Wetzonedivers Khao Lak, Thailand Divecenter | Diving school | Diving safaris

Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock

The Andaman Sea, Thailand’s top place when it comes to diving.

Similan National Park

The Similan National Park lies approximately 60 km off the west coast of Thailand and is comprised of 9 islands running roughly north to south. They are dotted with numerous granite rock outcrops and cover an area of about 128 sq km. The Similans can generally be divided into 2 different areas: The protected eastern side, with its tropical dream beaches which turn into reefs and coral with an explosion of colours and forms. Over 200 species of hard coral and 350 kinds of soft coral can be found with hundreds of species of fish populating the reefs. Whether you like to photograph small animals such as nudibranchs or larger creatures, such as whale sharks, the diversity here is second to none. The open sea of the west coast is made up of reefs and underwater granite boulders which are overgrown with hard and soft coral down to a depth of about 40 metres. Despite the devastating Tsunami, only about 30% of the reefs were destroyed, meaning that the Similan Islands still remains in the top 10 dive sites in the world. Some of the islands are uninhabited, others have National Park Offices and accommodation, consisting of simple bungalows and tents.

Koh Bon

This small, uninhabited island made of volcanic rock is located about 20km north of island #9 and is famous for its Manta Rays. A reef encases this beach less, barren rock and the site consists of a beautiful steep wall that drops to about 35 metres. If it’s Manta Rays you are after, this is without a doubt your best opportunity to meet these graceful creatures which can grow to several metres in size. There are abundant coral and small crevices containing a variety of reef fish, pipefish and Nudibranchs. Despite damage to the coral from the days of dynamite fishing, the reef is definitely recovering, but the broken up areas provide hiding places for moray eels and octopus. Reef sharks and Leopard sharks round this experience off. Diving with the mantas of Koh Bon is, without exception, the highlight of every diver!

Koh Tachai,

This island, north of Koh Bon can be one of the more demanding dive sites in the Andaman Sea due to occasional strong currents, however, you are greeted by one of the most stunning dive sites in the area; granite boulders and a plateau covered in a colourful coral garden. The plateau falls from a starting depth of 14 metres down to 40 metres. Marine life here is endless: Leopard Sharks, Rays, Barracuda, Trigger Fish, Stingrays, Seahorses, Mantis Shrimps, Ghost Pipefish and Nudibranchs. Koh Tachai is a popular meeting place for mantas and whale sharks.

Richelieu Rock

This is a submerged rock about 18kms east of Surin and is only exposed at the lowest of tides. Visibility is variable but even in low vis conditions (5-10m) it remains one of the most spectacular dive sites in the area. It rates as one of the best areas in the world to encounter whale sharks. These gentle giants have been known to grow to lengths in excess of 20 metres. Even if you are not lucky enough to meet these wonderful creatures, there is still plenty of marine life, ranging from beautiful sea fans and soft corals to Octopus, Mantis Shrimps, Fusiliers, Frogfish, Naked Snails, Ghost Pipefish, Cuttlefish and the famous Yellow Seahorses, which grow up to 10 cm. Even Manta Rays have been spotted here. The limestone rock crevices provide excellent homes for Moray Eels and Scorpion Fish. Schools of Mackerel and Barracuda frequently patrol the area. It can also be an excellent area for snorkelling.

Boonsung Wrack,

This wreck is the only local wreck. It was a tin excavator, which sunk in 1984. It now lies on a sandy bottom at about 18 metres and like most wrecks has become an artificial reef attracting an amazing amount of marine life. As one diver put it, “A dive to the Boonsung is like diving in fish soup” There are schools of Barracuda, hedgehog fish, Lion fish, Leopard sharks and well camouflaged scorpion and stone fish are there to be discovered. Over the last 3 years we have regularly encountered whale sharks, sometimes 2 at a time. Half day trips and night dives are available from Khao Lak

Rajaprabha artificial lake, Khao Sok National Park

In 1982, the king commissioned this artificial lake and is the largest in Thailand. It is conveniently located in the 4,400 sqkm Khao Sok National Park, with its captivating rain forests and landscape. The only other place where you can see these impressive sandstone and limestone formations is in Halong Bay, near Hanoi in Vietnam. It is amidst this breathtaking scenery that we make our dives. The dive is littered with grottos and small caves and dead giant trees. At 20 metres you will experience a thermo cline. Very large, partially blind catfish accompany our dive along with other fish that only the Thais have names for. All this with a visibility of around 15 metres and a water temperature of 28 degrees! This is offered as a 2 day trip from Khao Lak with overnight accommodation in floating bungalows.