Discover the Surin Islands in Thailand
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.
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
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