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Similan Islands Dive Sites

Paradise Under the Sea

Thailand's Best Liveaboard Diving Destination

• Similan Islands dive sites •
• Koh Tachai & Koh Bon dive spots •
• Richelieu Rock dive site •
• Boonsung Wreck dive spot •

Mu Ko Similan National Park Diving

Renowned for the extraordinary natural beauty and pristine marine ecosystem, the Mu Ko Similan National Park is frequently listed among the top ten dive destinations of the world. The isolated location coupled with the maritime influence from the Indian Ocean allows Similan archipelago to be blessed with an exceptional diversity and abundance of marine life.

Similan Islands dive sites topography

Scuba Diving Phuket – The topography of the Similan Islands dive sites offers divers with an array of fun adventures beneath the crystal clear turquoise sea water. Each island of Similans has its own unique feature and is surrounded by spectacular underwater rock formation and extensive coral reefs.

The sensational sight that scuba divers get from diving the different dive sites at Similan Islands includes but is not limited to a profusion of reef inhabitants, colorful soft and hard corals, and sandy seabed that look as fine as powder.

The East coast of Similan Islands features white sandy beaches sloping down to gardens of elegant corals, drop-offs with impressive gardens of sea anemones, flourishing hard and soft corals, and teeming fish populations. With negligible currents and mostly moderate depths, these dive sites are suitable for almost any level of diver. The sheltered conditions are ideal as a starting point for Similan Islands Liveaboard diving.

The western side of Similans is quite the opposite. Here giant boulders tumble down to the seabed in depths of more than 40m. Currents have kept the gaps between the boulders free from build-ups of sand, leading to the development of tunnels, archways and caverns that provide exciting swim-throughs. The currents also provide nutrients for masses of gorgonians, crinoids, sea fans and lush soft corals.

With dramatic cliffs and swim-throughs, Similans west coast offer more challenging dive sites to scuba divers.

Best Scuba Diving in Thailand with All4Diving - Similan Islands dive sites map
Similan Islands dive sites map
Similan Islands Liveaboard diving fancy separator
Best Scuba Diving Phuket - Encounter Whale shark at Similan Islands Dive sites
Similan Islands Dive sites - Encounter Whale Shark
Similan Islands Liveaboard diving fancy separator

Famous Similan Islands dive sites

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Richelieu Rock dive site

There is no words to describe the beauty of Richelieu Rock dive site. Amazing, exceptional, great, fantastic…. The most famous dive site of Thailand and one of the best in south-east Asia. Richelieu rock is the place to encounter large pelagics.

Rainbow runners, schools of great and chevron barracuda, trevallies and tuna are all frequent here. This rock is also among the world’s top listed location for sighting Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. Don’t miss this dive site!

Location: Mu Ko Similan National Park
15 km south-east of Surin Island

Depth: Average – 19 meters (63 feet) / Maximum 40+ meters (130+ feet)
Visibility: 15m-40m (49 ft. – 130 ft.)
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Currents: Moderate to strong
Overall note: ★★★★★

Similan Islands dive site - Richelieu Rock
Richelieu Rock dive site map

Koh Tachai dive site – Tachai Pinnacle

Description:
The southern pinnacle is bigger at the depth of 12m. It is a dome shape surrounded by large boulders with the deepest area on the southern side – 45m. To the west side you’ll find large boulders with swim-through In the east you’ll find stacks of small rocks covered hard corals and sea whips. Colorful soft corals and sea fans dominate the northern area. This huge pinnacle links to the smaller one with sand patch. In plus of the usual reef fishes you’ll encounter reef sharks, leopard sharks, manta rays and Whale Sharks.

Location: Mu Ko Similan National Park
40km south of Surin Island

Depth: Average – 20 meters (66 feet) / Maximum 40+ meters (130+ feet)
Visibility: 15m-30m (49 ft. – 98 ft.)
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Currents: Moderate to strong
Overall note: ★★★★☆

Similan Islands dive site - Ko Tachai pinnacle
Koh Tachai pinnacle

Koh Tachai dive site – Tachai Reef

Description:
The reef stretches through the eastern of the island, going from the northeast to the southwest. Hard corals cover almost the entire area, most of which are staghorn, pore and brain corals. Divers regularly see leopard sharks in the shallow area. Large stingrays are found too. General reef fish include pufferfish, parrotfish, lionfish and moray eels. Cuttlefish, nudibranchs and flatworms are also common. In the shallowest section you will encounter schools of barracuda and golden fusiliers.

Location: Mu Ko Similan National Park
40km south of Koh Surin Island

Depth: Average – 18 meters (59 feet) / Maximum 35 meters (115 feet)
Visibility: 15m-30m (49 ft. – 98 ft.)
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Currents: Moderate to strong
Overall note: ★★★★☆

Similan Islands dive site - Koh Tachai Reef
Koh Tachai Reef dive site

Koh Bon dive site
a.k.a Ko Talu

Description:
The Island’s perimeter here takes the form of a series of small wall-like sections which drop to meet a fringing reef at 32m before sharply dropping to more than 40m and reach sloping sand.

Huge sponges and sea fans can be found in depths of 30-40m. The wall is covered with sea anemones and sea whips. Don’t miss octopuses and cuttlefishes. On closer inspection a variety of cleaner shrimps can be witnessed. The southwest is the cleaning station of Manta Rays.

Location: Mu Ko Similan National Park
20km North-West of Similan Islands #9

Depth: Average – 21 meters (69 feet) / Maximum 40+ meters (131+ feet)
Visibility: 15m-30m (49 ft. – 98 ft.)
Difficulty: Advanced
Currents: Moderate to strong
Overall note: ★★★★★

Similan Islands dive site - Koh Bon pinnacle
Koh Bon dive site

Boonsung Wreck dive site

Description:
Boonsung sank around 20 years ago. The wreck lies on serene flat sand at 20m depth. The wreck is 10m wide and 30m long and is fully covered with barnacles and sponges and few corals.

Although the wreck is small, tonnes of fish gather around here, such as schools of bigeye trevally, snappers and batfish. On the sand floor you can often see leopard sharks. Hiding in the dark, divers often see huge marble stingrays. If you are lucky, you can also see Whale Sharks.

Location: Mu Ko Similan National Park
25km West of Khao Lak coastal

Depth: Average – 15 meters (49 feet) / Maximum 22 meters (70 feet)
Visibility: 10m-15m (33 ft. – 49 ft.)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Currents: Moderate
Overall note: ★★★★☆

Similan Islands dive site Boonsung wreck
Boonsung wreck dive site

Nearby Similan Islands Dive Sites

Shark Fin dive site

Description:
The north-eastern side features a slopping reef, whereas the south-western side is more dramatic sheer drop-off: rocks resembling fallen hexagonal pillars, are the highlight of this side of the dive site.

At the south-eastern end of this formations is a large swim-through; this provides an almost purpose-built opening to the site’s opposite side. Large Napoleon wrasse have also been seen around this section as have passing sharks and rays.

Location: Similan Islands
Ko Payan a.k.a Island #3

Depth: Average – 16 meters (53 feet) / Maximum 40+ meters (131+ feet)
Visibility: 20m-30m (66 ft. – 98 ft.)
Difficulty: Advanced
Currents: Moderate to strong
Overall note: ★★★★☆

Similan Islands dive site - Shark Fin reef
Shark Fin reef dive site

Boulder City dive site

The site consist of a collection of enormous submerged granite boulders running southeast – northwest, which are more typical of a west-facing coastal rock formation.

They fancifully resemble rocky mountains separated by wide valleys, their cheer sides punctuated occasionally of soft corals and radiant crinoids; with small crevices housing a diversity of marine life. Of course don’t forget look at the blue for Manta Rays.

Location: Similan Islands
Ko Payan a.k.a Island #3, Immediately south of Shark fin Reef

Depth: Average – 19 meters (62 feet) / Maximum 35 meters (115 feet)
Visibility: 20m-30m (66 ft. – 98 ft.)
Difficulty: Advanced
Currents: Moderate to strong
Overall note: ★★★☆☆

Similan Islands dive site - Boulder City
Boulder City dive site

Honeymoon Bay dive site

Description:
The site consist of a collection of enormous submerged granite boulders running southeast – northwest, which are more typical of a west-facing coastal rock formation.

They fancifully resemble rocky mountains separated by wide valleys, their cheer sides punctuated occasionally of soft corals and radiant crinoids; with small crevices housing a diversity of marine life. Eventually, don’t forget look at the blue for Manta Rays.

Location: Similan Islands
Ko Miang a.k.a Island #4 – East coastal

Depth: Average – 16 meters (53 feet) / Maximum 35 meters (115 feet)
Visibility: 15m-20m (49 ft. – 66 ft.)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Currents: Moderate
Overall note: ★★★☆☆

Similan Islands dive site - Honeymoon Bay
Honeymoon Bay dive site

Anita’s Reef dive site

Description:
Shallow coral gardens comprise huge pore and staghorn corals with small pinnacles. Colorful corals are scattered along powdery sand, creating beautiful natural landscape.

A big outcrop located on the southeast makes the dive site unique and attractive for many photographers. Some rare species such as black-ray partner gobies and razor wrasse are commonly seen here. Furthermore, clown triggerfish, octopuses and sea snakes have been spotted.

Location: Similan Islands
Across Ko Ha a.k.a Island #5 and Ko Payu a.k.a. Island #6

Depth: Average – 17 meters (56 feet) / Maximum 35 meters (115 feet)
Visibility: 20m – 30m (66 ft. – 98 ft.)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Currents: Moderate
Overall note: ★★★★☆

Similan Islands dive site - Anita's Reef
Anita's Reef dive site

West of Eden dive site

Description:
Like other western dive site in the Similans, West of Eden basically comprises giant granite boulders that create nice canyons, with walls covered with colorful soft corals and giant sea fans.

Some areas are characterized by rubble and sand slope falling to 35m. In strong current, schools of bluefin trevally, giant trevally, fusiliers and white tip reef sharks become more active. Enjoy the wall and exquisite canyon. This place is nice to look for macro subjects too.

Location: Similan Islands
Ko Hin Pousar a.k.a Island #7

Depth: Average – 21 meters (70 feet) / Maximum 40 meters (130 feet)
Visibility: 20m – 30m (66 ft. – 98 ft.)
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Currents: Moderate
Overall note: ★★★☆☆

Similan Islands dive site - West of Eden
West of Eden dive site

Deep Six dive site

Description:
There are many outcrops throughout the area, along with scattered rocks with soft corals and sea fans on the outer parts. At the big boulder in the center, a pile of small rocks form swim-through, at depths of between 12m and 25m. In the area you may see whitetip reef sharks and Kuhl’s stingrays are common.

You’ll find black & white snapper, giant trevallies and tuna swimming among the boulders, as well as schools of neon fusiliers. Don’t miss ghost pipefish and frogfish.

Location: Similan Islands
North point of Ko Hin Pousar a.k.a Island #7

Depth: Average – 18 meters (60 feet) / Maximum 40 meters (130 feet)
Visibility: 15m – 25m (49 ft. – 82 ft.)
Difficulty: Advanced
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Overall note: ★★★★☆

Similan Islands dive site - Deep Six
Deep Six dive site

Elephant Head Rock dive site

Description:
Giant rocky outcrop off Island 8 southern tip. It resembles a partially submerged elephant.

Huge boulders, some with frames measuring over 30m, sit individually or are stacked to form daring swim-through comprising arches, caverns, gullies and tunnels at all depths.

There’s plenty of marine life residing in the site’s shallower areas. Around the boulders are angelfish, triggerfish and schools of fusiliers and juvenile snappers. This is a very good dive site for spotting reef sharks and octopus.

Location: Similan Islands
Off Southern tip of Ko Similan a.k.a Island #8

Depth: Average – 24 meters (79 feet) / Maximum 60+ meters (198+ feet)
Visibility: 20m – 40m (66 ft. – 131 ft.)
Difficulty: Advanced
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Overall note: ★★★★☆

Similan Islands dive site - Elephant Head Rock
Elephant Head Rock dive site

Donald Duck Bay dive site

A popular night dive site. Scattered coral mounds and boulders provide sleeping quarters for a host of marine life, but their formation forces the nocturnal creatures into areas of open sand in search of sustenance.

Thus night-divers can observe them with much greater ease and frequency and in large numbers. Attracted by the lights of dive boats, cuttlefish, crabs, small lobsters are often everywhere.

Location: Similan Islands
Northwest coast of Ko Similan a.k.a Island #8

Depth: Average – 8 meters (26 feet) / Maximum 15 meters (49 feet)
Visibility: 10m – 20m (33 ft. – 66 ft.)
Difficulty: Beginner
Currents: Moderate
Overall note: ★★☆☆☆

Similan Islands dive site - Donald Duck Bay
Donald Duck Bay dive site

Turtle Rock dive site

The site’s landmark is a rocky shaped like a turtle. The dive site consist of stacked rocks and staghorn coral stretching along the edge of the island. North of the rocky area is a shallow part that is 10m in depth with swim-through.

On the sandy bottom Kuhl’s stingray and garden eels are common sight. Nestled within crevices, you are likely to find sweetlips, snappers, groupers, angelfish and moray eels. Sea turtles and nudibranchs are often seen here too.

Location: Similan Islands
Northwest coast of Ko Similan a.k.a Island #8

Depth: Average – 16 meters (53 feet) / Maximum 35 meters (115 feet)
Visibility: 10m – 20m (33 ft. – 66 ft.)
Difficulty: Beginner
Currents: Moderate
Overall note: ★★★☆☆

Similan Islands dive site - Turtle Rock
Turtle Rock dive site

Waterfall Bay dive site

Small bay south of Turtle rock , has a tiny waterfall that boats use to refill water. The coral reef slope down to a maximum depth of 25m. There is an abundance of hard coral such as pore coral, table coral, brain coral and staghorn.

The north of the bay is made up of large rocks and soft corals. Reef fish, parrotfish, giant morays  and sea turtles are common. Some of the smaller creatures include anemone crabs, boxer shrimp, nudibranchs and flatworms.

Location: Similan Islands
Northwest coast of Ko Similan a.k.a Island #8 and south of Turtle Rock

Depth: Average – 14 meters (46 feet) / Maximum 25 meters (82 feet)
Visibility: 10m – 20m (33 ft. – 66 ft.)
Difficulty: Beginner
Currents: Moderate
Overall note: ★★★☆☆

Similan Islands dive site - Waterfall Bay
Waterfall Bay dive site

Beacon Reef dive site

Beacon Reef is a fringed reef that borders the whole eastern side. The reef features a steep dropoff from a depth of 5m to a sandy bottom around 40m. The dropoff has a great variety of hard corals.

But the landmark of this site is a shipwreck known as “Atlantis X” which rest in the middle of the reef. Large schools of pelagic fish can be seen here. At the wreck, swarm of batfish hang around divers. Lastly, in shallow waters, turtles are frequent visitors.

Location: Similan Islands
South-eastern coastline of Ko Similan a.k.a Island #8, about 200m offshore.

Depth: Average – 14 meters (46 feet) / Maximum 40 meters (131 feet)
Visibility: 15m – 25m (49 ft. – 82 ft.)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Currents: Moderate
Overall note: ★★★☆☆

Similan Islands dive site - Beacon reef
Beacon Reef dive site

Christmas Point dive site

Christmas Point is a cluster of submerged boulders located on the northwest of Island 9. Underwater, there are a number of large stacked boulders that stretch from the island to a depth of 35 m – 40m, which creates an ark like swim-through at 25m. The crevices are covered by colorful soft corals and sea fans.

Around the boulders of the rocks and beyond, at a depth of 25-40m you are likely spot a leopard shark, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, great Barracuda, giant trevally and tunas. At the swim-through, giant sweetlips and groupers can be spotted

Location: Similan Islands
Northwest of Ko Ba-ngu a.k.a Island #9

Depth: Average – 18 meters (59 feet) / Maximum 40 meters (131 feet)
Visibility: 20m – 40m (66 ft. – 131 ft.)
Difficulty: Advanced
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Overall note: ★★★★☆

Similan Islands dive site - Christmas Point
Christmas Point dive site

Rocky Point dive site

Description:
These submerged huge boulders are surrounded by large areas of sand. The formations of adhering rocks create holes and swim-through at around 20m. Remarkably, in the southern area, a steep gigantic boulder forms a scenic, elongated channel.

Close to the boulders you can be rewarded with the sight of Manta Ray, leopard sharks and reef sharks. Schools of giant trevally and surgeonfish often visit the site. Lastly, near the shallow hard corals divers encounter sea turtles.

Location: Similan Islands
Northeast of Ko Ba-ngu a.k.a Island #9

Depth: Average – 20 meters (66 feet) / Maximum 40+ meters (131+ feet)
Visibility: 20m – 30m (66 ft. – 98 ft.)
Difficulty: Advanced
Currents: Moderate to Strong
Overall note: ★★★★☆

Similan Islands dive site - Rocky Point
Rocky Point dive site

Breakfast Bend dive site

Description:
Is so-called because it is generally the first dive of the day. The western section is relatively shallow; its sandy bottom is punctuated with scattered rocks. Southeast of here are beginnings of a reef flat primarily staghorns.

The reef-slope is formed by small boulders and coral shelves with many branch of tree, leafy and brain coral. Moorish idols, butterflyfishes and lionfishes are all present in mass. Colonies of garden eels can be seen on the sandy patches and sometimes sea turtles.

Location: Similan Islands
East of Ko Ba-ngu a.k.a Island #9

Depth: Average – 16 meters (53 feet) / Maximum 35 meters (115 feet)
Visibility: 20m – 25m (66 ft. – 82 ft.)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Currents: Moderate
Overall note: ★★★☆☆

Similan Islands dive site - Breakfast Bend
Breakfast Bend dive site

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