Similan Islands vs Raja Ampat — Dive Destination Comparison
Raja Ampat (Indonesia) scores 81.4/100 vs Similan Islands's 64.2/100 in OkToDive's 12-category rating. Choose Similan Islands for cave diving with 15–40m visibility. Choose Raja Ampat for reef diving at ~$180/dive.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | Similan Islands | Raja Ampat |
|---|---|---|
| OkToDive Score | 64.2/100 | 81.4/100 |
| Country | Thailand | Indonesia |
| Visibility | 15--40m | 15--30m |
| Water temp | 30--35 C | 26--30 C |
| Max depth | 40m | 40m |
| Current | moderate | variable |
| Cost per 2-tank dive | $120 | $180 |
| Budget tier | mid range | luxury |
| Best months | November, December, January | October, November, December |
| Dive types | cave, pelagic | reef, wall, drift, muck, mangrove |
| Min certification | Open Water | Open Water |
| Key species | manta ray, whale shark, seahorse | manta ray, wobbegong shark, pygmy seahorse |
| Google rating | 0 (0 reviews) | 4.9 (2850 reviews) |
Which should you choose?
Choose Similan Islands when...
- + Marine life enthusiasts seeking manta ray encounters
- + Wide-angle photographers wanting crystal visibility
- + Groups seeking 30+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You don't have Advanced certification
- - You need shore access — this is boat-only
Choose Raja Ampat when...
- + Marine life enthusiasts seeking manta ray encounters
- + Experienced drift divers comfortable in current
- + Dedicated divers willing to commit to a liveaboard trip
Skip if
- - You don't have Advanced certification
- - You're on a tight budget — avg $180/dive
- - You get seasick or prefer shore-based diving
Bottom line
Raja Ampat wins on overall score (81.4 vs 64.2), but the right choice depends on your priorities. Similan Islands is more affordable ($120 vs $180/dive). Similan Islands has better peak visibility (40m vs 30m).