Main Attractions and Sites

• Granite Boulders: The primary attraction of Boulder City is its impressive underwater granite boulders. These large rock formations create a maze-like environment with tunnels, swim-throughs, and crevices that divers can explore.
  
  
• Coral Gardens: The boulders are adorned with colorful corals and sponges, creating beautiful coral gardens. These vibrant reefs are home to a variety of marine species, including clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish.
  
  
• Marine Life: Boulder City is teeming with marine life, including reef sharks, moray eels, barracudas, giant trevally, and a variety of reef fish. The site is also known for sightings of larger pelagic species like manta rays and whale sharks.
  
  
• Underwater Topography: The unique underwater topography of Boulder City, with its boulders, swim-throughs, and caverns, provides an exciting and adventurous diving experience.
  
  

Historical and Cultural Background

Boulder City, like the rest of the Similan Islands, is part of the Similan Islands National Park, established in 1982. The park was created to protect the region’s exceptional marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The establishment of the national park reflects Thailand’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism, ensuring that sites like Boulder City remain pristine and vibrant for future generations.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Boulder City is during the dry season, from November to April, when sea conditions are calm and visibility is at its best. The Similan Islands National Park is closed from May to October to allow for ecosystem recovery during the monsoon season.
  
  
• How to Get There: Boulder City is accessible by boat from the mainland. Most visitors depart from Thap Lamu Pier in Phang Nga or from Phuket. Various dive operators offer day trips and liveaboard excursions to the Similan Islands, including Boulder City.
  
  
• Tips and Precautions:
  
  
  • Ensure you have appropriate diving certification and experience, as Boulder City is best suited for intermediate to advanced divers.
    
    
  • Bring your own diving gear if possible, although rental equipment is available through dive operators.
    
    
  • Follow the guidelines provided by dive operators and the national park to protect the marine environment.
    
    
  • Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun between dives.
    
    

Recommendations

• Activities:

  • Diving: The primary activity at Boulder City is diving. Explore the dramatic underwater rock formations, swim-throughs, and diverse marine life.
    
    
  • Photography: Bring an underwater camera to capture the stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant marine creatures.
    
    

• Dining:

  • Onboard Meals: Most dive operators provide meals as part of their excursion packages, offering a variety of Thai and international dishes.
    
    
  • Nearby Restaurants: Before or after your trip, enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants in Khao Lak or Phuket. Recommended spots include Phang Nga Viewpoint Restaurant and The River House.
    
    

• Accommodation:

  • Liveaboard Boats: For an immersive diving experience, consider staying on a liveaboard boat that offers multi-day diving trips around the Similan Islands. These boats provide comfortable accommodations and all necessary amenities.
    
    
  • Nearby Hotels: Stay in nearby Khao Lak or Phuket, where a variety of accommodation options are available, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses.
    
    

Special Events and Festivals

While there are no specific events or festivals held at Boulder City, visitors can enjoy local cultural festivals in nearby towns:

• Songkran Festival (April): Celebrate the Thai New Year with traditional water fights and cultural festivities.
  
  
• Loi Krathong (November): Experience the beauty of floating lanterns during this enchanting festival.
  
  

Why This Location is a Must-Visit

Boulder City stands out as a must-visit location in the Similan Islands due to its unique underwater topography, vibrant coral gardens, and diverse marine life. The site's dramatic granite boulders and swim-throughs create an underwater playground that is both challenging and rewarding for divers. Whether you're navigating the intricate tunnels, observing the abundant marine life, or simply marveling at the stunning underwater scenery, Boulder City offers an unforgettable diving adventure. Its pristine conditions and thriving marine ecosystems make it one of the standout destinations in Thailand’s diving scene, ensuring an extraordinary experience for all who visit.