Showing posts with label similan dive sites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label similan dive sites. Show all posts

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Christmas Point

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Christmas Point

Situated on the very northwestern point of the Similan islands, you will find one of the most scenic sites in all the Similans.

With massive boulder formation breaching the surface, shelfs dropping to 30, then to 40, and onwards beyond 70 meters with massive gorgonian fans the area can be breathtaking. On these deeper shelves, look for white-tip reef sharks as well as napoleon wrasse. Look closely for ribbon eels in the sandy areas.

Heading back towards the shallows brings you over massive fields of multicolored bush corals to the South or several amazing swim-throughs towards the East. In the shallower areas, you can often encounter more napoleon wrasse, trevallies and huge jacks between the boulders.

While scanning through all the beautiful nudibranchs and flabellinas, don’t forgot to watch the open ocean as we often get “swim-bys” of manta’s here! Safety stop is best done among the boulders, for safety and to avoid currents.

Diving depths range from 10-40 meters with most of the really amazing scenery from 20-30 meters. This is definitely a dive site to bring a camera. Visibility ranges from 20-30 meters, but on good days it seems to be infinite…

Currents can be strong as this location is where the tidal currents wrap around the top of the Islands. Definitely check out the currents before jumping in. There can be both downward and westerly currents here. With both strong currents and depth, this is a site suitable only for more experienced divers.

This dive site is not suitable for beginners.


Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Elephant Head Rock

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Elephant Head Rock AKA Hin Pusar

The site is named after an unusually shaped rock that juts out of the water just southwest of Koh Similan. The huge boulders that form Elephant Head Rock create daring swim-throughs, arches, caverns, gullies and tunnels – great places to hide, and great places to discover!

Swimming through the tunnels you’ll come across blue-ringed angelfish, triggerfish and bicolour parrotfish. Yellow goatfish and snappers always hang around at the deepest levels, as well as several species of lionfish. Take a look under the overhanging ledges to find several species of the larger snappers, such as one-spot, mangrove and black and white, as well as giant and Andaman sweetlips – an endemic species.

Hang out in the shallows here to off-gas at the end of your dive. Powder blue surgeonfish make their way across the boulder tops, grazing on the algae. Bigeye bream hang out here, seemingly eying you curiously, as large trains of traveling robust fusiliers arrive on the scene from other nearby feeding stations. Keep an eye out for the great barracuda’s that do some serious hunting here. You will often be surprised by the assaults of the huge Jacks that dive into these passing fish too!

The southern most point of the site has a tiny group of submerged pinnacles in very deep water. A great place to observe small reef sharks. There is a possibility of strong surge and current. This makes it one of the more challenging Similan Islands diving sites.

Diving is done from 5 – 35 meters (15-115 feet) with most time spent 15-30 meters (50-100 feet).

Currents can be present but any experienced dive guide will take you to the sheltered spots.

Visibility is often quite good 30 meters+ (100 Feet) but can be affected by prevailing currents.

Divers should be experienced due to depth and currents. Swim-throughs are a hazard to be conscious of as well.


Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Monday, July 21, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Turtle Rock


As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Turtle Rock

Turtle shaped rock gives this site it’s name.

A great site for night dives. Generally free of currents, this site is safe for all divers.

While not overly abundant, the coral here is home to some very interesting little critters. nudibranchs, squat lobsters and several other interesting creatures make for some good macro photographs.

Diving depths range from 5-20 meters (15-75 feet) with most of our time spent in the shallows.

Currents are minimal.

Visibility averages 15-20 meters (50-74 feet).

Site is suitable for all divers.


Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Friday, July 18, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – North Point


As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

North Point

Usually marked by a red buoy which drops down to around 20 meters at the north of the dive site. Characterised by large rocks interspersed with sand and dead corals. Whip corals reach up from the sea bed, while gorgonian fan corals often with feather stars hanging from them protrude from the side of the rocks. Reef sharks can often be seen around the outer edges of the site, as can larger pelagic fish.
The northern tip of the site is often characterised by a strong current which may necessitate staying close to the rocks and zig zaging through the many small swim throughs back to the shallows in the southern side of the dive site. A high and long channel rounds from north to south, with the bottom sitting around 18 meters.
Look on the walls of the rock for nudibranches and check the top of the rock for larger fish. Barracuda have been seen sitting in wait. As you work back towards the south of the dive site staghorn corals become more prominent until they cover the dive site at around 12 meters running from east to west.
In the shallows towards the end of the dive it is not uncommon to see a large school of chevron barracuda or longfin batfish above you, and on most occasions at least one of the resident hawksbill sea turtles is scouring the reef for food. Follow the current during the safety stop.

Diving Depth runs from 10-35 meters (30-120 feet) with the time spent at the divers chosen depth with great features throughout visibility depends on the overall conditions but tends towards 25-30 meters. Currents can be present.

This is the Northenmost point of the Similans and the tidal currents do tend to round this point. Experience level ranges from intermediate to advanced.

While shallow, beginning dives can be done along the reef, it is best to avoid as currents can be present and intimidating to the novice.


Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – East Of Eden


As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

East Of Eden

No visit to the Similan Islands would be complete without a dive along perhaps the most famous of all the islands’ divesites. Running along the southeastern corner of Island 7, East of Eden is one of the most colourful and vibrant fringing reefs in Thailand. Featured in National Geographic, Scuba Diver magazine and hundreds of other publications; this is it!

Starting in the shallows at 6m the reef falls quite steeply in the northern section to depths of 35m or more where the sand bottom then levels out. Usually this reef is dived from north-east to south-west and it is here at the start if you head down to the deeper coral pinnacles you will often find a few pairs of purple fire gobies and a massive red frogfish hidden amongst the deeper boulders.

Heading along towards the shallower parts of the reef you will swim over enormous orange and red gorgonians sea fans, beautiful barrel sponges as well as staghorn corals, table corals and pore corals, which are home to many colourful Christmas tree worms. Keep a keen eye open as there are ribbon eels, frogfish and hundreds of other small treats in all these corals.

At the deeper end of the reef, where reef meets sand (25-30 Meters) we often find scores of Kuhl’s Rays and whole fields of Garden Eels. Along the entire reef you will find all the usual reef fish going about their daily business, a myriad of shapes, sizes and colours. hawksbill and green sea turtles are very often seen at the top of the reef plateau.

Just before the main pinnacle is long slope of sand where our friend Emma lives. She’s a Giant Moray eel that has made her home there for several years. A few ignorant dive guides fed her, so they could show off to their customers – until one overzealous videographer tried to get some good footage by holding out some small wieners. Emma took off his thumb. You’ll often see this video on Youtube and Google Videos. Another good reason not to feed fish!

At the southern end of the reef is an enormous coral pinnacle starting at 24 meters and rising to 10 meters. It is definitely worth swimming around slowly at least once. This pinnacle is home to many different large and small sea fans, enormous table corals, endless differently coloured feather star worms and beautiful soft corals and anemones. So many fish are attracted to this pinnacle, but also look for the smaller species such as nudibranchs, cowries and at the right time of year the elusive ornate ghostpipefish. This pinnacle is truly an ecosystem in itself.

At the end of the dive we swim in the shallows where several turtles are often found, as well as clown triggerfish.

Diving Depths range from 4 to 30 eters (12-100 feet) with most time spent at about 16 meters (50 feet) Visibility is often quite good with normal range of 25-30 meters (85-100 feet) Currents are present, but helpful. We ride the currents which most frequently run from North to South. Experience level is from Beginner to Advanced. This site is accessible to all. Please remember that the delicate corals are easily broken by those without real buoyancy skills and overzealous photographers!

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Friday, July 11, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Deep six


As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Deep Six
 

Deep Six tumbles down from the north point of Island 7. It is a collection of submerged boulders similar in topography to North Point and Christmas Point on Island 9. A mooring line to the west brings you down to the center of the dive cite. Continue to swim north where you can find boulders which extend down to maximum depths of 35-40 meters. Stay close to the rocks until you have assessed the current, which tends to be stronger towards the northern tip of the dive site. White tip reef sharks can occasionally be seen in the deeper areas, as can larger rays and Kuhl’s stingrays. There are some great swim throughs around the big boulders at the centre of the dive site. A large arch at around 22 – 24 meters on the western side will bring you into a maze of smaller swim throughs lined with whip corals and sea fans. Pipefishes and crustaceans love these dark holes, and harlequin shrimp have been found sitting on the bottom of the western swim through. Oriental sweetlips and larger groupers can be found under rocks and table corals. Look along the rocky bottom for mantis shrimp, octopus and sea snakes. Flabellina can be found along the outside walls of the main boulders. There is a larger channel on the eastern side of the dive site which can also provide good shelter if there is a strong current. Leopard sharks also seem to enjoy these sheltered sandy areas. Towards the south of the dive site, the boulders spread out into larger sandy areas which runs alongside of the island at around 10 meters. Look here for red and purple fire gobies and nudibranchs. Swim out into the blue for the safety stop or return to the mooring line as it can be difficult for the boat to collect you if you stay close to the island. This is also a good opportunity to look for cruising manta rays as well as to watch the large shoals of fusiliers.

Diving Depths range from 10 all the way to 30 meters and beyond! (30-100 Feet). With most time in the 15-25 meter Range (45-85 feet)

Currents are present and can be a hazard in the cracks between the huge boulders.

Visibility runs from 15-30 meters (50-100 feet) depending on prevailing conditions.

Divers should be of intermediate level and above due to depths and currents.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Anita’s Reef


As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Anita’s Reef
 

Running from the southern tip of Island 5 to the western side of Island 6, Anita’s Reef is a perfect introduction to diving at the Similan Islands.

The reef consists of a mixture of hard and soft coral pinnacles, white sand areas and in the southern, deeper section, massive granite boulders. When currents are present here they are usually mild, ideal for taking a closer look at some of the coral pinnacles which start at around 5m and are dotted over the white sand to a depth of around 24m. They consist mostly of large pore, table and compact corals and a mixture of beautiful red and pink soft corals and huge sea fans.

Fish life is in abundance, the highlights of this reef being the shimmering schools of glassfish, patrolling bluefin trevally and goatfish, many clownfish and anemone fish and in the sand between and beyond the corals some of the largest fields of spotted garden eels to be seen anywhere at the Similans.

At the southern end the huge granite boulders, adorned in green tree corals fall to depths of 30 meters or more where leopard sharks and stingrays can sometimes be seen lying in the sand gullies.

With an ever-present current, this site also makes for one of the best drift dives around. Starting on the northern side of Island 6, we ride the drift all the way around to the Southern side, completing a half circumnavigation of the island!

Diving depths range from 5-30 meters (15-100 feet) and most of our time is spent at 10-20 meters (30-70 feet)

Currents are actually to be expected and we dive in for a great ride!

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Experience levels – everyone can dive this site. The perfect check dive for a liveaboard.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Beacon Reef


As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Beacon Reef

A reef that extends the whole eastern side of Island 8 (Koh Similan). Typical of most of the Similans – this a sloping reef running from 8 meters (25 feet) to 30 meters (100 Feet). Fields of staghorn, brain and bushy corals mark this site. You’ll certainly find moray eels, batfish, Snappers and more. The main attraction at this site is the wreck in the middle! This was a liveaboard that sank in 2002 after a bilge malfunction. All the crew and customers escaped without injury. They tried to save the Liveaboard from sinking, by ramming the reef! Aside from pure stupidity, it also damaged the reef in the shallows and then as it sank toward the deep, it ripped the coral apart. Happily the very same company, after this shining example of brilliance, sank another Liveaboard by hitting Richelieu rock a few years later.

Diving depths range from 8-30 meters (25-100 feet) with the main diving done at 15 Meters (50 feet).

Currents are light, generally helping rather than hindering.

Visibility is pretty good (unless we get thermoclines) – 20 meters (75 feet).

Dive site is accessible to all levels of divers.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Waterfall Bay


As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Waterfall Bay

With an ever-present current, this site also makes for one of the best drift dives around. Starting on the northern side of Island 6, we ride the drift all the way around to the Southern side, completing a half circumnavigation of the island!

Diving depths range from 5-30 meters (15-100 feet) and most of our time is spent at 10-20 meters (30-70 feet)

Currents are actually to be expected and we dive in for a great ride!

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Experience levels – everyone can dive this site. The perfect check dive for a liveaboard.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Monday, June 30, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Snapper Alley


As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Snapper Alley

Drop in about a third of the way up the reef from the corner where it got smashed by the tsunami. The direction of the dive depends on the current. If its left hand on the reef then it’s a nice quick jaunt up to the top parts where there are nearly always decent numbers of milk fish, barracuda and turtles. If its right hand down the reef then after a short 5 minutes a dogleg out into the blue at about 30m will find you sharing space with Kuhl’s rays. A lovely sight when they are “flying” around. There is a reasonable chance of finding a leopard shark on this site as well.

Right hand down they tend to be on the bottom at the 20-30m range whereas left hand down they tend to be lying on the sand slopes between coral banks at about the 8-10m range. The top of this reef has an amazing amount of marine life on it and it is one of the nicest dives in the Similans. You could spend many, many hours on the reef and only see a small part of what’s available. Just a shame the tsunami took out the corner but still a hugely enjoyable dive with something for everyone.

Diving depths range from 5-30 meters (15-100 feet) and most of our time is spent at 10-20 meters (30-70 feet)

Currents are actually to be expected and we dive in for a great ride!

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Experience levels – everyone can dive this site. The perfect check dive for a liveaboard.


Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Shark Canyon


As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:


Shark Canyon AKA Christmas Point Deep


This site is among the most rewarding in the Similans. With frequent sightings of all the varieties sharks found on the Similans, in addition to such huge visitors as the Manta Ray and Whale Shark, you will also find Barracuda, Jacks, Napolean Wrasse and many more besides.

Being exposed and on the far Northen Tip of the Islands, this extension of Christmas Point is very deep and prone to currents. While there are risks with Downward currents and thermoclines, the rewards are enormous. With such depths and risks, this should only be done by experienced divers.

Diving depths range from 20-40 meters (70-130 feet) and most of our time is spent at 25-35 meters (90-120 feet)

Currents are actually to be expected and should be accounted for in planning.

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Experience level – Advanced or higher.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Richelieu Rock

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

The most famous dive site in Thailand.
Richelieu Rock

Richelieu Rock is an isolated pinnacle to the east of Surin Islands. Forming a horseshoe figure, the pinnacle falls steeply to the surrounding sand bottom at 35 meters depth. The south side is a bay with a slope that gently falls to the deep, while the rest comprises sheer walls, groups of rocks and numerous small caves that are home to various marine life. The majority of corals are colorful soft corals jostling against the wall, accompanied by huge sea funs, hard corals and sea anemones.

Due to the diversity of small and large creatures, Richlieu Rock is a paradise for underwater photographers.

Ghost pipefish, frogfish, harlequin shrimps, seahorses, Janss’s pipefish are some of the smaller marine life that can be spotted here. In addition, plenty of anemonefish species, particularly tomato clownfish are regularly sighted. Pelagic fish swarming around the small outcrops include chevron barracudas, rainbow runners and plenty of bigeye trevally, fusiliers and snappers. Giant groupers resting on the sand floor are a common sight. Lastly, this site is famous in Thailand for being a hotspot for encounters with both whale sharks and manta

rays.

Depths range from 5 meters in low tide to 35 meters.

This dive site is suitable for intermediate and advanced divers.

There can be a strong current and if so the mooring line should be used to descend. Shelter can usually be found at some area of the dive site.



Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Friday, June 20, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – North Point Deep aka cathedrals

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

North Point Deep AKA Cathedrals

Characterised by a series of Huge rocks that give this site it’s name. Gorgonian fan corals, often with feather stars hanging from them, protrude from the side of the rocks. Reef sharks can often be seen around the outer edges of the site, as can larger pelagic fish.

As this is the far North of the Similan Islands, where the tidal currents are strongest there are often very strong currents and unusual currents (downward and/or towards open water) so only the most experienced divers should attempt this site. For this reason this site is often overlooked – but well worth the efforts!

Manta Rays and even the occasional Whale Sharks are seen here, in addition to several other amazing sites – Frogfish, Plenty of Ghost Pipefish and Seahorses.

As the Rocks are deep and there is no line – the Safety Stop will be done drifting. Keep Boat staff aware and looking for safety sausage!

This Site is not to be done by people with out experience in currents and open oceans. Advanced or higher (at a minimum)

Diving depths range from 15-40 meters (50-120 feet) and most of our time is spent at 20-30 meters (70-100 feet)

Currents are actually to be expected and we dive in for a great ride!

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Monday, June 16, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Koh Bon Wall

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Koh Bon Wall

Koh Bon is located about 20 kilometers north of Island 9 and features one of the only vertical walls in Thailand. The island has no beaches and is in the shape of a horseshoe. The main dive site is on the southwestern point and consists of a 33 meter wall facing the small cove, and a step-down ridge that carries on to depths of over 45 meters.

Leopard sharks are common on the sandy flats below the wall (particularly on the eastern side). Although the soft corals are not as high-profile as they are in the Similans, the colors of the corals are radically different and include shades of turquoise, yellow and blue, besides the more common pinks and purples. With the angles on the wall, they also offer an ever changing spectrum of colors and make for some great photos around noon.

Koh Bon is one of the better places to see manta rays, almost all year around. This last year featured Mantas almost everyday from mid-December until April. Frequent, but not daily sightings for the rest of the season!

There is also a pinnacle in the bay just to the north of the ridge. It is a deep rock, but if you’re an experienced diver it’s worth the short bottom times you’ll get (especially if you’re on a longer trip). Not all boats visit it and if conditions are not good (like the current is wrong), it’s not worth it. 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 temple built by some ancient culture. It’s larger than Richelieu Rock at the base, and a hard swim. The bottom is over 40 meters deep, and the top only come up to about 18-20 meters. Some amazing little critters are seen here including nudibranchs, pipefishes, pleurobranchs and mantis shrimps.

Diving Depths of 1- 35 meters (1-100 feet), with most time spent on the ridge at 20-25 meters (70-85 feet). Visibility runs about 20 meters (75 feet) but gust of cold water, with associated plankton blooms are not uncommon. Currents can be mild to strong, depending on tides. It is also common to have virtually no current inside the bay but a ripping current on the outside.

Experience level: while beginners can do this site, it is recommended that the diver be intermediate and above due to lack of beaches, potentially strong currents and popularity of the site.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Friday, June 13, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Koh Bon Pinnacle

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

One of the premier sites in the Similans – Koh Bon Pinnacle is a stunning site – but with depth and currents – this site is reserved for experienced

Just 200m southwest of the Koh Bon Island lays the Koh Bon Pinnacle. The pinnacle is totally submerged and since it’s starting at 18m, going straight down to 50+m and without any mooring line attached to it, often exposed to strong currents, this is definitely a dive site for the more advanced diver and we only dive the Koh Bon Pinnacle under perfect conditions.

Due to the location and the depth, these dives normally are short dives. Descending quickly, not to miss the small pinnacle, you see the top of the pinnacle falling dramatically down to its deepest parts. Swimming down you’ll see bigger reef fish and at the sandy bottom on the south side you most likely see reef sharks, big rays and sometimes Eagle rays. Coming around the pinnacle whilst ascending, you find a sand ridge, starting at 25m going from the pinnacle all the way to the Koh Bon Island more or less at the same depth the whole way.

Close to the pinnacle you might encounter resting Leopard sharks and swimming towards the island reef sharks and larger rays. If you make it to the island, you can end your dive coming up on the hard coral reef fringing the shore. And just as the Koh Bon Ridge, the Koh Bon Pinnacle is an excellent site to spot Manta Rays and, when season, also Whale Sharks

Snorkeling: Koh Bon Pinnacle is not suited for snorkeling.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – fantasy reef

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

This site is off limits to diving. If you are offered this site as part of a trip, please report it directly to the National Park, as the operator is violating the terms and conditions of diving in the Similans. It is still undergoing recovery from to many divers and too much contact.

One of the most bes dive spots in the Similans, these underwater rock formations cover a huge area. The friendliest fish in the Similans hangout here, including clown trigger fish, normally a difficult fish to approach. Depths range from 15 meters down to past 40 meters, and this is one of the best dives for enjoying the grandness of huge boulders.

Diving depths range from 10-35+ meters (30-120+ feet) and most of our time is spent at 15-25 meters (45-80 feet)

Currents are actually to be expected and we dive in for a great ride!

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Experience levels -Advanced and beyond due to both depth and currents

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Eel Garden

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Eel Garden

A patch reef of mainly of Acrapora coral, interspersed with large areas of sand and a number of larger coral heads rising up from the slope. The reef is mostly sheltered which makes it less sensitive to currents. The normal diving depth range is 6m to 25+m.

In the north of the site you will find fields of hard corals and most of the larger coral heads with a large amount of various soft corals and reef fish. The coral heads is also home for clouds of Glassfish that are ideal prey for the camouflaged Lionfish. In the sand channels, mostly in the southern part if the site, you will encounter a vast number of Spotted garden eels, swaying in the current like small fields chasing drifting food. Also in the southern end, in the shallows, you will find the carpet-like Acropora corals and also granite boulders creating small ravines and swim-throughs, which more or less mark the end of the dive site.

This site is also known as Hideaway and Barracuda Point

Snorkelling: Eel Garden is a very good snorkeling site.

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Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Donald Duck Bay

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Donald Duck Bay

Donald Duck bay is not known as the most exciting of dives sites, but does feature some really great safe options for the diver and snorkeler alike. Frequent sightings of Turtles and Moray Eels make this a great site to learn more about the Similan Islands.

As the only West facing beach on the Similans and home to one of the only places to spend the night on the Islands, this is a popular place. Perfect for night dives and beginning dives. In addition it is also great for snorkeling.

Diving depths range from 1-20 meters (3-70 feet) and most of our time is spent at 5-15 meters (15-50 feet)

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Experience levels – everyone can dive this site. The perfect check dive for a liveaboard.


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Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Friday, May 30, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Coral Garden

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Coral Garden

A very scenic, very easy site. Great for the late afternoon and Evening Dives. With no mooring line at this time it is only suitable for those comfortable with SMB’s. Use your ships dinghy to gain entry and exit from the shallows.

Great site for snorkeling.

Diving depths range from 2-20 meters (5-75 feet) and most of our time is spent at 10 meters (30 feet)

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Experience levels – everyone can dive this site. The perfect check dive for a liveaboard.

.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Similan Dive Sites – Chinese Wreck

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:


Chinese Wreck AKA Tuna boat AKA Tuna Wreck



A few years ago, the Thai government intentionally sank this fiberglass hulled fishing boat to create a new dive site.


While a great site, it still has a few more years to go. The fiberglass of the boat hull isn’t great for growing corals, but you will find several really interesting species in and around the wreck.

The rest of the site is very typical of the middle Similan dive sites, with the sloping reef and shallow plateau.

Look for Batfish, Kuhl’s Rays around the bottom and Leopard Sharks.



As the site is quite deep (the top of the wreck lies at 30m) watch your Deco time. The nearby reef is a typical sloping reef of the region and offers many of the exciting features – Eels, Ghost Pipefish, Hard Corals and lots more.

This is really a separate site from Anita’s Reef, due to the depth. At the end of the dive, though, you will be atop the same plateau as those that are doing the safety stop from Anita’s.

As there can be significant boat traffic in the area, it’s best to make sure you have a SMB and use at the end of this dive. (you should always do that, but especially here)


This site is not acceptable for Open Water divers or snorkeling, though the nearby reefs are perfect for both and are only 200 Meters away

Diving depths range from 30-40 meters (100-140 feet) on the wreck itself, while the nearby reef ranges form 35 Meters all the way up to 5 Meters

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Experience levels – Advanced and beyond.

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Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training