The Surin Archipelago is one of Thailand’s most famous islands for snorkelling and diving. It is located in and under the control of Moh Kho Surin National Park, Kuraburi, Phang-Nga Province. This archipelago consists of 2 large main islands, North Surin Island and South Surin Island, and three small islands: Ri Island, Kai Island and Klang Island. ‘Nemo Island or Nemo Paradise’ is a must-see, and the Morgan Village. The best time to visit Surin Island is from November to May; the national park is closed for marine wildlife recreation.
About Surin Island
Surin Island is an island that fulfils your wish with three snorkel spots full of schools of fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, sea anemones etc. Some of you might be curious about how we will get to the island. It is not that difficult. It is only 1.
Forty-five hours from Phuket to Thap Lamu Pier (piers vary by the tour company), and it is easier and faster if you are in the Khao Lak area, which is just 20-40 minutes. After everyone has checked in at the meeting point and you have filled your stomach with a light breakfast, it is time to take off! In just 2 hours, you will see the true beauty of the Andaman Sea.
Activities
Diving and snorkelling are the main activities on the islands. The best time for diving is between December and April when the wind is minimal, and the average water temperature is around 29°C. The visitor can rent snorkels and life jackets. Park Center, each item for 40 baht per day. It is possible to camp in one of the two camps or rent one of the few accommodations on the islands right next to the white sandy beaches. The islands may not be a popular spot for bird watching. Destination, but few migratory birds are visiting the islands, not in other parts of the country. Game viewing opportunities on the land side of the park are limited.
Wildlife:
The diversity of marine life on the islands is one of the best in the world. According to a series of studies from 2001 to 2002 (by Saisaeng, 2002; Sittithaweepat, 2001; Worachananant, 2000), more than 260 species of reef fish, 68 species of coral, 48 species of nudibranch and 31 species of shrimp have been recorded in the National Park. The shallow and deep waters surrounding the islands offer the opportunity to see some of the continent’s most remarkable marine life, some rare, some common; Large barracuda, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, leopard sharks, olive ridley turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, leatherback turtles, green sea turtles, blue spotted rays, Kuhl’s masked rays, giant moray eels, boxfish, horse mackerel, puffer fish, butterfly fish and many more. Although sightings are rare, February to April is the ideal time to spot large pelagic species like manta rays and whale sharks. There are currently about 100 known bird species in the Surin Islands.
Some of Thailand’s rare birds recorded on the islands are; Swinhoe Petrels, Parasitic Hunters, Beach Knees, Brown Tugs, Great Green Pigeons, Von Schrenck’s Bitterns, and Egrets. They are confirmed species. The Surin wrinkled heck is an endemic species of gecko found only on the Surin Islands. Two species of monitor lizards common in Thailand occur on the islands, the cloud monitor and the water monitor.
