|
Thailand Dive Site - Mu Koh Similan |
|
|
|
Location : About 200 m.(220 yd) off the western coast of koh Similan (Island # 8)
; about twice that distance southwest of Turtle Rock (site 6)
Access :
Two mooring buots, running east – west act as securings for dive boats and serve as direct descent points to the site.
Condition : Visibility is generally high, between 15 m (50 ft) and well beyond 25 m
(66ft.) There can be quick changes in the currents : weak to moderate
currents can suddenly increase in strength, so the tremendous site is
suitable for experienced divers only.
Average depth : 18 m. (60ft).
Maximum depth : 40 m.+ (130ft)
Though rivaled by elephant head (Site 10), This is one of the favourite
dive sites if not the favourite in the similan group. Descending at the
eastern (inner) buoy takes you to a rocky plateau at 15m (50ft).This is
a great place for underwater photographers. The plateau resembles a
stage on which the abundant fish scuffle for the limelight They are by
no means camera-shy! Among the would-be stars are Powder-blue
Surgeonfish. Spinyfoot and Masked Unicornfish and Schooling and Pennant
Bannerfish, Clashing with the extremely photogenic Moorish idols and
juvenile Titan Triggerfish. Tapering down towards the southwest is a
sheer-walled gully. The entrance is wide enough to venture into, but it
soon becomes too narrow; Inside the gully are impressive gorgonian
seafans and radiant soft corals; colourful Sea Trout and graceful
lionfish are often present in its deeper portions.A giant moray eel is
a residents here
|
|
|
|
Location : Directly off the northern point of Koh Miang (Island #4)
Access :
There is no mooring buoy.
Condition : Currents are moderate strong. Visibility is Typical of the area, at about 15-25m. (50-83ft).
Average depth : 28m. (93ft).
Maximum depth : 40m. (130ft)
This is a deep dive, its best features being below 25m. (83ft.) The
site consists of large towering rocks. The alleyways between these host
large seafans and barrel sponges. This is a particularly good site for
lobsters, and lionfish and Bearded Scorpionfish are likewise
plentifull. Unicorn Surgeonfish and large angelfish are other common
residents, while pelagics like tuna, barracuda and travelly are
frequent visitors. Leopard Sharks are often found on the sand in the
deeper parts of this site. There is also a resident shovel-nose shark
here.
|
|
|
Location : The
north western apex of Koh Bangu (Island #9) marked by a small
collection of outcrops some 50m (55yd) from the island’s northern
shore.
Access :
This site is buoyed.
Condition : Excellent Visibility, often exceeding 25m. (83ft) currents run weak to moderate, occasionally strong.
Average depth : 20m. (66ft).
Maximum depth : 34m. (113ft)
The southwestern section features triangular boulders at 22m (73ft);
These continuedown to depths greater than 25m (83ft). Where you find
leaning boulders, offering mazes of swim throughs. The walls and sides
are highlighted by radiant soft corals around there are numerous Parrot
fish of all sizes., Small Dog-faced Pufferfish and larger solitary
Clown Triggerfish.The overhangs and caves usually sport prides of
lionfish traveling below the air pockets as if admiring their own
gracefulness, Sharks, Manta’s are also frequent visitors.The eastern
section is the shallowest, averaging 15m. (50ft). The reef is basically
formed by terraced foliaceous hard corals. Table-and Staghorncorrals
provide a safe-haven for a large variety of juvenile reeffishes. |
|
|
|
Location : Following the eastern side of Koh Huyong (Island#1)
Access :
There is no mooring buoy.
Condition : Visibility ranges between 15m. and 25m. (50/83ft). Currents can be strong, a great drift-dive.
Average depth : 5m. (16ft).
Maximum depth : 24m. (80ft)
It has the typical formation of an east-facing site in this area There
are good examples of branching and table corals on the reef-plateau,
Which lies in very shallow water as well. There are many fire corals on
the reefs-lope, with anemones hosting various clownfish, butterflyfish
and basslets.
|
|
|
|
Location : The giant rocky outcrop off Koh Similan’s (Island#8) Southern tip. As
you approach from 15m. (50ft) to in excess of 25m. (83ft). Currents can
be strong, flowingnorth-south. There can be strong surge
Average depth : 24m. (80ft).
Maximum depth :70m. (235ft).
The underwater terrain is breathtaking. The dive takes you around huge
boulders, some with frames measuring over 30m (100ft), sitting
individually or stacked high to form daring swim throughs comprising
arches, caverns, channels and tunnels at all depths. There is plenty of
marine life and hard and soft corals, the former residing in the site’s
shallower sections, the latter clinging to the undersides of the
boulders. It’s also a good spot to see various types of sharus.
|
|
