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Thereare 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 Petchka sem
Road or even in some of the bigger resorts.
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. Similan Islands: There are several departures
per week to the Similan Islands, which normally start with
pick up from the hotel in the early morning and tran sfer
to Tab Lamu, approximately 12 kilometres south of Khaolak.
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, 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. 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 waters
of the Similan Islands. One day trips include 2 dives, the
2-day trip includes 5 daydives plus 1 nightdive at the Similan
Islands.
For those with limited time, there are dive trips available
by speedboat.
3.
Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock: North
of the Similan Archipelago, lies a variety of tropical islands
as beautiful as the Similans 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!
Only recently Thailand's neighbour opened the borders to its
coastal underwater treasures 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.
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