The renowned Similan Islands in Thailand have reopened to tourists following a five-month closure aimed at reviving marine ecosystems. On October 15, nearly 2,000 eager visitors, both domestic and international, returned to the popular diving and snorkeling haven. The closure, enforced by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, lasted from May 16 to October 14, coinciding with the monsoon season.

 

Revived under a cautious approach, the islands will remain accessible until May 15 of next year, with a daily visitor cap to protect the environment. Specifically, 3,850 visitors can enjoy the islands daily, with 3,325 allowed for day trips and 525 reserved for scuba diving enthusiasts.

The reopening day saw Tour operators in Phang-nga's Tap Lamu area busily accommodate visitors, who were seen gearing up for snorkeling and diving ventures. Amongst the crowd, a significant foreign presence was noted, with 1,800 participating in snorkeling experiences and 88 diving deeper into the vibrant coral reefs.

 

Known for stunning beaches and abundant marine life, the Similan Islands promise not only adventure and natural beauty but also a vital economic boost for the locality, eagerly anticipated by the local community.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-15

 

 

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Specifically, 3,850 visitors can enjoy the islands daily, with 3,325 allowed for day trips and 525 reserved for scuba diving enthusiasts.

 

Enjoy the crowds.... nice

Nowhere a toilet building to be seen on the pic but a lot of bushes... just to say

That photo alone is enough for me to decide not to visit.

3,850 a day?

Six months closure isn't long enough to repair the damage caused by that volume of tourists. The damage caused to the coral and sea life by all the TikTok and Youtube posters will take far longer than six months to recover.

This idea of turning the off-season into a no-go time is a good start, IMO. 

And of course there are exceptions for those with pull.

 

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Nowhere a toilet building to be seen on the pic but a lot of bushes... just to say

Good point and I don't think even those boats have a toilet, and even if they did it would discharge directly into the sea.

1 hour ago, Tropicalevo said:

That photo alone is enough for me to decide not to visit.

Agree. I can't think of anything worse, I like a beach to be quite & peaceful and not overcrowded.