The cooler waters mentioned in our last blog continued into the start of February. Thermocline’s reading as low as 22 degrees C in places washed through the Similan and Surin National Parks.
With the huge changes to the Similan Islands national park this year, and the seemingly last minute implementation of new rules, it became very clear to us that our communication with the Thai authorities was not enough as it should be. So were overjoyed when we were kindly invited to join the ‘Phuket Marine National Park Operation Center 2′ and a group of Thai university students, to help carry out a series of ongoing scientific studies at the Similan Islands.
Strange days in The Similan Islands. We had 6 guests on board and there was hardly another boat in sight. The new national park restrictions are in full force and things are eerily quiet.
The Similan Islands national park has now set very strict limits for both divers and snorkelers. Most importantly for Big Blue Diving, is the 525 divers per day allowed entry into the Similans. But before we go into the details, just a small amount of history…
During this Similans Liveaboard we had the pleasure of hosting Anna Flam of the Marine Megafauna Foundation. A team of outstanding people dedicated to the research & protection of Marine Megafauna. Anna stayed on board for the duration of the trip hoping to capture Manta evidence and was always on hand for questions and more importantly the passing on of her knowledge.
Following the Turkey stuffing butties and New Years celebrations it very quickly became apparent that not everyone had stopped enjoying their vacation period. As we settled alongside island 4 of the Similans under the night sky ‘flexibility’ was the word that sprang to mind when we viewed many liveaboard boats set to dive the following day.
Whaleshark, the largest fish in the world but what do you do when a Whaleshark appears on the dive site and just wants to play like a 6 month old puppy….. Day 1 of our trip and we start out with some easy diving at Hideaway Bay followed by West of Eden, 2 great dives …
After a stormy start to the new high season, with the choppy seas subsiding we departed on MV Hallelujah for trip number five. Just how choppy the seas had been around the Similan Islands, I wasn’t exactly sure, I’d just returned from a holiday
Schools of fish like we have never seen and three separate Manta Ray encounters. This week we are focusing on how conservation and scientific research can be amazing fun!
