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Dive Sites Thailand
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"Discover
Hidden Reefs and Pristine Islands"
Book a Liveaboard or Daytrip Today!
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Similan
Islands
There are no words that can adequately describe diving in the
Similan Islands except to say, "This is world class diving at
its very best!" What truly distinguishes this pristine marine
national park from other diving destinations is the tremendous variety
of underwater terrain and the choices in diving it provides.
Dive sites on the eastern side of the islands are characterized by
an almost overwhelming symphony of color. Its like being part of a
Monet landscape. Imagine white sand slopes, brilliantly colored corals,
and crystal clear waters combined with an explosion of tropical fish
and you should have the picture. This is a macro photographers dream
world.
West facing dive sites are dramatically different than those on the
east side of the islands, and will certainly provide excitement for
the more adventurous diver. Massive granite boulders, covered with
hard and soft corals litter the white sandy bottom. Many of these
monoliths plummet well beyond recreational diving limits. These dives
are certainly deep and not for the faint of heart. Currents here are
much stronger as well, providing an ample supply of food for the larger
pelagics such as giant mantas and the elusive whaleshark. Keep your
eyes open for the big stuff!
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Rocky
Point
Depth: 18-40 meters (60-130 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Island #1, South Tip |
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Lying
just off the south tip of island #1, granite boulders lie in piles
from the surface to 40 meters and beyond; providing a wealth of archways,
caves and ledges. Hard corals and feather stars abound in the shallower
areas, while soft corals and massive sea fans inhabit the deeper reaches.
At depths of 20-40 meters divers often encounter large blue spotted
stingrays and docile leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom. Tuna,
giant barracuda, surgeonfish, snapper and large groupers are always
patrolling the blue.
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Shark
Fin Reef
Depth: 9-40 meters (30-130 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Island #3, Southeast |
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Situated
just southeast of island #3, Shark Fin reef is a narrow ridge of granite
which is partially exposed at low tide. The diving here is excellent
as it combines both east side and west side characteristics. While
the seascape here is dominated by gigantic granite boulders, there
are also large fields of staghorn coral, and a gradual sloping sandy
bottom. This site offers outstanding scenery at nearly every depth.
At 25-30 meters you can see both Leopard and White Tip Reef Sharks.
Huge rock formations create a number of archways and tunnels at this
depth. Keep your eyes open for large napoleon wrasse patrolling the
area, as well as the occasional Whale Shark and Manta Ray. |
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Stonehenge
Depth: 18-37 meters (60-130 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Island #4, North Tip |
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As
the name implies, this site features a number of huge massive boulders
scattered over the white sandy bottom. Several of these rocks are
so gigantic they resemble small apartment buildings as they rise 10
meters or more from the bottom. Other points of interest include huge
barrel sponges and fan corals that grow in the canyons between the
large granite boulders. Above 25 meters, the boulders are covered
with hard coral as well as variously colored feather stars and sponges.
This is also one of the few places in the Similans where colonies
of lobster can be seen. Fish life here is also quite varied and can
include large unicorn surgeonfish, big schools of jacks, snappers
and tuna. A relatively deep dive, the average depth here is about
27-30 meters.
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East
Of Eden
Depth: 6-34 meters (20-112 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate
Experience level: Intermediate
Location: Island #7, East Side |
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This
spectacular site extends along the eastern shore of Koh Paya for a
few hundred meters, offering magnificent coral heads in depths of
9-12 meters. These undersea islands are covered in soft tree corals,
sea fans and wire corals, as well as, multitudes of colorful tropical
fish. Hard corals extend down the steep slope from less than 10 meters
at the top, to over 33 meters where the slope flattens out and smaller
coral heads stand covered in sea fans, soft corals and sponges. This
site features some of the best coral growths to be found anywhere
on the planet. Larger creatures are also seen here on occasion, including
big stingrays and even the rare bowmouth guitarfish.
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Deep
Six
Depth: 12-40 meters (40-130 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Vigorous to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Island #7, North Tip |
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This
underwater extension of the islands northern tip consists mainly of
large granite boulders sloping down steeply from the surface to 40
meters or more. Perhaps the most distinquishing feature here is the
proliferation of gigantic fan corals, most of which grow at depths
below 27 meters. Dwarfing the average diver, these filter feeding
corals thrive in the often vigorous currents which converge here.
Patrolling the reefs deeper edges are White Tip Reef Sharks and the
occasional giant Manta Ray. There are some incredible swim throughs
at 12-18 meters, that are a must see. |
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Elephant
Head Rock
Depth: 3-70 meters (10-220 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Island #8, Southeast Tip |
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Elephant
Head is considered by many to offer the most spectacular diving in
the Similans; few who have dived here would disagree. This site is
composed of immense granite boulders which are said to resemble the
head and back of an elephant, as if seen while swimming. Below the
surface, these rocks are stacked up like giant coral covered building
blocks. It is huge!
One only needs to look upward to fully appreciate the beauty of the
gigantic elephant head. When visibility is good, the view is truely
beyond description. As one gazes up at the colossal rock formations,
the fish and corals seem to fade into insignificance, as the truely
massive scale of the place becomes apparent.
While spectacular scenery and diverse marine life are certainly big
attractions at Elephant Head, many divers consider the most outstanding
feature to be the intriguing network of archways, swim-throughs and
tunnels among the rocks. When the current is running, divers can catch
an exciting free ride through these tunnels, using the flow of water
to move them along the various passage ways. |
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Beacon
Point
Depth: 6-37 meters (20-130 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate
Experience level: All Levels
Location: Island #8, South Point |
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This
east facing reef is a continuation of the magnificent sloping drop
off which runs parallel to island #8. A drift dive is often the best
way to explore this area. Begin the dive close to the island, dropping
down to about 30 meters where you will see some large granite boulders.
It is at this point where small reef sharks, Leopard Sharks and Stingrays
are patrolling. Beyond the boulders the sandy sea floor meets the
fringing reef which is covered in huge gorgonian sea fans and twisted
wire corals. Curious moray eels are lurking in the holes and crevices
of the isolated patches of hard coral. There is also an abundance
of the usual reef fish found throughout the area.
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Fantasea
Reef
Depth: 12-40 meters (40-130 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Island #8, West Side |
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This
site is truely incredible and always ranks among the favorites for
anyone who has been here. A jumble of massive granite boulders extends,
in places, from 9-12 meters beneath the surface to over 30 meters
at its base. The sea floor slopes away to more than 40 meters, the
maximum recreational diving limit. Immediately upon entering the water
divers often find themselves surrounded by a wide variety of colorful
reef fish similar to those found around Elephant Head, Stonehenge
and Deep Six. This reef is also a natural attraction for semi-pelagic
creatures like schools of jacks, mackerel, dog-toothed tuna, sailfish
and huge manta rays. This site is a must see. A number of dives are
needed to explore the extensive swim-throughs, caves and other features
of Fantasea Reef. |
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Snapper
Alley
Depth: 12-40 meters (40-130 ft.)
Visibility: Good to Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: All Levels
Location: Island #9, Southeast |
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Actually
an underwater extension of the southeast corner of island #9, Snapper
alley is composed of a series of huge granite boulders tumbling down
a steep, white sand slope. This area recieves excellent tidal exchange,
so currents can be quite brisk; accordingly, the soft coral growth
here is excellent. It is worth going fairly deep here, 24-30 meters,
since this is where the best soft coral colonies are found. And, as
the name implies, snapper can indeed be seen here as well, particularly
a school of the blue-lined variety which hangs out at the western
edge. Other fish species are also plentuful.
A special bonus when diving Snapper Alley is the interesting cavern
which exists among the shallow rock formations. A "room"
large enough to accommodate two or three divers at a time, this cavern
has three different entrances/exits, making it quite safe as overhead
environments go. An especially nice feature of this one, is the depth:
at 5-7 meters it is a perfect place to spend your safety stop. |
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Breakfast
Bend
Depth: 12-40 meters (40-130 ft.)
Visibility: Good to Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: All Levels
Location: Island #9, Southeast |
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Just
around the corner from Snapper Alley on the east side of the island,
the Hideaway, or Breakfast Bend, is a very pleasant and scenic shallow
dive. A combination of mostly hard coral and white sand substrate,
the reef here starts with a plateau of patch coral at 5-10 meters
deep. From there, fields of staghorn corals and several large "bommies"
slope down to a white sand bottom at about 18 meters. An excellent
variety of reef fish call this place home, including several brilliant
regal angelfish and a surprisingly approachable clown triggerfish. |
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Christmas
Point
Depth: 18-30 meters (60-100 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Island #9, West Tip |
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A
Classic west side reef, this site lies just west of Koh Ba Ngru (Island
#9), and consists of huge piles of boulders, scattered over a fairly
large area. Marine life here is diverse and prolific; the rocks are
adorned with a "living carpet" of yellow-green sea anemones.
Countless fish species are found as well, ranging from tiny gobies
and blennies to occasional White Tip Reef Sharks. Among the most notable
attractions are two different schools of oriental sweetlips. Whale
Sharks and Mantas have also been seen here.
The boulders here have created an extensive series of caverns, swim-throughs
and tunnels. Christmas Point is also a perfect multi-level site.
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Koh Bon and Koh
Tachai
Koh
Bon and Koh Tachai are two tiny islands that lie between the Surins
and the Similans. They are almost always included as part of liveaboard
cruises from Phuket. Both are tall, rocky islands and offer varied
and beautiful underwater scenery.
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Koh
Bon West Ridge
Depth: 18-40 meters (60-130 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: Northeast of Similan Islands
Manta/Whale Shark Safari Price: From $155
US |
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This
site is found on the under sea extension of the islands west ridge
which drops sharply to about 40 meters before the sea floor, slopes
away to greater depths. Hard corals extend down to about 25 meters,
while giant sea fans are found from 18-40 meters. These sea fans which
are pastel in color are perhaps the most beautifully colored of all
the sea fan corals found in Thailand. Large barrel sponges also grow
along the ridge.
Aside from the astounding reef life, Koh Bon is one of the best places
to see big pelagic creatures; both giant Mantas and Whale Sharks are
local residents here. Leopard Sharks, Reef Sharks and large Stingrays
also make their appearances. When visibility is at its peak, this
site is reminiscent of diving inside the grand canyon. The shear magnitude
of this place is amazing.
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Koh
Tachai
Depth: 12-34 meters (60-120 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: North-Northeast of Similans
Manta/Whale Shark Safari Price: From $155
US |
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This
site features a pair of coral-encrusted pinnacles, known as the twin
peaks; which are connected by a long, rocky ridge. Currents rich in
nutrients and plankton flow over the ridge, resulting in outstanding
growths of sea fans, whip corals and brilliant soft corals. There
is also an overwhelming amount of schooling fish action here which
includes giant barracudas, blue-lined snapper and the amazing batfish.
The currents here also bring in the big pelagics. One a single dive
here last season we encountered a 5 meter manta ray and 5 minutes
later a 9 meter whaleshark. It is easy to understand why this site
is the favorite of so many divers. You must look into the blue!
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Surin
Islands
Only
a few miles from the Burmese border these breathtakingly beautiful
islands are also part of the Thai National Park system. Heavily forested,
their steep rugged landscape is covered with an emerald green carpet
of virgin jungle, punctuated by towering ancient hardwoods. The surrounding
waters which boast the best developed coral reefs in Thailand are
teeming with gamefish such as sailfish and dorado. The reefs here
are also the favorite haunt of hawksbill turtles.
The jungles are virtually uninhabited but for two small villages of
the Chao Le (sea gypsies). These seafaring people are culturally and
ethnically seperate from Thailand. A visit to their villages offers
a fascinating glimpse of a unique culture.
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Swift
Passage
Depth: 12-40 meters (40-130 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Strong to Raging
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: South of Koh Surin Tai |
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One
especially exciting Surin area dive is Swift Passage, the narrow pass
which separates Koh Surin Tai (the southern of Surin's two main islands)
and Koh Torinla, the smaller island just to the south. The passage
is aptly named; strong currents of several knots are very common here.
When conducted as a drift dive, however, this current is actually
a bonus. The cruising diver is able to watch a constant parade of
schooling fish like batfish, jacks and mackerels. Blacktip and whitetip
reef sharks are also seen here with fair frequency, and there have
even been reports of huge bumphead parrotfish residing among the shallow
hard coral formations. Hawksbill turtles are also abundant in this
area, with up to ten being reported on a single dive.
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Richelieu
Rock
Depth: 6-32 meters (20-100 ft.)
Visibility: Poor to Good
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced
Location: South of Koh Surin Tai |
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This
site is what put the Andaman Sea on the map. Nearly ten miles east
of the Surins, this site is widely regarded as world class. The reputation
is well deserved, as marine life here compares favorably with the
best sites anywhere in the world.
Almost entirely submerged, Richelieu consists of one large rock pinnacle
and several smaller ones, sloping steeply up from a surrounding sand
bottom at about 33 meters.
Although visibility here is often limited, the abundance and variety
of marine life is astounding. Richelieu offers some of the best soft
coral growths around, with some trees growing over knee high. Dense
colonies of sea anemones cover many of the shallower rock surfaces,
providing homes for at least four different species of clownfish.
Other invertebrate life includes a wide range of shell fish, a multitude
of shrimp, crabs, sea stars and nudibranchs. Lots of big fish including
Snapper, Tuna and Surgeonfish frequent the site. Large Stingrays,
Shoveled-Nosed Rays, Sand Sharks, Leopard Sharks and the elusive Whale
Shark are also commonly sighted here. Encounters with the rare Whale
Sharks is an incredible experience and Richelieu is among the best
places in the world to see these animals. Remember, even without a
Whale Shark encounter, Richelieu still offers a concentration and
divesity of marine life found at few other places; it is a sight not
to be missed!
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Burma
Banks
Over
the Andaman Sea horizon, in international waters far beyond the sight
of land, lie the exciting and remote reefs of the Burma Banks. These
sites are a series of submerged sea mounts lying in open sea, which
form coral covered plateaus that come within 15-24 meters of the surface.
The plateaus are surrounded by depths of over 300 meters.
Diving at the Burma Banks is always exciting and challenging, but
it is not for everyone. This is real ocean diving; just open sea in
all directions. Many sites are fairly deep and strong changeable currents
are very common. For experienced divers looking for high voltage excitement,
big animal encounters and a chance to dive an environment well off
the beaten path, the Burma Banks are definitely the destination of
choice.
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Silvertip
Bank
Depth: 17-46 meters (60-140 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Strong
Experience level: Advanced
Location: North of Surin |
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Shaped
like a submerged table top mountain, Silvertip Bank has a flat top
at about 17-20 meters beneath the surface. From the top, the bank
drops off at about 45° to 45 meters before plunging to 300 meters
or more. Within moments of descent to the top of the bank, large silvertip
sharks begin to make their appearance, cruising around out in the
blue. Nurse sharks are also very common here. Due to the proximity
of deep water, this site is an excellent area for pelagic fish such
as rainbow runners, bonito and dog-tooth tuna. Large stingrays are
also encountered here along with eagle rays and Mantas, as well as
game fish such as wahoo, sailfish and marlin. Even ocean sunfish and
Whale Sharks have been seen here; this is the kind of place where
it is possible to see just about anything! |
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Rainbow
Reef
Depth: 22-28 meters (60-140 ft.)
Visibility: Excellent
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Experience level: Advanced
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This
bank covers a large area, averaging 23-28 meters in depths across
the top and falling away to more than 300 meters. A fairly even sandy
bottom is enlivened with extensive areas of hard coral. The table
corals here grow to 5 meters or more and huge apartment size mounds
of boulder coral dominate the seascape. Many of the ancient "bommies"
are riddled with fissures and crevices, which provide attachment points
for several varities of gorgonian fans. You are assured of seeing
plenty of sharks on every dive – not only small species such
as the nurse shark, but also much larger, oceanic species such as
silvertips. Tigersharks are much less common, but there is an abundance
of reef and pelagic fish.
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