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 Khao Lak, Phang Nga

 Info & Marine life (20) Location map Dive sites (2) Dive centers (3) Reviews (2) Flights & Beds  



 

Description:
Khaolak is the gateway to some of the top diving areas that southern Thailand has to offer. It has the advantage of being in closer proximity than neighboring Phuket and Krabi for day trips to locations such as the Similan and Surin Islands and can therefore offer a cost and time effective alternative for those seeking to explore the underwater world. Similan Islands... 3 hours by boat off the coast of Phang-Nga, the diving here is generally considered to be the best in the region, and compares favorably with some of the best in the world. Diving possibilities range from touring coral gardens to adventurous drift diving in strong currents. In the judgment of Asia Magazine (October 18-20, 1991): "Every diver has particular favorites, but few would dispute that the Similans... are one of the best. The visibility tops 100 ft between the November-April peak season, revealing a wonder world among the giant granite coral-coated boulders stacked one atop the other to depths of 90 ft and more." Koh Huyong, the southernmost island of the Similan group offers a magnificent coral garden in 7-14m (23-46ft) of clear waters. This site frequently has over 30m (98ft) visibility, only slight currents and is considered a very safe site.

Details:
 Nearest commercial airport: Phuket
 Average watertemp: Min 30 - Max 30 oCelcius.
 Average visibility: 30 Horizontal metres
 Bottom composition: Sand, Slick, Corals, Mud, Rocks, Vegetation
 Dive conditions: Ocean/Sea, Salt water
 Seasonality: November - April


  Marinelife in the area:
Species  Jan  Feb  Mar  Apr   May  Jun  Jul  Aug   Sep  Oct  Nov  Dec 
 Blacktip reef sharks
Anywhere in the area
 Brydes whales
Frequently sighted en-route to divesites.
 Coastal fish & Reef Life
Harlequin Shrimp - Richelieu Rock
 Coastal fish & Reef Life
Manta Shrimp - Seen at several dive sites in the area.
 Coastal fish & Reef Life
Ghost Pipefish - At one of the local wrecks near Khao Lak, and at some other dive sites in the area.
 Coastal fish & Reef Life
Seahorse - A few at Richelieu Rock and at one of the local wrecks near Khao Lak.
 Coastal fish & Reef Life
Octopus and Cuttlefish, anywhere in the area.
 Eagle rays
Anywhere in the area, at 20m+
 Green turtles
Anywhere in the area
 Guitarfish rays
More common at Richelieu Rock, but also sighted at the Similan Islands.
 Hawksbill turtles
Anywhere in the area.
 Manta rays
Can be sithed at most divesites, but Koh Bon is close to 100% during February to April.
 Moray eels
Honeycomb Morayeels are resident at our wrecks and at Richelieu Rock. Giant Morayeels are common at most dive sites.
 Nurse sharks
Often found resting under boulders at deeper sites.
 Pelagic fish
Tuna, Big eye Trevally, Rainbow Runners, Great Baracudas.
 Spinner dolphins (Long-snouted)
Frequently sighted en-route to divesites.
 Stingrays
Anywhere in the area, at 20m+
 Whale sharks
Has been sitghted at all deeper sites. Most common at Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai, Koh bon and the northern part of the Similan Islands.
 Whitetip reef sharks
Anywhere in the area.
 Zebra sharks (Leopard)
Anywhere in the area.
  Probability of encounter:  0%,   0 > 60%,   60 > 90%,   90 > 100%