Koh Similan Island
The Similan Islands National Marine Park is located off the coast of Khao Lak and around 100 kilometres North
West of Phuket. The Similans, a group of nine granite islands covered in thick tropical jungle, fringed by white
beaches and surrounded with crystal clear waters, are widely recognized as the best diving in Thailand and
most would agree that the reefs are some of the healthiest in Asia.
The dive sites vary from gentle sloping hard coral reefs to wild current swept rocky landscapes. In general the
Western sites are rocky, while the East coast features sloping reefs. This variety is making the Similan Islands
increasingly popular, especially live-a-board diving, and every year divers from all over the world head to
Thailand to sample the fantastic diving.
Diving Sites in Koh Similan
Elephant Head
Elephant Head is often rated as one of the most spectacular dive sites in the Similan Islands. Elephant Head is composed of giant granite boulders which form a complex system of swim-through's, channels and gorges
reaching depths of over 40m. From the surface, one rock resembles an elephant, which gave this dive site its
name. Currents can be quite strong here, but if you know the dive site you always find shelter behind the rocks
and the dive is not difficult. It is located south of Island No. 8 (Koh Similan).
Christmas Point
Another of the Similan's best sites with boulders, soft corals, arches and passages spread out over a huge
area on the west side of island no. 9. More than one dive is needed to see it all. Depths range from 35m to
the surface. A great site to explore and get lost! White tip reef sharks are often seen in deeper sandy areas,
sometimes leopard sharks and the odd Napoleon. Beautiful soft coral gardens hide between the rocks and the
sand rubble bottom is great for critters like nudibranchs and ribbon eels.
East of Eden
East of Eden is probably the best reef dive and most varied dive site in the Similans. It’s a typical east coast
diving site featuring a very healthy hard coral reef mixed with plenty of soft corals, huge fan corals, two giant
bomies and often large tuna and other pelagics. You always will see turtles if you look for them (check out the
shallow part of the reef). East of Eden is like diving in an aquarium. Many divers rate it as their favourite site.
Breakfast Bend
Breakfast Bend is located along the Eastern side of Similan Island No. 9. The fish life here is abundant,
especially damsels, banner fish, groupers and hunting trevallies who dart into clouds of bait fish. The reef drops
to 25m, making it a great multilevel dive. Your safety stop can continue in the shallows where you should keep
an eye out for turtles. The shallow parts of the reef are also a great night dive site.
Boulder City
Boulder City is a submerged site about 1 km off the east coast of island no. 3. Due to its exposed location
it is possible to see almost anything on this Similan dive site, including whale sharks and manta rays. If a
current is running then it's always an exceptional dive. As its name already suggests, Boulder City is a large
submerged granite outcropping with huge boulders lying scattered around a flat sandy bottom. There is very
little coral growth here except for branching green cup corals on the rock surfaces and golden gorgonian fans
in the cracks and gullies. However, the algae growth here is substantial, meaning a prolific amount of grazers,
including both nudibranchs and fish. The masses of unicorn fish, butterfly fish and angelfish picking at the algae
almost resembles cows grazing on the summer pasture. Nearly always good for some white tips,and/or leopard
sharks and often Napoleons.
North Point
The northern tip of the Similan archipelago, North Point offers huge boulder formations that cover a wide area. The rocks lie on 35 metres
and rise to 10 metres, forming swim throughs and gullies between the rocks. Hard and soft
corals grow between the boulders, sheltered from the current that can be strong at times.
North Point is the home to jacks, surgeonfish and fusiliers which you find here in great numbers. When the
visibility is good, have a look into the blue. You may spot a big shoal of chevron barracuda that patrol North
Point. In the shallows closer to the island in 8 to 14 metre depth, you find enormous flat plains of cauliflower
leaf corals and finger corals. This area is home for green turtles and black and white banded sea snakes.
