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Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report: Day 5
Read the prologue to this trip report here.
Read Day 1 here.
Read Day 2 here.
Read Day 3 here.
Read Day 4 here.
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It was our last day of diving on this trip. I remember having so many different feelings at once; I was feeling sad that it was our last day, but I was looking forward to the last three dives (which were three of my favourites). At the same time I was also looking forward to dry land, a decent night’s sleep and real Thai food.
Deep Six
Deep Six is another site covered by huge boulders. As we descended down the shotline our attention was immediately focused on another Zebra Shark resting on the bottom. We all made our way down to see it and take photo. We scouted around the other side of the rocks to a maximum depth of 42m before making our way round the boulders, going past areas encrusted with hard corals and sea fans, through shoals of surgeonfish, glassfish and all the usual reef fish.
Elephant Rock
Our penultimate dive was back on Elephant rock. This time though we were going to navigate it in the opposite direction. We entered the water in the same place as our last dive here, but by swimming the other way we covered ground we hadn’t before. The boulders were huge; swimming at around a depth of 30m I was still 15m from the bottom. In the distance, about 35m away, I could see the outline of a large shark; I couldn’t tell what type of shark though, so I headed towards it, camera at the ready. I wanted to get a photo before it got spooked, but alas it was too far away, and it soon started to move off. I have since tried cleaning up the photo – it looks like a large black tip, but I can’t be sure. As we made our way around the boulders there were lots of fish waiting for their photo to be taken. Angel fish, Banner fish, Hawkfish, Lionfish, Orange-lined Triggerfish, Freckled Hawkfish, Harlequin (Andaman) Sweetlips and Oriental Sweetlips all queued up for a photo opportunity. A very rewarding dive from a fish lover’s point of view.
Boulder City
Our last dive. The most southerly of dive sites on the Similan islands, it is close to Islands 1,2 and 3 which you are not allowed to dive on, for various reasons – one of which is there is a turtle breeding ground in that area; also, the authorities are doing research into the recovery of the reefs there after years of bad fishing methods (i.e. dynamite fishing). Another open site with no protection from the currents, we were advised to stay close to the rocks just in case. Once again as we descended we saw another Zebra Shark and headed over to take photos. We swam around the boulders which had a smattering of corals, a few sea fans and schools of surgeonfish. All of a sudden I was confronted by a Bump-head Parrotfish. It was huge, and also the first one I had ever seen. It was approximately one metre long, with a huge head.
Time was flying, and unfortunately there were no shallow reefs to spend the last of our time and air. Dive over.
As soon as we got back on the boat, we started to make our way towards the harbour at Chalong. It was going to be a long trip – we would arrive around 2am, but stay on the boat until morning. It was our last night’s sleep in the bunks with a small fan instead of air-con, our last night together and the last night on the water.
We were all up early in the morning for tea and toast. Once the boat moored up along the quay, we all said goodbye to the crew and went ashore. The land was moving with the gentle motion of the water, or so it seemed, for several hours. The minibuses turned up and we all went our separate ways.
To be concluded – come back next week to read the epilogue to Mark Milburn’s Similan Islands Liveaboard Trip Report.
Save up to $1100 on select liveaboard dive trips from June through October 2025
Explorer Ventures Fleet is turning up the heat with its new Hot Summer / Cool Prices sale. For a limited time, divers can save $1000 or more on select liveaboard departures from June through October 2025.
Whether you’re ready to dive into crystal-clear summer waters or planning a cool fall escape, this promotion offers major savings on world-class dive adventures in the Galápagos, Turks & Caicos, and the Caribbean.
Hot Summer / Cool Prices – For the Summer Dive Traveler:
From June through August, take advantage of deep discounts on summer getaways. Enjoy up to $1100 off select trips aboard the Humboldt Explorer in the Galápagos or save $1000 on select summer departures aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer Il and Caribbean Explorer II, exploring magic of Saba and St. Kitts.
Cool Fall / Hot Prices – For Travel in the Fall:
Leave the cool weather and falling leaves behind — fall is the perfect time to head south and save. Take $1000 off select departures from September through October aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II and Caribbean Explorer II.
See all details and departure dates: www.explorerventures.com/discounts-and-specials
Space is limited – and once the trips are full, the savings are gone. Book now to secure your spot!
Looking for other dates or destinations? There are more savings available across the fleet, including liveaboard diving holidays in Indonesia, the Maldives, the Red Sea, and Palau. Explore all current deals here: https://www.explorerventures.com/year-of-savings-dive-liveaboard-specials/
Contact:
1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada) | +1.307.235.0683
About Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet
Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet has been delivering world-class liveaboard diving, blending authentic experiences with a commitment to safety and sustainability. Operating in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater destinations, their fleet of well-appointed vessels ensures every guest enjoys the highest level of comfort and care.
Explorer Ventures is proud to be the first liveaboard company to collaborate with Green Fins, earning certifications on four vessels: Caribbean Explorer II, Turks & Caicos Explorer II, Tiburon Explorer, and Humboldt Explorer. Notably, Tiburon Explorer and Humboldt Explorer are the only PADI Eco Centers designated in the Galápagos, underscoring their dedication to sustainable and responsible diving practices. With exceptional destinations, a global array of itineraries, and diver-focused design across the fleet, every voyage is crafted for comfort, convenience, and adventure—both above and below the surface.
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count!
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count! The last week of July will see the return of the Shark Trust’s citizen science initiative: The Great Shark Snapshot. It encourages divers and snorkellers, all around the world, to record the sharks and rays that they see. This year it takes place between the 19th and 27th July. Get ready to dive in!
The event is back for its 4th year, and it is happening in “Shark Month”, more commonly known as July! To coincide with a series of events that celebrate all things shark and ray, including Shark Week and the 50th anniversary of Jaws.
Divers, clubs, centres, charter boats and liveaboards are all encouraged to show their support by organising dives and events throughout the week. As well as gathering vital data, the event will provide a chance to celebrate the incredible shark and ray species that live in our ocean.
Information about the species and numbers of sharks and rays the participants find over the week will be added to the Shark Trust’s Shark Log. This global shark census will, over time, allow shark scientists to build a picture of species distribution and any changes that occur
Caroline Robertson-Brown, Marketing Manager at the Shark Trust said “It is great to see this popular citizen science event back for its 4th year. We are asking divers to Make Every Dive Count this year. To identify. Count and Record every shark, ray and eggcase they see during the week-long event. To organise dives especially to take part. Whether you are diving your local dive site, or on a trip of a lifetime, we want divers to join in on the Great Shark Snapshot in July.”
It is easy to join in. Just go diving between 19th and 27th July and record every shark, ray, skate or eggcase that you and your dive group sees. If possible, take photos and some video footage too. Then make sure that you record your sightings on the Shark Trust Shark Log recordings website or by using the Shark Trust app.
This year we have created a digital guide that puts all the information you need in one handy online guide. Which can be downloaded from the website.
The Great Shark Snapshot is a way for divers to get together, go diving, and do something to help shark conservation. Why not dive in?
Find out more here: www.sharktrust.org/snapshot
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