Within Thailand's Similan archipelago and the Richelieu Rock orbit, zebra sharks rest on sand channels between granite boulders and soft coral gardens on liveaboard and day-trip routes from Khao Lak. Encounters are quieter than Phuket's Shark Point but reward divers exploring the park's less trafficked fringes. The November to April open season frames the best visibility and the steadiest zebra shark sightings.
Within Thailand's Similan archipelago and the Richelieu Rock orbit, zebra sharks rest on sand channels between granite boulders and soft coral gardens on liveaboard and day-trip routes from Khao Lak. Encounters are quieter than Phuket's Shark Point but reward divers exploring the park's less trafficked fringes. The November to April open season frames the best visibility and the steadiest zebra shark sightings.
Up to 85% sighting chance in Similan Islands / Richelieu Rock (Thailand). Best months: January, February, March.
The park opens November through April. December to February typically offers the best zebra shark sightings and visibility.
Zebra sharks appear across both areas. Richelieu Rock is more famous for whale sharks, while Similan fringes and sand channels offer quieter resting zebra shark encounters.
Day trips from Khao Lak reach the Similans for 4,500 to 6,500 THB (2026 prices), but liveaboards cover more remote zebra shark sites over multiple days.
Sand channels between granite boulders and soft coral gardens on less trafficked fringes are the classic resting spots.
No. Similan National Park closes during monsoon months, typically May through October, when seas are too rough for diving.
