Khao Lak Dive Sites

Khao Lak has the advantage of being quite close to the Similan Islands, which are listed among the 10 top dive sites in the world. Even famous dive sites like Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock are within reach of a day trip and are also part of our Khao Lak liveaboards. The Boon Sung Wreck is the best local dive site and an absolute "must see".

Koh Bon is well-known for manta ray encounters and by far the ultimate dive site on the northern west coast. Two major dive spots, the Pinnacle (located northwest), and the Ridge, the "Manta Point", (located southwest) offer thrilling dives in an ever changing underwater landscape.

Koh Bon's ridge seamlessly expands from a steep wall into a prolonged bizarre rock formation covered with pink, blue and yellow soft coral, sponges and sea fans at the deeper sandy spots, where resting leaopard sharks, nurse sharks and blue spotted stingrays can be found. The pinnacle offers the most thrilling dive and has often been compared to the outstanding dive site Purple Rock and Hin Daeng in the very south of Thailand's west coast.

Big fish encounters with manta rays and whale sharks as well as frequent sightings of nurse and reef sharks are the highlights of Koh Bon's exciting dive spots. Due to mostly perfect visibility in the shallower regions and a crystal clear shallow lagoon, Koh Bon is also a very good snorkeling destination and a best-seller for Koh Bon scuba diving day trip operators in Khao Lak.

Koh Tachai is an island further up north, near the Surin Islands National Park and a perfect stopover for our Khao Lak liveaboards between dives at Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock. The island's most attractive dive site is an underwater pinnacle that descends from 16 to 34 metres. Marine life and coral varieties are abundant and offer everything from stunning landscapes, to macro life and big fish encounters. The pinnacle is dominated by huge sea fans and granite boulders.

Frequent sea turtle encounters are the highlight for every snorkeler at Koh Tachai.

The Similan Islands are famous for their breathtaking underwater landscapes comprising of huge rocks and boulders toppled over each other, forming exciting caves, caverns and swim-throughs. These dive sites are mainly located on the Similan's west coast. Huge stone and soft coral fringing reefs can be found on the island's east coast. Huge sea fans are present at the more exposed dive sites in the south and southeast of the Similans.

Marine life is dominated by colorful reef fish, moray eels, turtles, octopus, cuttlefish, groupers and larger pelagics such as trevallies and baracuda. A rich macro life adds to the demanding underwater photographer's portfolio. The Similans are perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers at any age and any level of certification. People short on time will enjoy a day trip to Similan Islands, best with speedboat transfers, while people with a more flexible schedule prefer a Similan liveaboard with at least one overnight stay for a more intensive impression of this nature wonder.

Richelieu Rock, also known as The Whale Shark Magnet is said to be the best dive site in all of Thailand and perhaps all of South East Asia. A highlight of our Khao Lak liveaboards but also a day trip destination, Richelieu Rock almost always lives up to its reputation.

Here, the demanding diver can find everything he has ever seen in marine life guide books. Currents can be strong at times, thus proper dive planning is of the essence. Mooring lines assure safe ascents and descents.

The Surin Islands are located next to the Thai/Burmese border. Home to sea nomads known as "Chao Lay" the islands, along with fantastic diving at Richelieu Rock and snorkeling at some world class snorkel sites, welcome you for nature exploration and Kodak moments with local people. There are many dive sites to be explored around Surin.

From completely submerged pinnacles to fringing reefs, any variation can be found here. Marine biologists have stated recently that the Surin islands offer the most abundant coral spectrum in all of Thailand. Encounters with eagle rays, turtles, and larger pelagics are possible here. Visibility is often limited to 20 meters, yet good enough to have great dives. Due to its many sheltered lagoons and anchorages, Surin makes for a perfect snorkeling and night dive destination and is a safe haven for our Khao Lak liveaboard trips to the Similan and Surin Islands.

The Boon Sung Wreck
The most famous Khao Lak local dive spot is the Boon Sung Wreck, a tin mining boat which sunk 25 years ago and is now a "must see" for all the divers in Khao Lak and a real treat especially for underwater photographers. It lies in the seabed in a maximum of 18 meters and is reachable in 15 minutes by traditional longtail boat from the beach.

All manner of marine life can be encoutered from tiny and endemic nudibranchs up to leopard sharks. The huge amount of fish makes this spot so fantastic.

Greatest Dive Sites: Thailand, World

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Manta Point Scuba Diving Khao Lak, Thailand since 1999: Best scuba diving in Khao Lak, Thailand:
Day trips Richelieu Rock, day trips Koh Bon, Similan Liveaboards. Budget Dive Safaris
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