The Mu Ko Surin National Park comprises some beautiful protected islands west of the Northern Andaman Coast.
Mu Ko Surin National Park is in the Andaman Sea approximately 60 km from the coast of Phang Nga Province in the southern peninsula region. The park covers an area of approximately 135 km. Of the protected area 102 km or 76% is sea. The park comprises 5 main islands; Ko Surin Nua, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ree (Ko Stok), Ko Pachumba, and Ko Kai (Ko Torinla). A few kilometers to the north of the park is the Myanmar border and about 100 km to the south are the Similan Islands. These stunningly beautiful islands are open to visitors from 16 Nov-15 May each year. The picture postcard beaches and excellent snorkelling are a big draw. The main activity enjoyed by visitors is snorkelling, closely followed by scuba diving. Accommodation is the form of bungalows and tents. There are two campsites on Ko Surin Nua.
The islands were declared a national park on the 9 Jul 1981 in recognition of the islands unique beauty and to protect the fragile marine habitat. Green and hawksbill turtles are frequent visitors to the islands. They come to nest on the island's beaches. In the 1990s some rare Olive Ridley turtles were also laying their eggs here. Diving is not allowed in certain areas of the park where conservation initiatives are taking place.
Virtually every dive shop on the Andaman Coast offers dive trips to the islands. See dive shop listings for Khao Lak, Patong, Ranong, et al.