Sunrise Divers — Karon Beach dive centre & Similan liveaboards

Sunrise Divers runs a walk-in dive shop on Patak Road, a few minutes from Karon Beach, and cites 27 years of diving experience in Thailand. It teaches both SSI and PADI courses, from Discover Scuba and Open Water to Advanced, Nitrox and Rescue, and runs an Advanced course on board at the Similan Islands.

The centre is particularly strong on liveaboards. Alongside its own Similan overnight trips (two days/one night up to four days/three nights), it books a range of boats to the Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago, from budget to luxury, and also sells liveaboards in Komodo and Raja Ampat. Day trips cover Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Phi Phi, Shark Point, Koh Doc Mai and the King Cruiser wreck, plus Similan, Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock day trips.

At the time of writing, a two-dive Racha Yai day trip cost 3,000 THB, Similan day trips 4,900 THB and a two-day/one-night Similan trip 13,900 THB. Equipment rental was an extra 500 THB per day.