Dive Sites
The Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are commonly rated as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world. The islands are located 100 km (sixty miles) Northwest of Phuket and have been a Marine National Park since 1982. The Similans are comprised of 9 granite islands running North to South with numerous small rock outcroppings, white sand beaches and tropical jungle. Spectacular dive sites in warm, clear waters make this a diving paradise. The Similans provide a huge variety of diving topography and boast the richest variety and abundance of reef fish in Thailand.
Seas are calm and dives are at moderate depths, suitable for all levels of divers. The shallow bays and magnificent coral gardens provide for amazing snorkeling experiences as well.
In general, the east coast dive sites are hard coral reef dives, with some soft corals and a huge variety and abundance of marine life. The diving is fairly relaxed, with weak currents and 30m visibility. These sites feature lush coral gardens with sea anemones and a host of colorful reef fish. Seas are calm and dives are at moderate depths, suitable for all levels of divers and also for snorkellers.
Western dive sites feature enormous granite boulders, descending down to 60 meters with swim throughs and tunnels, making the diving more challenging. Stronger currents provide nutrients for a colorful variety of soft corals and seafans.
During southern Thailand's hot season in February, March and April, the rising sea temperature causes a boom in plankton levels. This in turn attracts whale sharks and manta rays to be drawn to the Similan Islands to feed.
All this has made Similan Islands dive sites like "Elephant Head", "East of Eden" and "Christmas Point" justly famous. A world of giant underwater boulders, caves, canyons, narrow passages, some 500 species of hard and soft corals and an amazing variety of marine life including leopard sharks, guitar rays, whale sharks, manta rays and turtles is waiting to be explored. Photographers take note that the Similan Islands are also well known for such photogenic critters as ghost pipefish, sea moths, frogfish, ribbon eels and nudibranchs. Whatever your pleasure, the Similans will satisfy your desires and give you the diving trip of a lifetime.
Here are a bit information on some of Similans more popular divesites.
- Boulder City
- Honeymoon Bay
- Hideaway Reef
- Deep Six
- Elephant Head
- Beacon Point
- Beacon Reef
- North Point
- Breakfast Bend
- Turtle Rock
Koh Surin Marine National Park
The Koh Surin Marine National Park is located 85 km north of the Similan Islands and 80 km west of Ranong. The Surin Islands themselves are not too impressive for diving, but the two islands between Similan and Surin, called Koh Bon & Koh Tachai are absolutely fantastic dive sites offering just about everything divers can wish for. These two spots are hard to top but the Richelieu Rock is capable in doing so, one of the, if not the best dive site in the Kingdom.
Where to dive around Racha Island
Racha Yai island is surrounded by beautiful hard coral reefs. Dive sites are mostly sloping walls going down to 20-30 meters and are filled with aquatic life. Currents are mild and it is a perfect place to learn scuba diving or a good option for a certified diver to do easy and relaxing drift dives.
Racha Noi is the next island south and offers one of the richest soft coral reefs in Thailand. Aquatic life is similar to Racha Yai’s dive sites though at Racha Noi divers are more likely to see bigger fish and Manta Rays. The drawback of these pristine dive sites is very strong currents and they are only for the more experienced divers. During full moon and new moon the tidal change is biggest (=strongest currents) and during those times it is not possible to dive at Racha Noi.
Dives on the east coast are subject to minimal current, have clear water, and support a good variety of marine life. Dives on the west coast consist mostly of granite rocks, sparse coral growth, invertebrates, and a good variety of reef fish. All levels of divers can go scuba diving at Racha Yai Island.
Racha Yai
- Bungalow Bay North Wall
- Bungalow Bay South Wall
- Siam Bay
- Homerun
- Stag Horn Reef
- Marla's Mystery (wreck dive)
- Lucy's Reef
- Waterfall Wall
- Purple Garden
- The Rock
- Kan-pe-la Point
- The Beach
Andaman Sea
Other sites that can be visited in the Andaman Sea are:
Racha Noi
Dive Sites around Phi Phi
Krabi and Phi Phi Island has a lot to offer for divers in terms of variety of dive sites Phi Phi islands have several sites to choose from, all very rich in marine life and filled with a mixture of hard and soft coral. We visit Phi Phi every week during high season (November - May).
