Liveaboard Dive Sites

Richelieu Rock

The Richelieu Rock is Thailand’s premier dive site and one of the best places in Thailand to see Big Pelagics, macro treats and incredible corals all at one site. This huge pinnacle climbing from the depths of the Andaman Sea attracts scuba divers from around the world. The incredible concentration of biodiversity at one single site make Richelieu famous throughout diving circles - not to be missed by any diver in the region.

Located in the middle of the sea, Richelieu Rock provides no shelters for the boats. So there are only a few day trips that visit there and many liveaboards that include this site as part of their routes. As there is no protection descents are usually done right of the back of the boat – not tied up.

You can dive here over and over and see something new. The currents change constantly, and it’s not always an easy dive. But, if you have an experienced dive guide and they give a well-detailed briefing, you can learn how to hide from the currents and have a very enjoyable dive.

Type of Dive Boulder/Wall
Depth 5 - 40 metres
Visibility 5 - 25 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Intermediate to Advanced

Koh Tachai Pinnacle

Twenty-five kilometers north of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai has an offshore underwater ridge that runs perpendicular to the island. Known as "Twin Peaks" this is considered to be one of the finest dives in the Kingdom of Thailand and is famous as a place to see not only the more common species of corals, fans and tropical fish, but larger animals such as rays, leopard sharks, nurse sharks and hawksbill turtles. Whale sharks and Manta rays make an appearance on a regular basis.

A ridge runs between the two pinnacles, though the southern rock is the one most people dive on as there are two boat moorings there which makes it easier for divers to descend in a strong current. If you have the air and the current is not too strong, it's worthwhile swimming to the other rock which comes up a bit shallower. However, most of the time the current runs perpendicular to the ridge making a long swim tiring. It's heaven for the fish, though; they hunt and dart around, coming very close to divers, making the diving here about as exciting as it gets here in Thailand.

Type of Dive Boulder
Depth 12 - 40 metres
Visibility 10 - 25 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Intermediate to Advanced

Koh Bon Ridge

Koh Bon is located about 20 km north of Similan Island #9 and features one of the only vertical walls in Thailand. The main dive site is on the southwestern point and has a step-down ridge that carries on to depths of over 45 meters. The eastern side of this ridge forms the wall and this is where most divers will enter the water and generally where the boat moor. The western side of the ridge is more of a gentle slope with coral bommies forming mushroom-like formations out of the finger corals.

On the ridge itself, sea fans of different sizes, shapes and colors grow, and schooling fish swim in the current feeding. This is generally where most divers will sit most of the dive, hoping for a sighting of the manta rays which frequent this dive site. These creatures seem to travel from Bon to Tachai and back again during the diving season from October until May.

Type of Dive Wall/Slope/Reef/Drift
Depth 10 - 40 metres
Visibility 10 - 25 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Intermediate to Advanced

Koh Bon Pinnacle

There is a pinnacle in the bay just to the north of the ridge. It's a deep rock, but if you're an experienced diver it's worth the short bottom times you'll get as it's a very special site. Not all boats visit it and if conditions are not good (like the current is running strong), it's not worth the effort. But, if the water is clear, you're good with your air, and the current is slack, it's a stunning rock. It looks like a monolithic temple built by some ancient culture.

The rock runs along an almost east to west course, the taller of the two pinnacles comes up to about 18 meters and the other pinnacle comes only up to about 24 meters. The sandy areas around the rock are well over 45 meters so beyond the range of most scuba divers. However, when the visibility is good you see all the way around the rock. Leopard sharks hang here, but it's also a good place to see smaller critters hiding in the rock. It's not dived as much as the ridge since it's deeper and the currents can make it more difficult so beginners have a tough time here. The pinnacle is fairly close to the main ridge and it's possible to swim to the ridge, though there is little reason to do so.

Type of Dive Wall/Slope/Reef/Drift
Depth 10 - 40 metres
Visibility 10 - 25 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Intermediate to Advanced

North Point

North Point (Similan Island #9)

North Point

Huge boulders extend to 35 meters are surrounded by large areas of sand. The formations of adhering rocks create holes and a swim-through at around 20 meters. A steep gigantic boulder forms a scenic, elongated channel at 5 meters. Next to the channel are shallow fringe reefs that consist of staghorn and hard corals.

Resting on the sand, sometimes close to the boulders are leopard sharks and white tip reef sharks. The sand is also habitat for many gobies and shrimps. Kuhl’s stingrays are always found buried under the sand. Schools of giant trevally, bluefin trevally, goatfish, surgeonfish and unicornfish often visit this site.

Type of Dive Boulder/Reef
Depth 10 - 35 metres
Visibility 20 - 25 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Intermediate

Three Trees

Three Trees (Similan Island #9)

Three Trees

On the northeast corner of Similan Island #9, Three trees or Batfish Bend has fantastic diversity, it is identified by the Three distinctive trees on the island marking the start point of the dive.
The dive starts with an 8 meters shelf which sloped down to around 18 meters in the sand if you cross the sand for around 20 meters you will find boulder formations which go down to 30 meters and many coral blocks on the way to them.

In the sand stingrays are common, as are garden eels. The boulders sometimes have leopard sharks around them. In the coral blocks on the sand look for the many cleaning stations with white stripe cleaning and Durban dancing shrimp.
Once back to the reef, which is hard coral and whip corals, look for the many grouper, triggerfish and for the four napoleon wrasse that is frequently spotted on this reef.

Longfin batfish are a visitor to this site, with them often following you for the dive as you make your way along the reef. In the shallow area look for the milkfish and hawksbill turtles that frequent the area.

Type of Dive Reef/Sand/Rocks
Depth 8 - 20 metres
Visibility 20 - 25 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Intermediate

A big thank you to KSA to provide this map.

Christmas Point

Christmas Point (Similan Island #9)

Christmas Point

Is a cluster of submerged boulders. Underwater, large stacked boulders stretch to a depth of 35 to 40 meters, which create an arch-like swim-through at 24 meters. The crevices are covered by colorful soft corals and sea fans. A hard coral garden made up of rows of staghorn and pore corals is located at a shallow depth of 10 meters.

Around the borders of the rocks and beyond, at a depth of 25 to 40 meters, you are likely to find leopard sharks, white tip and black tip reef sharks and other big fish such as Napoleon wrasse, great barracuda, giant trevally and tunas.

Type of Dive Boulder/Sand/Reef
Depth 12 - 35 metres
Visibility 15 - 30 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner to Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Breakfast Bend

Breakfast Bend (Similan Island #9)

Breakfast Bend

A very long coral reef slopes gently from a depth of 5 to 10 meters, falling to a sand bottom at 25 to 30 meters. The main feature is hard corals, pore corals, staghorn corals, brain corals, while soft corals are hard to find. Leopard sharks are common and sometimes two to three of these can be seen in the same dive. White tip reef sharks and Napoleon wrasse are also possible here. Kuhl’s stingrays, garden eels, groupers, triggerfish, different sorts of gobies on the sand are a common sight.

Schools of soldierfish and bluefin trevally as well as some camouflage experts such as octopuses and ghost pipefish. Furthermore, comet fish can also sometimes be seen in rock crevices. Large swarms of friendly batfish and yellowtail barracuda can always be found swimming around.

Type of Dive Boulder/Sand/Reef
Depth 8 - 25 metres
Visibility 15 - 30 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner to Intermediate

Turtle Rock

Turtle Rock (Similan Island #8)

Turtle Rock

The site’s landmark is a rock shaped like a turtle. Turtle Rock consists of stacked rocks and staghorn corals stretching along the edge of the island. The sand bottom is at 25 meters. North of the rocky area is a shallow part that is 8 to 10 meters in depth. There is also a swim-through.

On the sandy bottom, Kuhl’s stingrays and garden eels are a common sight. Nestled within the crevices of the rocks, you are likely to find several kinds of sweetlips, snappers, groupers, angelfish and moray eels. Also, various small creatures like nudibranchs and squat lobsters. Sea turtles are often seen here too.

Type of Dive Reef, Sand, Rocks
Depth 10 - 30 metres
Visibility 10 - 30 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Beacon Reef

Beacon Reef (Similan Island #8)

Beacon Reef

...features a steep drop off from a depth of 5 meters to a sandy bottom around 40 meters, with a striking diversity of hard corals. The drop-off has a great variety of healthy hard corals, staghorn corals, brain corals, pore corals, bottlebrush corals and many more. A landmark of this site is a shipwreck, known as “Atlantis X”. The ship sank in 2002 and fortunately, there were no fatalities from the incident. The wreck lies on the reef slope at a depth of 30 meters at the stern and 15 meters at the bow.

Due to the lush corals, reef fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, fairy basslets, pufferfish, porcupinefish, triggerfish and moray eels are abundant here.

Type of Dive Reef, Sand, Rocks
Depth 10 - 30 metres
Visibility 10 - 30 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Elephant Head Rock

Elephant Head Rock (Similan Island #8)

Elephant Head Rock

Is the biggest pinnacle in the Similans, visible from the surface. There are three large boulders that emerge above water. Submerged boulders are piled up, forming sheer walls and swim-through that are covered with assorted colors of soft corals and sea fans. The site is surrounded by sand at a maximum depth of 35 to 40 meters.

In addition, cave walls are full of soft corals, creating plenty of magnificent scenery that makes you feel like you are swimming in an underwater valley. Many areas are popular among underwater photographers, such as a wall that has a head-sized round opening or a channel between the steep cliffs with a lot of soft corals.

Often you can see the white tip and black tip reef sharks outside the boulders. In addition, juvenile white tip reef sharks sometimes lay in the cracks of the boulders

Type of Dive Boulder/Sand/Reef
Depth 5 - 30 metres
Visibility 15 - 30 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner to Intermediate

Deep Six

Deep Six (Similan Island #7)

Deep Six

Deep Six is a V-shaped like an extension from the mainland continuing north underwater and consists of small as well as huge rocks and boulders covered with soft coral and sea fans. Situated on the north tip of Island 7 (Koh Pa-Yu), Deep Six‘s depth ranging from 5 - 40 meters and is one of the best boulder sites in the Similan Islands. It’s an exciting deep dive site on the Similans and it was named after Island 6 before the islands were renamed (Elephant Head Rock lost its status as an island), hence the name Deep Six. At the biggest boulder in the center, a pile of smaller rocks forms exciting swim-throughs, caverns and tunnels that rise from about 22 meters to about 12 meters.

Depending on current direction, descend on either northeast (when north current) or northwest side (when south current) of the island and follow current around the tip and cross to the shallow coral area. The mooring line is a little west of the center and will help you to get down easily without drifting away from the boulders. It is best to start deep, so you can use the current to ascend slowly upward, passing as many swim-throughs as possible. Most of them are at 12 – 18 meters depth. Because of dive profiles and currents, it is advised to stay close to the rocks since Deep Six is a more demanding dive site.

Type of Dive Boulder, Reef, Sand
Depth 15 - 30 metres
Visibility 15 - 20 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

West Of Eden

West of Eden (Similan Island #7)

West Of Eden

This dive site is ideal for a reef dive. The reef slope ranges from 5 to 40 meters. In the north, there is a cluster of staghorn corals and blue corals punctuated by sparse rocks. In the middle of the site, you will find a few corals, mostly sand and scattered fire coral.

The highlight of the site is a pinnacle, which is covered with colorful soft corals and sea fans, a magnificent sight that shows the diversity and beauty of the marine life on the reef. In addition, in the shallow parts, you will find a huge plain of small grass-like soft corals on the sand that create a very pretty picture that looks similar to an underwater Japanese garden!

On the outer sand area, there is a good chance to see sharks incl. black tip and white tip sharks, just lying on the sand. You may also have the opportunity to see a lobster hiding in a crevice.

Type of Dive Boulder/Wall
Depth 12 - 35 metres
Visibility 15 - 30 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner to Intermediate

Anitas Reef

Anita’s Reef (Similan Island #6)

Anitas Reef

The reef spreads across two islands. The reef slop falls from the reef flat at 5 to 10 meters to the sand bottom at a maximum of 26 to 28 meters. Shallow coral gardens comprise huge pore and staghorn corals with small pinnacles. Colorful corals are scattered along the white powdery sand, creating beautiful natural scenery. A big outcrop makes this dive site unique and attracts many photographers.

This fantastic rock at 12 meters is surrounded by various colorful soft corals, gigantic sea fans and many species of hard corals. It really is a must-see. At the south side of Anita’s reef are gigantic boulders that lie at 30 to 35 meters on a sand bottom and have formed a channel that divers can swim through and luckily can see sharks and big Kuhl’s stingrays.

This is a perfect site for searching for small creatures such as black-ray partner gobies, razor wrasse, rock mover wrasse. In addition angelfish, dragonets, pipefish, scorpionfish and varieties of colorful nudibranchs are commonly seen on the rocky reef. Furthermore, clown triggerfish, octopuses and sea snakes have bee spotted.

Type of Dive Reef/Sand/Boulder/Wreck
Depth 5 - 40 metres
Visibility 20 - 40 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner to Intermediate

Hideaway Bay

Hideaway Bay (Similan Island #5)

Hideaway Bay

The Hide Away Bay dive site is located a bit further South West of Anita’s reef. It is sometimes called Barracuda Point. This shallow bay features superb coral and great marine life. Go deeper and you’ll find granite boulders covered with coral well worth exploring. This and easy dive site perfect for all level of divers.

This makes a great spot for snorkeling and night diving. Be careful of the stones fishes and scorpionfishes when swimming there. You can see reef sharks, turtles, and groupers as well as the usual reef life of the Andaman Sea. The current is usually gentle, so enjoy this relaxing dive in the Similans!

Type of Dive Sand,Reef,Rocks, Tuna Wreck
Depth 10 - 30 metres
Visibility 10 - 15 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Students/ Intermediate

Stonehenge

Stonehenge (Similan Island #4)

Stonehenge

Stonehenge dive site in the Similan Islands features fantastic marine life. You can spot Whitetip, Blacktip and Leopard Sharks. It is also quite common to find lobsters and sea slugs in the cracks. Rays are often there too. Pelagic fish can be spotted with Barracudas and Giant trevallies. Macro lovers can look for the very rare Ornate Ghost Pipefish This spot is reserved to Advanced Divers.

The Rocks start around 24 meters deep and go down to 36 meters deep. The current can sometimes be quite strong so always check before jumping in the water. The site is situated in the open Sea between the islands of Ko Miang and Ko Payu.
Stonehenge is classified as a Deep Dive. This location is a Reef. This is a great place for spotting and diving with Sharks!

Type of Dive Reef
Depth 15 - 35 metres
Visibility 15 - 20 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Advanced / Deep

Shark Fin Reef

Shark Fin Reef (East of Island #3)

Shark Fin Reef

This site was named for the shape of its elongated ridge rising above the surface which reminds many of a shark fin. It’s a formation of granite boulders with hard corals, staghorn corals and soft corals, combined with tiny rocks and sea fans. During low tide normally three pinnacles can be seen from the surface, which gives the reef its name.

The vast majority of the site is occupied by boulders that fall steeply to 35 to 40 meters and are surrounded by sand. Due to the fact that the boulder formation is long, coral reefs have been divided into northern and southern areas. At various parts of the reef, some pinnacles have stacked themselves on top of one another, forming many swim-throughs that divers can enjoy.

Near the sandy areas, you are likely to find leopard sharks, white tip and black tip reef sharks, stingrays and spotted garden eels. Furthermore, this site is one of the few areas in the Similans where you can see Napoleon wrasse, bump head parrotfish as well as giant trevally and tunas. Sometimes, Manta rays and whale sharks can be spotted.

Our main reference above and below is the ridge itself. The elongated shape covers a long distance, making walls, platforms, cracks, and small caves where we can spend the second half of the dive after exploring the deeper parts of the surrounding area. Let’s see if you will be lucky enough to find leopard sharks resting in the sand, hump head parrotfish, marble stingrays, or even pink whip rays.
The shallow areas will excite photographers when they have to choose between interesting subjects in some the clearest waters of the Similan Islands.

Type of Dive Boulder/Sand/Reef
Depth 5 - 30 metres
Visibility 15 - 30 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner to Intermediate

Boulder City

Boulder City (East of Island #3)

Boulder City

Is a cluster of underwater boulders with soft corals, huge sea fans and clumps of stag horn corals. Pinnacles lie 30 to 40 meters away from each other on a sand bottom and the tops of the boulders are submerged at a depth of 12 to 18 meters.

Sharks sometimes can be spotted around the sand bottom. You also can see Napoleon wrasse, bump head parrotfish and turtles as well.

Big groupers, snappers, angelfish, unicornfish, boxfish and pufferfish can all be found dwelling around the boulder cliff. Some smaller creatures such as pipefish, fire gobies, boxer shrimps and dancing shrimps can also be seen inside cracks and underneath rocky clusters. Lastly, sometimes big pelagics such as manta rays cruising around the vicinity.

Type of Dive Boulder/Wall
Depth 12 - 30 metres
Visibility 15 - 30 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner to Intermediate

Boonsung Wreck

Boonsung Wreck (Local Dive Site)

Boonsung Wreck

Some of the Liveaboards offer the last dive of the trip at the outstanding wreck "Boonsung". Here you will find an old tin mining boat which sank in 1984 and rests at a depth of 20 meters. The boxing day Tsunami of 2004 separated the wreck into three parts, making the dive site bigger and even more attractive.

Over several years it became colonized by thousands upon thousands of fish, glad to be lucky enough to have an artificial reef in a vast expanse of sand. When the tsunami hit in 2004, it broke the structure into four main pieces, making it even more interesting.

Around the wreck, which locals describe as “fish soup,” you will pass through clouds of snappers, fusiliers, batfish, and trevally as you look for the special things living within the wreck and in the surrounding sand. Crocodile fish, stonefish, scorpionfish, lionfish, ornate ghost pipefish, moray eels and much more reside with the kings of the site, the nudibranchs.

Type of Dive Wreck
Depth 18 metres
Visibility 10 - 15 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

A big thank you to KSA to provide this map.

Shark Point Phuket

Shark Point (Phuket Dive Site)

Shark Point Phuket

Named after the Leopard sharks that frequent the site often on the sandy bottoms. The sight is made up of three main pinnacles running from north to south. The pinnacles are number as they head in a south direction and also get deeper as they go. The first pinnacle is the only pinnacle that is visible from the surface. Commonly only pinnacles one and two are dived, normally starting at pinnacle one, depending on the currents with the depth of pinnacle three (about 15 meters) at the shallowest being an issue towards the end of a dive.

Much like Koh Doc Mai on its day, it can be stunning, however, visibility and strong currents can hamper a dive.

Shark Point is blessed with a beautiful selection of the Giant Gorgonian Fan Coral, some as big as 3 meters, a stunning selection and bizarrely shaped barrel sponges and colorful range of soft anemones. This site has a fantastic mix of marine life which delivers both the large 3.5 meters Leopard sharks and small creatures such as Ghost Pipefish and Seahorse.

Recently there has been an abundance of Kuhl’s Stingrays and Cuttlefish in between the first and second pinnacle. This site has at times provided some rare and wonderful sea creatures lurking about including Whale Sharks, Spotted Eagle ray and recently even a Spotted Shovelnose Ray has tantalized the senses.

This dive site is more suited to experienced divers and can often be intimidating to beginner divers given the strong currents and rough seas. With careful planning, it can be dived by novice divers however extra care should be taken.

Type of Dive Boulder, Reef, Sand
Depth 5 - 30 metres
Visibility 5 - 15 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Advanced

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Koh Bida Nai

Phi Phi Island - Koh Bida Nai

Koh Bida Nai

Koh Bida Nai is the sister island to Koh Bida Nok. A part of the Phi Phi National Park. Although it does not have the same diversity as Koh Bida Nok it is still a very nice dive site.

The northern wall contains some stunning corals and it is the feature of the dive site. A beautiful swim through on the southeastern side provides divers with a picturesque view of some large schools of snappers that line either side. Blacktip reef sharks and turtles are commonplace here as to are big schools of trevallies and tuna.

Whale Sharks often cruise past at the right time of year so keep your eyes peeled. Ribbon eels, Ornate Ghost Pipefish have made regular appearances here so keep a good lookout in the broken coral in the sandy areas. Recently the Leopard Sharks have been commonly cited and their gentle nature and diver friendly persona have been providing scuba divers with fantastic dives which can be treasured for a lifetime. It is one of the best scuba diving sites in the area to see the Hawks-bill turtle as well.

This dive site can be a little difficult for the first time diver so it often has done as the second dive when traveling to Phi Phi preferring to allow the beginner divers a start in the bay of Koh Bida Nok.

A very nice dive and one that divers should have a look at when diving in and around Phuket Thailand.

Type of Dive Boulder, Reef, Sand
Depth 7 - 25 metres
Visibility 10 - 20 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Koh Bida Nok

Phi Phi Island - Koh Bida Nok

Koh Bida Nok

Koh Bida Nok is probably one of my favorite dives sites in the area and is the most likely dive site you will do when scuba diving the Phi Phi Islands (weather permitting).

A dive site that is accessible to all diving levels and provides great entertainment for all divers.

The underwater topography is diverse from sandy bottoms, sloping reefs, a great wall, small caves and large crevices and a great selection of both hard and soft corals.

The fish life is abundant with big schools of snappers, travelliers, tuna and is littered with many different anemone fish, surgeonfish, Butterflyfish. The rare Ghost Pipefish can be often found here lurking in and around the large coral bommies. Koh Bida Nok contains possibly one of the best selections of fish life in the area.

The marine life is also some of the best in the region with Black Tip reef sharks common, Leopard sharks regularly lying in the sandy bottoms and Whale Shark can regularly cruise by in the months of May through to August. Turtles are commonplace as are cuttlefish and Octopus. Sea snakes can often be found as can moray eels including the stunning Zebra Moray. Seahorses and colorful nudibranchs are not out of place either.

Recently huge numbers of both Yellow and Two Spot Snapper have called this island home. They have become a favorite with schools of 1000’s gathering making stunning formations keeping divers amazed during a dive. Regularly there are large schools of tuna that come and go which also make for and stunning sight when scuba diving.

Koh Bida Nok is also one of the best snorkeling sites in the region. It provides a great opportunity for snorkelers to get up close and personal with the black tip reef sharks and a wide selection of reef fish.

Type of Dive Boulder, Reef, Sand
Depth 2 - 30 metres
Visibility 10 - 20 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Koh Haa #5

Koh Haa - Cathedral

Koh Haa #5

Ko Haa’s white-sandy beaches, stunning karst islands, crystal clear waters, shallow lagoon and beautiful reefscapes make this site a photographer’s dream and is one of the best macro sites in the area. The 12+ dive sites at Ko Haa offer beautiful scuba diving and snorkeling with spectacular visibility. Diving at Ko Haa is suitable for divers and snorkellers of all levels.
Ko Haa’s scuba diving highlights include The Cathedral, The Chimney and The Lagoon. There are also underwater pinnacles, drop-offs, walls, boulders and other caverns, inter-connected chambers and swim-throughs to explore.

Ko Haa, which means ‘Five Islands’ in Thai, has a central lagoon area that is ideal for beginner divers. It offers a safe and relaxed starting point for you to take your first underwater breaths and there are some extremely friendly little Porcupine Puffer Fish, ready to make your acquaintance in the large, sandy bay area. The bay slopes gently onto the reef allowing you to progress into your first dive effortlessly.

The marine life that can be found at Ko Haa varies from rare Ghost Pipefish measuring only a few centimeters to an abundance of Octopus hiding amongst the rocks and crevices. A Hawksbill Turtle is often seen swimming amongst the pristine coral. Marble Rays, Eagle Rays, Whale Sharks and even Manta Rays are spotted here occasionally. You can’t predict exactly what you’ll see, but it’s always a pleasant and rewarding surprise!

Ko Haa Yai 5 dive site is also called the Cathedral. The site is located 30 min by boat from Koh Lanta. Around 20 m deep, there are cave entrances leading to a superb underwater Cathedral. Enter the cave system only if you are an experienced diver and you know what you are doing. This spot is perfect for photography with great shot opportunities of the superb underwater ambiance. The marine life is also superb with turtles, whitetip reef sharks and all the usual reef fishes of the Andaman Sea. The current can be strong, so always plan your dive carefully.

Type of Dive Reef, Rocks, Cave
Depth 5 - 20 metres
Visibility 10 - 20 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Koh Haa #1

Koh Haa - Chimney

Koh Haa #1

Ko Haa Nua 1 – the Chimney dive site is located on the South side of Ko Haa Nua Island. There is a cave with the entrance at about 5 m deep. At this spot, you can see nice marine life with Green Turtles, scorpionfishes, Glassfish and Groupers. The scenery is really beautiful. The famous Chimney system has both a vertical and horizontal tunnel system that widens into open chambers with windows facing north and south.

The entrance to the chimney is at 18m, and the exit is at 4-5m. If conditions allow, a connecting tunnel within the chimney at 8-9m takes you into a fish-bowl-like cavern. The north and south sides of the island have sloping reefs, whilst the east and west sides are vertical walls.

As well as the customary reef fish, you may also find turtles eating the abundant bubble coral, golden trevallies hunting large schools of snapper, and many varieties of moray eel free-swimming through the multi-layers of plate coral. This Koh Lanta dive site is easy and suits all level of divers, so enjoy the relaxing dive

Type of Dive Reef, Rocks, Tunnel
Depth 5 - 20 metres
Visibility 10 - 20 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Koh Haa #2-4

Koh Haa - Lagoon

Koh Haa #2-4

Ko Haa’s central lagoon area is a must-see for any diver or snorkeller visiting Ko Lanta. The crystal-clear waters make for an Underwater Photographer’s paradise and the wealth of marine life is sure to delight every visitor.
Cruising into the picture perfect lagoon of Ko Haa is a treat for novices & experienced divers alike with its little white sand beach, stunning karst islands & crystal clear waters.

The lagoon is home to beautiful reef capes, a beautiful large table coral covered in nervous humbug fish & many colorful reef fish such as Porky, the resident & very curious Porcupine Pufferfish, Clownfish (aka Nemo), Lionfish, Scorpionfish, Snapper, Barracuda & even Turtles. Due to its shallow waters and calm conditions, this site is a photographers dream and is one of the best sites in the area for finding macro delights such as Ornate Ghost Pipefish & Harlequin Shrimps.

The marine life that can be found at Ko Haa varies from rare Ghost Pipefish measuring only a few centimeters to an abundance of Octopus hiding amongst the rocks and crevices. A Hawksbill Turtle is often seen swimming amongst the pristine coral.

The Lagoon offers a safe and relaxed starting point for you to take your first underwater breaths and there are some extremely friendly little Porcupine Puffer Fish, ready to make your acquaintance in the large, sandy bay area. The bay slopes gently onto the reef allowing you to progress into your first dive effortlessly.

The snorkeling in the Lagoon is among the best in the area, with breathtaking corals at only a few meters depth, you can appreciate much of the marine life effortlessly as you float in the turquoise waters.

Type of Dive Reef, Rocks, Tunnel
Depth 2 - 30 metres
Visibility 10 - 20 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Hin Daeng

Some 40 nautical miles South of the Phi Phi Islands lies one of the best dive sites in Thailand. Just breaking the surface, Hin Daeng is a huge dive site with depths down to well below normal recreational limits. The South West side drops to over 60m, creating a steep wall of soft corals – Leopard sharks are often seen in this area and keep an eye out for Whale sharks or Manta rays.

The Eastside has the best soft coral growth and two ridges that slope gently into deeper water. Pelagic fish such as Jacks hang out close to the rock. In shallower areas, Moray eels are commonly found hiding in cracks in the rock face. Hin Daeng is also good for critters such as nudibranchs, cowrie shells and various species of shrimps.

Type of Dive Reef, Rocks
Depth 0 - 40 metres
Visibility 10 - 20 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Hin Muang

Hin Muang is a long rocky ridge just a few hundred meters from Hin Daeng with it’s top at a depth of 8-9m and it’s bottom at 60-70m. It is actually connected to Hin Daeng, but the depth prohibits a dive between the two. Currents can sweep quite strongly over the ridge, but you can always stay on the sheltered side.

The surface of Hin Muang is covered in purple soft corals and anemones and swarms of tiny silversides are constantly under attack from predators such as jacks and trevallies. Leopard sharks are common and Whale sharks are also seen here. Even if you don’t see a “big fish”, Hin Muang is a beautiful sight with its colorful corals and steep walls.

Type of Dive Reef, Rocks
Depth 5 - 60 metres
Visibility 10 - 20 metres
Temperature 27 - 29 degrees C
Difficulty Beginner / Intermediate

Thank you to Similan Dive Guide for the provision of the map.

Liveaboard Dive Sites

Richelieu Rock

Koh Tachai Pinnacle

Koh Bon Ridge

Koh Bon Pinnacle

North Point (Similan Island #9)

Three Trees (Similan Island #9)

Christmas Point (Similan Island #9)

Breakfast Bend (Similan Island #9)

Turtle Rock (Similan Island #8)

Beacon Reef (Similan Island #8)

Elephant Head Rock (Similan Island #8)

Deep Six (Similan Island #7)

West of Eden (Similan Island #7)

Anita’s Reef (Similan Island #6)

Hideaway Bay (Similan Island #5)

Stonehenge (Similan Island #4)

Shark Fin Reef (East of Island #3)

Boulder City (East of Island #3)

Boonsung Wreck (Local Dive Site)

Shark Point (Phuket Dive Site)

Phi Phi Island - Koh Bida Nai

Phi Phi Island - Koh Bida Nok

Koh Haa - Cathedral

Koh Haa - Chimney

Koh Haa - Lagoon

Hin Daeng

Hin Muang

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