Similan Islands are NOT closed!!!!

"The recent El Nino weather pattern that is responsible for the recent flooding in Australia, has created higher than normal sea water temperatures in 2010 & 2011 which has affected some reefs in our region. Coral bleaching has occurred at a limited number of dive sites throughout Thailand and beyond. The government of Thailand has taken some steps to reduce the possible impact of SCUBA diving and snorkeling on the areas where bleaching has occurred.

Thailand is home to more than two dozen Marine Parks and has some of the most highly rated dive sites in the world. Of these Marine parks, 7 have dive sites that will be closing. Of these 7 parks, a total of 16 dive sites will close. In the most famous of all these marine parks - The Similan Islands - only two dive sites are closed. In an are covering 140 sq. Km and having dozens of named dive sites - this has had very little impact on visitors. The names of the closed divesites are East of Eden and Beacon Reef "