Similans Diving

Donald Duck Bay

Donald Duck Bay is located on the north side of Koh Similan, Similan Island Number 8, and is named after a rock on the north side of the bay that looks like Donald Duck's head. The rock is the most recognised and photographed landmark in the Similans and is best viewed looking in from the outside of the bay on the east side.

Like other Similans dive sites, the boulders that run out of the bay on the northern edge form several swim-throughs, and house many interesting crustaceans. The molluscs, gastropods, crustaceans, and cephalopods are particularly healthy and large here due to the amount of food and scraps that find their way into the bay. Among the rubble of rocks on the bottom you can see decorator crabs, huge bull crabs, squid and cuttlefish. Painted rock lobster and red octopus can also be seen.

Several coral bommies separated by patches of sand are homes to an array of different shrimp species which can be heard crackling away on the dive. Moray eels can be seen swimming at night too.

Green turtles are also commonly spotted here as the bay is home to several large, friendly ones. The turtles have developed a liking for bananas but please remember they are wild animals and this is not their natural food source. While at the Similans please don't throw anything overboard or try to feed any of the fish or marine creatures.

If time permits, you can climb the rock between dives and enjoy the gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the turquoise waters below. The island has a national park camping area and Donald Duck Bay is one of the most popular mooring spots for both day trippers and Similan diving liveaboards. The bay provides good natural shelter and many of the boats spend the evening here. It's not the best dive site but the bay is great for night diving.

Donald Duck Bay Reef Basics: Shallow bay with boulders
Depth: 5 - 18m
Visibility: 5 - 20m
Currents: Easy
Surface conditions: Calm
Water temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience level: Easy
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving season: October to May
Distance: ~90 km northwest of Phuket, 65 km west of Khao Lak
Access: Liveaboards and daytrips

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