Similan Dive Sites – Koh Tachai Reef

Koh Tachai Reef makes a great drift dive and is suitable for all levels.  Its sheltered location means that it is often used as an alternative when the current makes Tachai Plateau too difficult to dive, while visibility usually tends to be better than the surrounding dive sites.   It is a great third dive of the day and a lovely dusk dive as it seems to be home to an unusual amount of resting leopard sharks! 
The current is usually running south to north along a shallow reef which gradually drops down to the sea bed at 30 meters.  It is a very peaceful dive, with large bomies spread out across a fine sandy floor and interspersed with Table Coral, Brain Corals and Fire Corals.  A good dive plan is to enter in the south then head straight out to 30 meters where you will find patches of Staghorn Corals.  Look for spearing Mantis Shrimp which live in the many holes around these corals.  Also look along the floor for larger Rays and Garden Eels. 

Ascend to between 20 – 25 meters and look inside crevices and under corals for a free manicure from Banded Cleaner Shrimps.  The bomies tend to be covered in small Glass Shrimp but they are also home to large Moray Eels as well as Common Lion Fish and even the Oscillated Dwarf Lion fish(although these are easier to find during night dives). Interesting Nudibranchs, Kuhls Rays and Flounders can be found in the sandy patches.  Look for Cuttlefish and Octopus over the rocky areas.  Keep a vigilant eye open for Leopard Sharks which can be found lounging in the sand at various depths.

 Towards the northern tip there is a sharp corner along the reef.  Stay towards the shallows as you go around the corner, as the current can pick up in the deeper waters.  The marine life tends to increase around here, especially if there is a current.  Large shoals of blue fusiliers, Yellow Fusiliers and Trevally can often be seen. Large bomies provide good entertainment during the safety stop before swimming out into the blue for a final spot of Manta searching.