Dive safaris to the Similan/Surin Isands and Hin
Daeng/Hin Muang in Thailand and in the Mergui archipelago in Burma (Myanmar)
are the highlights of a diving vacation in Phuket. Both destinations
are among the best dive sites in Southeast Asia and have become a
major attraction for divers from all over the world.
The Similan National Park is renown for the best
dive sites in Thailand, and many divers regard its reefs to be the
best-preserved in Asia. Dive sites vary from shallow hard-coral reefs
to soft-coral reefs and breath-taking underwater seascapes with huge,
massive granite rock formations. Generally, the western shores tend to
be more rocky, while the eastern shores are framed by drop-offs
overgrown with corals. This magnificent variety, combined with the
diversity of marine life, is the reason for the popularity with a
growing number of divers who visit the Similans every year.
The group of Similan Islands are located about 100
km (60 miles) northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea.
Since 1982, when the Similan Isands were declared a
National Park, the nine islands with their white, sandy beaches, their
multi-coloured reefs, and their crystal-clear water have become a
major attraction for divers from all over the world, and offer the
best of first-class dive sites in Southeast Asia.
Nearly all of the nine islands are framed by huge boulders, which
have been shaped by weather and tides. The resulting caverns, narrow
passages, and gorges are ideal dive sites with famous names like "Elephant
Head", "Sharkfin Reef", and "Christmas Point".
The Similans are home to about 200 species of stone corals, about 350
species of soft corals, and hundreds of fish species, including quite
a few of divers' favourites. Among these are whale sharks, leopard
sharks, violin rays (rhinobatos rhinobatos), and manta rays, to name
just a few.
Greater depths of up to 35 m (105 ft) and tidal
currents on the western sides of the Similan Islands make these dive
sites especially attractive for the more experienced divers. Apart
from spectacular rock formations and passages, there are giant fan
gorgonians to be found here.
This unique combination of underwater attractions
makes Similan Islands an ideal destination for dive safaris.
Dive safaris starting from Phuket usually last
about 4 days and are headed for the Similan and Surin Islands,
including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. Some safaris are
exclusively destined for the Similan Islands, which are also well
suited for snorkeling. For divers and non-divers alike, some operators
also offer islands excursions.
The Similan Islands comprise nine islands, which,
while properly named, are usually referred to by their numbers. The
following descriptions include the better-known dive sites around
these islands.
Dive Site Description of Similan Islands.
Often called the most spectacular dive site of
the Similans, Elephant Head is composed of huge granite rocks. These
build a complex formation with passages and channels, at a depth of
40 m (120 ft). On the surface, two rocks are shaped like the back
and the head of an elephant, hence the name.
Underwater currents can frequently be fairly
strong, but in the shelter of the rocks they are manageable and make
the diving not overly difficult.
This excellent dive site with soft-corals and
rock formations features passages to dive through. The dive site
covers a large area and requires several dives to fully explore it.
Frequently, white-tipped reef sharks can be spotted near the sandy
bottom, at a depth of about 35m (105 ft). In shallower depths there
are beautiful soft-coral gardens, where nudibranches and moray eels
can be found.
This is probably the reef with the greatest
variety in the Similans. It is a dive site typical for the eastern
side of the islands, with stone-corals (cnidarians) in best
condition, various soft-corals, horn-corals (anthozoa) , and sponges.
Mild currents frequently allow relaxed drift
driving.
East of Eden is a veritable "aquarium" with an
incredible multitude and diversity of fish. Many of our Aqua Divers
guests regard this as „Best Of Similan.
These are two sides of a large group of rocks off
island number 3. At both dive sites, chances are good to spot large
specimens of napoleon, leopard shark, and masked pparrotfish.
Magnificent gorgonian decorate the passages between the hugo granite
rocks. Both dive sites cover a large area, with depths of 5-35 m
(15-105 ft).
Our recommendation: dive these sites several times!
This dive site at the southern end of island
number 8 primarily consists of imposing rocks. One rock on the
surface resembles the face of a monkey; hence the Thai name „Na
Ling“ (monkey face). Impressive, massive rocks cover the white sandy
bottom at a depth of about 20-35 m (60-105 ft).
Further north, an expansive reef stretches along
the island. Depending on where you start your dive, you may find
cenery predominantly rich with corals or rocks, or a combination of
both.
Along the eastern side of island number 9 there
is another expanse of stone corals. Fish diversity is impressive and
includes butterfly fish, harness fish (Zanclus cornutus), doctor
fish, boxfish, groupers, and hunting mackerels.
Depth does not exceed 25 m (75 ft), ideal for a
relaxed dive. During your safety stop at 3-5m (9-15 ft) depth keep
looking for turtles, as this seems to be their meeting point!
Another real highlight is a night dive at the Hideaway site.
Aqua Divers management regards the Fantasea Reef
as the indisputably best dive site of the Similan Islands. Seascape
variety and marine life diversity is absolutely unique here. Some of
the rock formations are suited for diving through them, and a
multitude of soft-corals in pristine condition covers large areas.
Most Aqua Divers guests do not miss out on the dive
sites around Koh Bon, Koh Ta Chai, Richelieu Rock, and the Surin
Islands.
The Surin National Park, located on the northern
border of Burma (Myanmar) , offers dive sites at which encounters
with manta rays are not unusual. Here, and also near the southern
islands of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, are the prime spots for whale
shark rendezvous.
Dive Site Description Surin Islands, Richelieu
Rock, Koh Ta Chai, and Koh Bon.
About 50 nautical miles north of the Similan
Islands lies the most famous dive site in Asia, the fantastic
Richelieu Rock. At low tides, when Richelieu Rock barely breaks the
surface, chances for whale shark encounters are excellent, as
Richelieu Rock seems to magically attract the gentle giants. Other
shark family members, like eagle rays and manta rays, are also
regular visitors of Richelieu Rock.
Since there is just so much to see at this dive
site, the guides usually schedule more than one dive here. You will
appreciate the chance to experience all these attractions, plus
schools of mackerels and barracudas, more than once.
The island Koh Tachai is located about 20
nautical miles south of Richelieu Rock, and is another dive site
with good chances for spotting manta rays. The dive site is a
submerged mountain, with a maximum depth of 14-35 m (42-105 ft) and
occasionally strong currents.
The tip of the reef is a magnificent collection
of hard-corals, while the deeper regions consist of boulders and
attached gorgonian. Usually, leopard sharks can be found resting on
the bottom while schools of barracudas and batfish are passing by.
Koh Bon is just a short journey north of the
Similan Islands and undoubtedly the best place for spotting manta
rays. The dive leads along the ridge of a submerged mountain,
covered with soft-corals, to a depth of about 35-40 m (105-120 ft).
Manta rays are frequently spotted above the ridge or further south
in deeper waters. Also, leopard sharks rest in the daytime in deeper
waters.
Only about 100 m (300 ft) north of Koh Bon is a submerged
mountain tip, reaching from a depth of 18 m (54 ft) down to about 50
m (150 ft). Only experienced divers should enjoy this deep dive,
with regular encounters of manta rays and sharks.
The Mergui Archipelago, consisting of over 800 uninhabited
islands, lies on Burma's southern border to Thailand in the Andaman
Sea.
Off-limit to foreigners for over 50 years, divers
now have the rare opportunity to explore pristine dive sites with
untainted coral reefs and a fascinating fish variety.
The white, sandy beaches on the islands are
equally immaculate and virginal.
Western Rock is located about 80 km (50 miles)
away from shore and features gently dropping reefs, dramatic
drop-offs, and several impressive rocks.
A tunnel, leading right through the middle of the
island, is a favourite place for nurse sharks. Western Rock is one
of the best sites for spotting sharks. White-tipped and black-tipped
reef sharks, bull sharks and grey reef sharks can regularly be
encountered here.
Black Rock is one of the most spectacular dive
sites of the Mergui Archipelago with its variety of large fish,
including silver-tip sharks, white-tipped and black-tipped reef
sharks, grey reef sharks, manta rays, and eagle rays.
.
Burma Banks, located 180 km (ca. 110 miles)
northwest of the Similans, rise from a depth of over 300m (900 ft)
to about 15m (45 ft) under the surface. The Burma Banks dive sites
boast a visibility of up 60 m (180 ft) and are famous for their
silvertip sharks and other large fish.
The small fleet of safari boats that Aqua Divers
has to offer provides all the comfort and amenities to earnestly
enjoy the safaris and their spectacular diving. All boats are
tailored to the needs of our divers, with comfortable double-cabins,
pleasant lounges, and sun decks to relax between dives, complemented
with fantastic Thai-food and international food. Combined with
appropriate safety equipment and procedures, the quality of diving
in small groups with experienced multi-lingual instructors/guides
and excellent service guarantee an unforgettable diving vacation.
We arranged routes and schedules so that Aqua
Divers guests can explore the best dive sites in Thailand and Burma
on 3-day, 4-day, or 7-day safaris.
In addition, in spring 2006 there will again be
expeditions to the world-famous Andaman Islands (India)
Please mail toinfo@aquadivers.com
for more Information, Tourplans und Pricelists.
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