Scuba Diving from Khao
Lak
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
neighbouring 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 favourably with some of the best in the world.
Diving possibilities range from touring coral gardens to
adventurous drift diving in strong currents. In the judgement
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.
An extensive reef runs off another of the southern islands
and provides at least four different dive sites. One bottoms
out at 25m (82ft) and has many large rocks which provide
a most interesting contour; many large schools of fish inhabit
the area.
Another part of the reef has an excellent 20m (65ft) dive,
with a lot of small lava type rocks which provide a home
for colorful anemones, hydroids and soft coral as well as
moray eels and red grouper. The visibility is seldom less
than 30m (98ft) and frequently better. There is often a
strong current, providing an ideal site for drift dives. (read more...)
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Specialising in liveaboard dive trips, we offer
you a unique choice of 3 different boats to
suit your varying tastes and budgets.
Visit the world famous Similan Islands, described
as one of the top ten dive destinations in the
world, often visited by whale sharks and manta
rays.
We offer the full range of PADI dive courses,
and also four different day dive trips. |
The central island of the group, Koh Miang, is the only
inhabited island. There is also a number of excellent dive
sites around this and the small adjoining island, including
one that features a jumble of huge boulders with many interesting
swim-throughs and caves.
This dive often has a strong surge, which attracts a large
variety of marine life. Small whitetip sharks, rays, snappers
and turtles are just some of the species of marine life
encountered at this site.
An excellent night-dive site lies just around the corner
and close to a safe overnight anchorage and beautiful white-sand
beach. The coral drops off to 10m-20m (33-66ft), and the
almost complete absence of currents makes it ideal for night
dives. Lobster and large red crabs are commonly seen here.
Hin Pousar, or Elephant Rock, is one of the best-known
dive locations in the area. It offers at least three excellent
sites and, again, the dramatic and varied underwater topography
makes for great diving. Anemones and coral provide a kaleidoscope
of reds, yellows, blues and browns. Large rays, tuna and
barracuda are commonly encountered.
Farther to the north lies an offshore reef that comes up
to within 8m (26ft) of the surface and drops off to over
35m (114ft). More passages overhangs and chimneys provide
a site that will appeal to even the most experienced diver.
Two large sea cod and a huge resident moray eel add are
among the many attractions of this site. Seldom is the visibility
less than 25m (82ft) and it's usually even better. These
are only a few of the many dive sites available in the Similan
archipelago.
Each island features its own special sites and there is
something to be found to interest both the novice diver
and the much-travelled diver.
Day trips to the Similan Islands for diving and snorkelling
can be made from Khaolak. For budget travellers, the Similan
Islands can be reached via national park service boat from
the pier at Thap Lamu or by boat from anywhere along Hat
Khaolak. Boat charters can also be organised, costs depending
on the quality and speed of the vessel and the number of
persons to travel from Khaolak.
Surin Islands are located about 60 km off the west coast
of Phang-Nga Province and offer excellent diving and snorkelling
possibilities. Of the five islands that make up the group,
Koh Surin Neua (north island) and Koh Surin Tai (south island)
are the principals.
The park office and visitor's center are on the southwest
side of the north island at Ao Mae Yai, where boats find
safe anchorage, and an official camping ground is on the
south island. The best diving is in the channel between
these two islands.
The cheapest way to travel to Surin Islands is to go from
the village of Ban Hin Lat where group tours can be arranged.
It also greatly reduces the boat travel time to reach your
destination. You can charter a boat to the Surin Islands
that operates from the Chumphon pier.
Like the Similan Islands, Surin Islands are best visited
during the months of December to March when the seas are
at their most calm, and for divers and snorkellers, water
visibility is good. (read more...)
Coral Reef
Off shore from Hat Khaolak are some coral gardens which
make for interesting snorkelling and diving.
Reached by longtail boat, the trip takes about 45 minutes
and can be organised through local operators beachside at
Hat Khaolak.
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