers in 6 air conditioned cabins, with a choice of double cabins, triple cabins and quads. Each cabin has its own private bathroom with hot water. There is a choice of 4 and 6 night cruises departing from Taplamu Pier, near Khao Lak, or Patong, Phuket.
If you want to live this unforgettable experience, bear in mind that if your gear is serviced and ready to go then you can dive the Similan Islands right now. Contact The Junk today to book your next diving vacation in Thailand Limited spaces are available so don’t wait too long…
Email: thailand@wwdas.com
Website: www.thejunk.com
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Sea & Sea is the home of Stahlsac and other leading diving brands in the UK.
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