Khao Lak, Thailand scuba Diving, snorkelling and liveaboard cruises, manta expeditions, whale shark and big fish encounters at Mantapoint

Dive Sites of Khao Lak, Thailand

Koh Bon is well-known for manta ray encounters and by far the ultimate dive site on northern's west coast. Two major dive spots, the Pinnacle (located northwest), and the Ridge (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 popular snorkelling destination.

Koh Tachai is an island further up north, near the Surin island national park. The islands most attractive dive site is an underwater pinnacle that stretches from 16 to 34 metres. Marine life and coral varieties are abundant and offer everything from stunning landscapes, over macro life to big fish encounters. The pinnacle is dominated by huge sea fans and granite boulders.

Frequent sea turtle encounters are the highlight for every snorkeller at Surin.

The Surin Islands are located next to the Thai/Burmese border. Home to sea nomads known as " Chao Lay" the islands, besides phantastic diving and snorkelling, also invite 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, yet good enough to have great dives. Due to its many sheltered lagoons and anchorages, Surin makes for a perfect snorkelling and night dive destination and is a safe haven for overnight trips.

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. The large, horseshoe-shaped underwater reef offers shallow, as well as deeper regions.


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 ascends and descends.

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

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 divers and snorkellers at any age and any level of certification.