Thailand Scuba Diving Dive Site Directory

Description

Located in one of Thailand's scuba diving regions, the Similan and Surin Islands, this submerged plateau is divided into three reefs, each dominating a different depth with different structures and reef inhabitants.

Off the southern point of Koh Tachai, two submerged pinnacles stand proud of many large boulders and smaller rocks, providing great swim-throughs. This, the southernmost area of the site, is part of the deepest of the three reefs, ranging from 25m to 30m. This section is an essential spot to scuba dive in Thailand if you want to catch glimpses of manta rays and whale sharks, which both frequent the area.

The second, or central section of the Koh Tachai reef is slightly shallower and is constructed mainly of hard corals and large rocks, around which schools of spadefish –such as pinnate batfish - are tended to by common cleanerfish. Clinging to the rocks are gorgonian sea fans, featherstars, colourful crinoids and areas of carpet sea anemones. Large bullethead parrotfish and even larger Napoleon wrasse share these waters with Moorish idols, schooling bannerfish, juvenile snappers and a variety of triggerfish including titan and orange-striped specimens. Scuba dive Koh Tachai if you want to leave the water cleaned up by the cleaner fish.

The third and shallowest section of the Koh Tachai scuba dive site sits in 12m. Here you will encounter many Indian lionfish amongst backdrops of gorgonian sea fans and giant clams. Other schooling fish life includes sweetlips and juvenile yellowtail barracuda.

Watching out for the Reef: Coral Conservation Guide for Divers

• Avoid touching live corals. You can kill them with your bare hands.
• Keep your gauge and octopus hoses close to yourself and prevent them damaging the reef.
• Secure your weight belt. Dropping of the weights can destroy the reef.
• Refrain from chasing or touching animals, especially manta rays and whale sharks.
•Maintain a comfortable distant and enjoy
watching them!

Many divers unintentionally destroy corals whilst diving. Here are a few guidelines on how to avoid doing so.

• Use the correct amount of weight to aid in your buoyancy.
• Control your fins; keep them away from the reefs and avoid kicking sand onto the corals.
• Do not pick up organic objects (dead or alive) from the sea. Likewise, please do not buy shells or other decorative products made from sea animals.
• Do not stand or rest on the stone-like corals. After all, they are living animals.

Andaman Sky, Co., Ltd, 23/8 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Thailand