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Discover the Surin Islands in Thailand in 2020-2021

The Surin Islands National Park one of Thailand best diving destinations

The Surin Islands National Park one of Thailand best diving destinations
The Surin Islands (Thai: หมู่เกาะสุรินทร์, Thai pronunciation: [mùː kɔ̀ʔ sùrin]) is an archipelago of five islands in the Andaman Sea, 60 km from the Thai mainland. Administratively, the islands are part of Tambon Ko Phra Thong, Khura Buri District, in Phang Nga Province, Thailand.
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Surin Island's blue sea...
Visiting islands...
Getting there: only reachable by boat
Marine Life: Rich diversity from pelagic to special Macro life
Level required: suitable for all levels of divers and snorkelers
Water temperature: 26 to 30 °C 
Dive type: boat dive
Visibility: up to 30 m
Diving period: November to May
Location: 60km west Khuraburi, the nearest town on the Andaman coast
Well protected by their status of Thai national park (and by a UNESCO environmental program), the Mu Koh Surin Islands are comprised of two small islands, Koh Surin Nuea, and Koh Surin Tai. Surin NP's waters are home to one of the world’s most diverse of marine life: colourful tropical fishes are quite common, while butterfly fishes, morays, sharks and sea turtles can often be spotted by divers and snorkelers but the most famous visitor is surely the whale shark.

The Mu Koh Surin National  Park (Khura Buri) is a shining example of natural beauty hosting plethora of rare flora and fauna both on the land and at sea. The casual tourist may be able to enjoy a glimpse of the park's promise whilst the naturalist can marvel at the impressive biodiversity.

Location:
Koh Surin National Park is located between the Similan islands in the South and the Mergui Archipelago in the North. The first Burmese Island (Christie island) is only 12km north of Surin Islands. 

Weather & Sea Conditions
Surin National park is opened this season from 15th of October 2020 to 15th of May 2021.
A steady northerly winds regularly create short bumpy waves around Christmas and New Years but from February till May the sea is usually very flat.

Fauna and flora in Surin islands
Thai waters are rich in marine life and have a healthy population of various species of sharks, rays, morrays, reef fishes, crustaceans, turtles and so much more.
Topside, Surin islands are covered in verdant evergreen forests, laced with mangroves and small beaches. If you take a walk through the forests you might find crab-eating macaques, deer and flying foxes and if you look up you might see hornbills, Nicobar pigeons, kingfishers, as well as birds of prey such as sea-eagles and Brahminy kites.

Regulation in Surin Islands:
To dive in the national marine park you will need to join an accredited dive company such as The Smiling Seahorse and it is now required to order your national park permit in advance.
It is forbidden to take anything from Surin Islands like shells or sand. If you do you are risking a hefty fine or even an imprisonment.

Local population:
Surin island is also home to a sea gypsie village (the moken)

Our favorite dive sites in Surin islands National parks

  • Richelieu Rock, in the East of Surin islands is for sure our favorite dive site in the National park and we have a whole webpage to talk about this infamous dive site: Richelieu Rock.
  • Koh Khai (Koh Torinla) in the south of Surin islands offer a nice drift dive and a lovely pinnacle which we call yellow rock with lovely yellow corals and plenty of sweetlips and potatoe groupers.
  • Koh Chi, in the the north of the Surin Islands is a perfect spot for a check dive with easy condition and shallow diving.
  • Hin Rap, north of Surin Nua, is one of Surin's deepest dive sites. Boulders on the East side drop off to 25m and the shallow reef areas on the west side are excellent for snorkelling and spotting turtles.​
Diving with dolphins
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Dive in Richelieu Rock and other Thailand amazing dive sites

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The Smiling Seahorse

170 Ruangrat Rd, Tambon khao nivet, Mueang Ranong District, Ranong 85000​
Phone: +66860110614​
​Mail: info@thesmilingseahorse.com

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Responsible Manta Tourism Operator
TAT Licence number : 31/00935
© COPYRIGHT 2018-2020. The Smiling Seahorse ​
  • When & Where
    • Schedule and Prices
    • Destinations >
      • North Andaman Thailand >
        • Similan Islands
        • Surin Islands >
          • Richelieu rock
        • The essential Underwater photo Guide to diving Thailand
      • South Andaman Thailand
      • Mergui Archipelago >
        • Marine life in the Andaman Sea
        • Burma's best dive sites
        • The Ultimate Underwater photo Guide to diving Burma
  • ABOUT
    • Our Boat >
      • DELICIOUS FOOD
    • Guest Book
    • Diving in Thailand in 2022-2023 >
      • Ranong Departures >
        • 3D Thailand: Surin National Park
        • 4D Thailand from Ranong 5pm-7pm
        • 5D Thailand: Surin and Similan
        • 6D Thailand: Surin and Similan end to Ranong
        • 7D North Andaman: Surin and Similan from Ranong
        • 8D Thailand: North & South
        • Alternative itineraries for full charter >
          • 4D4N Evening to morning - Surin Similan
      • Khao Lak Departures >
        • 5D North Andaman from Khao Lak to Phuket
        • 5D North Andaman: All of Surin and Similan
        • 6D North Andaman: All of Surin and Similan
        • 6D North Andaman: From Khao Lak to Ranong
        • 7D North Andaman: All of Surin and Similan
        • 7D North Khao Lak to Khao Lak
        • 8D North & South Andaman Thailand
      • Phuket departures >
        • 5D North Andaman from Phuket
        • 5D South Andaman: Lanta and Tarutao National Parks
        • 6D North Andaman: Phuket to Khao Lak
        • 8D Thailand: South & North
    • Blackwater diving in Thailand
    • Marine life in Thailand's Andaman Sea
    • Diving in Myanmar | Burma dive cruises >
      • 6D Burma : South Mergui Archipelago
      • 7D Burma: dive Black Rock
      • 8D Burma: Undiscovered Mergui
      • 9D Burma: Exploration trip
    • Dive Courses >
      • Learn to Dive
      • Continue diving education
      • Rescue diver
      • Professional Dive Courses
      • Hone your dive skills with a PADI specialty course
      • Photo coaching in Thailand on the Smiling Seahorse
    • FAQ
  • Plan your trip
    • Accommodation in Ranong
    • SHA+ hotels in Phuket
    • Bungalows in Koh Phayam
    • Khao Sok National Park
    • Taxi services >
      • Taxi services to and from Ranong
      • Taxi services to and from Phuket
      • Taxi services to Tap Lamu and Khao Lak
    • 10 things to do around Ranong
    • Covid-19 news & infos >
      • COVID-19 update travel to Thailand
      • Covid-19 protection on-board
  • PROMO
    • HOT DEALS
    • Whale shark expedition - 4 Feb 2023 - North and South
    • Manta rays expedition - 19 Mar 2023
    • Photo clinic + Blackwater 23 Jan 2024
    • UW Photo clinic North Andaman 31 Jan 2024
    • Manta rays expedition - 18 Feb 2024
    • Whale Shark Special - 19 Mar 2024 - North and South
  • gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Most popular posts