Diving the Similans

North Point

The northern tip of the Similan archipelago, North Point is just east of Christmas Point and offers similar conditions off its north coast - huge boulder formations that cover a wide area.

Normally buoys are available to descend, and the boulders are lying on 35 metres and rise to 10 metres, forming swim-throughs and gullies between the rocks.

Hard and soft corals both grow between the boulders, sheltered from the current that can be strong. At the base of these stones you can find ribbon eels and mantis shrimps. Jacks, surgeonfish and fusiliers are in great numbers here. When the visibility is good, look into the blue and above for a big shoal of chevron barracuda that patrol North Point.

In the shallows closer to Similan Island 9, between 8 and 14 metres, there are enormous flat plains of cauliflower leaf corals and stubbly finger corals. Covering as much area as you can here, you're bound to run into green turtles and black and white banded sea snakes.

Further north you can see a white sand valley with a depth around the 40 metre that connects North Point to North Point Pinnacle. If visibility is good and currents are gentle, you can start diving from the pinnacle - a huge boulder off the northern part of Similans Island no. 9. The pinnacle starts around the 15 metres deep and goes down to over 50 metres. Take a look down and you will possibly see sharks resting after the night, sometimes also manta rays are spotted here.

Check your air and deco time often as there is no ascent line here and the way home is south to the North Point formation. Fly over the white sand valley, looking for leopard sharks that rest on the sand or swim in the morning from deep water to the north point sands. Under normal conditions after 5 minutes you can see the shape of the North Point rock formations. If you air consumption is good then you can make it to the reef, or to one of the lines tied on top of the boulders for your safety stop and ascent.

When visibility is over 20 metres and there is no current, this Similans dive site offers stunning underwater scenery.

North Point Reef Basics: Boulders and turtles
Depth: 8 - >40m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong from the north
Surface conditions: Calm to choppy
Water temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: 2
Diving season: October to May
Distance: ~110 km northwest of Phuket, 80 km west of Khao Lak
Access: Liveaboards and daytrips

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