Similan Islands Dive SitesKoh Bon – Manta Rays and Nudibranchs
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 – forming a protected cove that shelters dive boats and divers from prevailing winds and currents.
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.
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.Richelieu on a one day trip?
Koh Bon Rock Marine Life
Koh Bon Ridge is one of the best 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!
In addition to the large marine life, be prepared for the little stuff too! Great Nudibranchs litter the cracks of the wall and exciting treats like Pipefish, Hawkfish and even Frogfish are here.
Koh Bon Diving
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 gusts of cold water, with associated plankton blooms are not uncommon. Currents can be mild to strong, depending on tides.
Koh Bon Dive Hazards
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.
