Similans Diving Sites

Sharkfin Reef

Similan Islands No.3 - Koh Payan

Running from Island No. 3 and extending all the way to Boulder City, this long ridge provides dramatic and contrasting scenery to those dive sites found on the easterly sides of the Similan Islands.

It's really a series of massive granite boulders covered in gorgonian seafans and a variety of hard corals. The northeast features a sloping reef of stacked boulders, the southeast a more prominent drop-off reminiscent of an underwater Grand Canyon. There's a large swim-through that provides an opening to the other side of this dive site. The swim-through should be taken with caution due to the delicate hard coral growth.

The marine life is more diverse there with large cube boxfish, clown triggerfish, schools of batfish, palette surgeonfish, blue-faced angelfish and bannerfish. It's also a good place to spot passing sharks and larger rays. Usually done as one of the last dives of a Similan liveaboard trip so watch your no-decompression time here.

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Sharkfin Reef Basics: Fallen boulders
Depth: 5 - 40m
Visibility: 20 - 40m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: November to April
Distance: ~90 km northwest of Phuket, 65 km west of Khao Lak
Access: Similans liveaboard charters and day trips departing from Phuket

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