Diving is such a fun activity, and it is even better when you’re in a breathtaking location. It is true when you travel to the Similan islands of Thailand. These islands are a piece of heaven on earth. Whether or not you’re into diving, you will love just to jump right in and feel the water on your skin.
Water conditions
If you intend to dive near these islands, you need to know first how challenging it is. The islands face strong currents, and they could be difficult, especially if you are yet to try diving. Even experienced divers still have a hard time when they face such harsh conditions.
The islands have various dive sites, including the Elephant Head Rock, Richelieu Rock and Koh Tanchai Pinnacle. All of these areas are, in a way, open to the currents depending on the time of day and the moon cycle, which can be from strong to moderate.
Given these reasons, it’s best not to try diving first if you’re a novice. Allow the experts and experienced divers to take the plunge first since they probably know what to do under these difficult situations. If you try diving when there are strong currents, you could end up getting whisked away quickly. Try diving in other areas first, where there are mild currents and increase your ability over time. Once you’re ready, you can face the strong currents of Similan with confidence.
Besides, if you’re going to tell the divers in the area that you want to try, they will ask you first about your experience. If you don’t meet the required number of hours, they won’t authorize your dive.
It could be physically demanding
Another reason why you need to wait for a while before you try diving in these islands is that it could be physically demanding. Diving in mild currents is already tough. You can only imagine how difficult things could be when you always have to fight the waves. If you’re someone who gets tired walking for ten minutes, diving isn’t for you. Overall physical fitness is a must.
Enjoy the experience
Eventually, when you have the opportunity to dive, you need to make the most of the experience. Even with strong currents, you can still enjoy diving, especially when you’re in a breathtaking place like Similan. The key is for you to go with the flow and allow yourself to work with nature.
Try to find a spot for hiding when the current is too strong, and you’re starting to lose control. There are hiding places and reef hooks available in the area. Stay there for a while until the strong currents are over. Make sure you don’t get attached to corals since you might damage them.
Learn with the experts
To further ensure your safety while diving, it helps if you try learning with experts. You can consider the liveaboard guide for diving in the Similan Islands. You can also ask for help from locals who understand how the currents work.
Diving is an enjoyable experience, but you can’t forego safety.