Understand what coral you’re actually looking at
Turn “pretty reef” into real knowledge you can recognize on every dive
Coral reefs are the foundation of the Andaman’s underwater world, but most divers only learn to describe them as “hard coral” or “soft coral”. The SSI Coral Identification Specialty changes that. You’ll learn how reefs are built, what the most common coral families look like, and how to spot the differences in shape, structure, and growth patterns underwater.
It’s a perfect add-on if you love snorkeling and reef dives, enjoy taking photos, or simply want your dives to feel more meaningful. Once you start recognizing coral families, every dive becomes more interesting: you notice the small details, understand what you’re seeing, and you naturally become a more reef-conscious diver.
Course Facts
- Prerequisite: Open Water Diver
- Academic sessions: 1
- Confined/pool sessions: Optional
- Open water dives: Optional
How it fits your trip
This specialty can be done as a knowledge-focused course (great for snorkelers too), or combined with your dives so you can apply the identification skills directly on the reef. If you add in-water training, we’ll align it with the day trip you’re already doing.
Coral Identification Specialty Price
| Name | Info | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Coral Identification Specialty | 1 academic session (optional in-water training can be added) | On request |
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Destination
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Included
2-way Hotel TransferLiability InsuranceLife JacketsLunch & FruitsProfessional GuideTravel InsuranceWater & Soft Drinks -
Not Included
Crew TipsDiving InsuranceGuide TipsMask, Snorkel & FinsNational Park FeesOther Rental Equipment
Make Your Own Memories
Price List for Rental & Fees
Below you’ll find our standard rental rates and the most common National Park fees. Availability can be limited on busy days.Rental equipment prices (per day)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| BCD | 200 ฿ |
| Regulator | 200 ฿ |
| Shorty wetsuit (3 mm) | 100 ฿ |
| Dive computer | 250 ฿ |
| Dive torch | 200 ฿ |
| Compass | 150 ฿ |
Tip: Rental availability is limited on busy days — reserve early if you need specific items.
National Park Fees
| Fee | Adults | Children |
|---|---|---|
| National Park entry fee | 500 ฿ | 250 ฿ |
| National Park diving fee | 200 ฿ | 200 ฿ |
Optional Add-ons
- Nitrox (12L): 200 ฿
- Private guide: 2000 ฿
- Underwater photos/video: We don't have a dedicated photographer on board, but your guide usually has a camera and can take pictures and videos of you for ~ 1000 – 1500 ฿ per diver
Tipping
Tipping is not required, but it’s always appreciated if you enjoyed your day. If you’d like a simple guideline:- Boat crew (day trips): ~100–300 ฿ per guest
- Dive guide: ~500–1000 ฿ per diver
If service was exceptional: tip more — but always optional.
Similan National Park – Booking Requirements
- For National Park ticket booking, we require: first name, family name, nationality, date of birth, and passport number.
- For divers we also need: certification level, number of logged dives, date of last dive, and proof of certification.
- All visitors must carry a copy or photo of their passport during the trip (for possible ranger checks).
Similan National Park Rules
- Season: The Similan Islands are closed every year from 16 May to 14 October and open from 15 October to 15 May.
- Keep your park receipt: After paying the National Park entrance fee, please keep the receipt with you for inspection.
- No drones: Drone flights are strictly prohibited.
- No single-use plastics: Many Thai National Parks prohibit single-use plastic items (and foam containers). Please avoid bringing disposable plastic/foam packaging into the park.
- Reef-safe sunscreen only: Thai National Parks have announced bans on certain chemical sunscreens that are harmful to coral. Please use reef-safe sunscreen or protective clothing instead.
- Respect wildlife: Do not touch, chase, or disturb marine life. Never stand on coral or the seabed, and never take shells or coral as souvenirs.
- Follow park staff & boat crew instructions: Rules can change depending on conservation measures and conditions. Always follow the guide briefing and any ranger instructions.
Important note about courses
- Beginner courses are not allowed in Similan National Park (Try Dives / Open Water courses). These are available at Surin Islands and local dive sites.
New Thailand Diving & Snorkeling Rules
Thailand introduced stricter nationwide standards for diving and snorkeling activities (effective 22 April 2025) to protect coral reefs and improve safety.- Supervision required: Every trip must be accompanied by a certified dive supervisor or assistant.
- Life jackets for snorkeling near coral: Life vests must be provided and worn when snorkeling near coral reefs (unless the tourist holds a recognized freediving certificate).
- Mandatory briefing: Guests must receive a briefing on laws, safety, and responsible marine practices before activities.
- Group ratios: Limits apply to how many guests one supervisor can oversee (different limits for deep diving vs snorkeling/freediving, and for training sessions).
- Camera rules: Underwater photography is restricted unless the diver is qualified (e.g., Advanced certification or 40 logged dives) and can show proof if requested.
- Reef distance: Divers must stay at least 2 metres above coral heads, and fin control must be demonstrated before approaching coral areas.
Booking Deadlines
- Bookings: latest 20:00 the day before the trip.
- Cancellations: latest 12:00 the day before the trip.
Liability Notice Participation Requirements