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Activities in Khao Lak:
Scuba Diving the Similan Islands

There are several dive sites that can be reached from Khaolak in half day, one day and 2-day trips offered by the different diving schools that have their offices along Petchkasem Road or even in some of the bigger resorts.

1. Half day trips to the nearby reefs of Khaolak and to the outstanding wreck diving site "Boonsong" are operated on a regular basis. The wreck is an old tin mining boat which sank in 1984 and rests in a depth of 20 metres. Marine life is abundant and the wreck offers plenty of possibilities for creative underwater photography, as the main features - huge mechanic parts and gear wheels are well preserved.

A new addition is the recently sunk tin mining boat "Premchai", which found its final resting place at a depth of 21 metres in August 2001. Due to its recent appearance, the wreck does show little coral growth. But an abundance of colourful reef fish and even bigger reef sharks along with the undamaged structure makes it one of the best local dive spots in Khaolak.

2. Koh Similan Islands: There are several departures per week to the Koh Similan Islands, which normally start with pick up from the hotel in the early morning and transfer to Tab Lamu, approximately 12 kilometres south of Khao Lak. There are comfortable motor vessels available to bring you to the dive spots in a few hours time. Some dive operators also provide a guide for snorkellers, to ensure that non-diving guests receive maximum attention, fun and pleasure! The dive sites at the Similan Islands will satisfy even the most demanding diver!

After a full day of fantastic diving or snorkelling the Koh Similan Islands, guests who have booked a one day excursion will be transferred back to Thab Lamu, while those on an overnight trip will go ashore on Island No 4 to spend the night in a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Island accomodation will be in 4-bed bungalows with shower and toilet. In the morning you will embark for another full day of excitement and adventure in the clear deep blue Andaman Sea waters of the Koh Similan Islands. One day trips include 2 dives, the 2-day trip includes 5 day dives plus 1 night dive at the Koh Similan Islands.

For those with limited time, there are dive trips available by speedboat.

3. Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock: North of the Similans lies the Koh Surin Archipelago with a variety of tropical islands as beautiful as the Koh Similan Islands, but completely different in marine life and appearance. The dive sites at the Surin Islands and the neighbouring islands Ko Bon and Ko Tachai feature turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, big schools of barracuda and mackerels. The best site of these outstanding ones is without doubt Richelieu Rock, which is also famous for frequent whale shark encounters.

4. Myanmar (Burma): The Burma Banks are famous among shark enthusiasts - silvertips, blacktips ocean whitetip and even bigger species can be seen circling around the pinnacles which drop to a depth of more than 300 meters!

Thailand's neighbour opened the borders to its coastal underwater treasures only recently to dive operators. This is mostly untouched and yet undiscovered area. The Mergui Archipelago features up to hundred islands with caves, caverns and steep walls. Burma is famous for frequent sightings of all kind of reef sharks.

© 2002-2011 Khaolak Infonet. All Rights Reserved.
P.O Box 158, Phuket Town 83000, Thailand.
Tel ++ 66 8 9988 5422,  Fax: ++ 66 7652 1735

E-mail: mail@khaolak-info.net | Updated: 20 May, 2008

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