Ko Surin National Marine Park

Further to our news last month on the opening of the Ko Similan National marine park this month we highlight the Ko Surin National marine park. Situated around 50 miles north of the Similan islands the Surin islands benefit from their remoteness by being quieter and less visited by cruising yachts and dive boats.

The Ko Surin National Marine Park is one of Thailand’s premier island groups. The two main islands are Koh Surin Nua, North Surin Island, and Koh Surin Tai, South Surin Island. There are also three smaller islands, Ko Torinla, Ko Pachumbe and Ko Chi plus three rocks Hin Kong, Hin Rap and 10 miles to the east southeast Hin Plo Naam which is also known as Richeleau rock.

The Ko Surin National Marine Park is a simply incredible site of natural beauty, both above and below the water. On shore you can find ancient rainforests which with their phenomenal range of flora and fauna such as monitor lizards, flying fox, reticulated python and pig-tailed macaque as well as numerous other mammals. There have also been over 90 species of bird reported on the islands.

Below the water the diving and snorkelling are incredible with long fringing coral reefs and huge variety of reef and pelagic fish species as well as turtles, manta rays and even whale sharks. The best reefs are on the east side of the islands where they are protected from the waves of the southwest season. Here you will find extensive coral reefs with more than 200 coral species having been identified.