Operational Safety

Use a reputable operator that carries emergency oxygen, has a clear diver-to-guide plan, and briefs currents, separation procedures, and pickup protocols.
Bring an SMB and be comfortable using it. Blue-water ascents are common when current pushes the group off structure.
Manage fatigue. Offshore days start early and can stack multiple dives with long boat rides.

In-water Safety

Currents can be strong at pinnacles. Stay close to your buddy and guide, and avoid chasing pelagics into open water.
Watch your depth and no-decompression limits. Many highlights sit around 18 m to 30 m, with tempting deeper contours.
Protect your ears and hydration. Thermoclines can feel cold and lead to faster gas consumption.

Phuket is the primary regional hub for advanced medical care. Bangkok Hospital Phuket advertises diving medicine support and hyperbaric oxygen therapy capability. For any suspected decompression illness, give 100% oxygen, hydrate if conscious, and contact emergency services and a chamber network immediately. Keep your dive insurance details and emergency contacts saved offline.

If you are staying far north (near Khura Buri), plan how you would reach Phuket or another definitive care facility in a time-sensitive situation.

Operational Safety

Use a reputable operator that carries emergency oxygen, has a clear diver-to-guide plan, and briefs currents, separation procedures, and pickup protocols.
Bring an SMB and be comfortable using it. Blue-water ascents are common when current pushes the group off structure.
Manage fatigue. Offshore days start early and can stack multiple dives with long boat rides.

In-water Safety

Currents can be strong at pinnacles. Stay close to your buddy and guide, and avoid chasing pelagics into open water.
Watch your depth and no-decompression limits. Many highlights sit around 18 m to 30 m, with tempting deeper contours.
Protect your ears and hydration. Thermoclines can feel cold and lead to faster gas consumption.

If you are staying far north (near Khura Buri), plan how you would reach Phuket or another definitive care facility in a time-sensitive situation.

Similan and Surin trips stop during the annual closure (typically mid-May to mid-October). Outside the closure window, weather can still cancel boats, especially in October and May.

Sites like Koh Tachai Pinnacle and Richelieu Rock can run current. Bring an SMB, stay close to your guide, and be ready for mid-water safety stops.

Speedboat transfers can be bouncy even on decent days. Pack motion sickness medication and protect electronics in a dry bag.

Boat days stack sun, wind, and salt. Hydrate early, use a rashguard, and plan shade breaks between dives.

Marine Park Rules and Closures

The Department of National Parks operates seasonal closures for Similan and Surin to protect ecosystems and reduce monsoon-season risk.
Carry your park receipt or e-ticket confirmation. Rangers can request proof of payment.

Low-impact Diving and Snorkeling

Do not touch coral, stand on reef, or feed fish.
Practice tight buoyancy and fin control, especially on shallow coral slopes.
Use moorings rather than anchoring whenever possible.
Reduce single-use plastics on boat days by carrying a reusable bottle and bag.

Cultural Respect

If your itinerary includes Surin cultural context, follow local guidance and avoid intrusive photography of community life.

Kontakt	Funktion	Telefon	Erreichbarkeit
Thailand Tourist Police	Tourist assistance and incident reporting	1155	24/7 (call center)
Thailand Emergency Medical Services	Ambulance and medical emergency dispatch	1669	24/7
Thailand Police Emergency	General police emergency	191	24/7
Bangkok Hospital Phuket Diving Medicine Center	Diving medicine and hyperbaric oxygen therapy contact	+66 76 254425	Daily; emergency contact available via hospital
SSS Recompression Chamber Network	Recompression chamber coordination and advice	+66 81 081 9000	24/7 emergency line

Khao Lak (Similan and Surin Islands)

Khao Lak (Similan and Surin Islands)

Sicherheit und Naturschutz

Wichtigste Risiken

Sicherheit beim Tauchen

Operational Safety

In-water Safety

Sicherheit und Naturschutz

Wichtigste Risiken

Sicherheit beim Tauchen

Operational Safety

In-water Safety

Sicherheit beim Schnorcheln und Freitauchen

Meeresleben und Schutzgebiete

Marine Park Rules and Closures

Low-impact Diving and Snorkeling

Cultural Respect

Notfallkontakte