Ranong Dive Sites

 

Koh Bon - Koh Tachai

Koh Bon Island lies approximately 17 miles north east of Similan Island number 9 and provides not only a scenic protected anchorage but is also regularly frequented by manta rays. The dive extends along a sharp ridge of rock covered in hard and soft corals and huge gorgonian fans to a depth of 40 meters. Large pelagic including mackerel and tuna are also commonly encountered hunting in the blue water along the ridge.20 miles or so north of Koh Bon lies the island of Koh Tachai where the prime dive site is known as 'Twin Peaks.' It consists of a long boulder strewn ridge rising to pinnacles at either end.As the reef lies perpendicular to prevailing currents and is constantly bathed by plankton rich nutrients, the variety of hard and soft corals and reef and schooling fish here is awesome. On the deeper reef edges can be found leopard and nurse sharks as well as stingrays foraging in and resting on the sand. From January to May, manta rays and whale sharks are also frequently sighted here.

Koh Surin


The Surin islands, which are included in Thailands National Park System, consist of two large densely forested islands and are home to a wide variety of fauna including pythons, flying lemurs, rare mouse deer and sea eagles. Surin is also home to a number of Sea Gypsies or Chao Lay, an indigenous seafaring people who live in two small settlements near the waters edge.Underwater, Surin offers some challenging diving on pinnacles to the west and south and vigorous currents through 'Swift Passage' make for exhilarating shallow drift diving, allowing one to 'fly' over this densely populated, colorful reef. Surin provides an idyllic, protected anchorage with excellent access to the world famous 'Richelieu Rock,' which lies only 10 miles away to the south east

Richelieu Rock


Richelieu Rock is a horse shoe shaped pinnacle of rock rising from the sand at 33 meters to just break the surface at low tide. Constantly bathed in nutrient rich tidal currents, 'Richelieu Rock' supports an in incredible diversity of marine life. A photographers dream from macro to wide angle, nudibranches and cuttlefish to mantas and whalesharks (50% of dives at Richelieu Rock include whaleshark sightings). This 'world class' dive site is perfect for repetitive multi-level diving to allow one maximum time to experience its wonders.

Koh Similan

Just sixty miles northwest of the bustling crowds of holiday makers on Phuket lie the Similan Islands. The Similan Marine National Park includes nine islands running from south to north and are numbered accordingly. The Islands are low lying granite boulder formations, densely covered with tropical vegetation and are home to crab-eating monkeys, dusky lingers, squirrels, bats and a large variety of birds.

The picturesque and often deserted white coral sandy beaches and huge boulder formations are not the only attractions however as some of the most interesting sights are to be found beneath the waves. The most spectacular coral growths in the world can be found here and the same boulders that scatter the shores have turned the azure blue waters around the Similans into an adventure playground for divers.

On the western side of the islands huge granite boulders, some as big as houses, spill in jumbled piles beneath the surface of the sea to 35 meters and beyond. Submarine peaks, canyons, caves and passageways provide scuba divers with some of the most interesting prospects in the world.
Dives on 'Fantasy reef', 'Christmas tree point' and 'Bird rock' provide some exhilarating deep and drift diving where manta rays, reef sharks, napoleon wrasses and other large pelagic are frequently encountered. On the eastern side of the islands the boulders have been largely buried by coral and sand and you will find a wide variety of hard and soft corals. Most reefs consist of sloping drop-offs to approximately 35 meters and a highlight of any east coast dive are sightings of rare bow mouth guitar sharks and hawksbill turtles.
Between the islands, tidal currents of up to 2 knots make for some exciting drift diving down 'Snapper Alley' to 'Hamburger Hill' and no trip to the Similans is complete without a dive on 'Elephant Head' which offers the best of both east and west coasts at one spectacular location.

 

Koh Payam

Photographers, grab your macro lenses ! The green waters of Koh Payam will give you the perfect way to practice your "muck diving" skills Numerous kinds of nudibranchs, flat worms, ascidians, sponges and colorful soft corals, hips of juvenile fishes and even several species of sea horses are guaranteed here if you possess sharp eyes.

 

Myanmar (Burma)Mergui Archipelago & Burma Banks

The Mergui Archipelago, comprising over 800 islands and covering an area of 16,000 square km has been closed to all foreign tourists for the last 50 years. Due to change in political climate, these pristine islands are now open for Scuba Diving and exploration. You can explore an area totally untouched by modern development, with a rich history of maritime trade, mysticism and piracy.
he Burma Banks are a series of sea mounts located some 234 km / 130 NM north west of Phuket. The Banks do not offer much in the form of pretty coral reefs but are one of the world’s best shark dives thanks to a thriving population of Silvertip Sharks.
The Burma Banks are well offshore in international waters but they are still within the 200-mile Mynamar Exclusive Economic Zone. At the present time, the Burmese consider diving there a commercial venture and they feel that nobody should dive there without their official permission. In the mean time, if it is exciting shark action you are looking for then you'll find it at Western Rocky Island in the Mergui Archipelago