Diving in the Similans
North Point
North Point is located about 50m out from the north side of Koh Bangu, Similan Island number 9 which makes it the most northerly tip of the Similan Islands chain. As it is just east of Christmas Point, it offers similar conditions - a huge granite boulder dive site where currents can be strong. Visibility is generally excellent between 20-40m.
Normally there is a mooring buoy available for descents. The boulders reach a maximum depth of 35m and rise to 8m, forming some fantastic swim-throughs and channels along the way. Soft corals and crinoids cling to the smooth rock surfaces along with seastars and pincushion starfish. At the base of these stones you can find ribbon eels and mantis shrimps. There is also an abundance of jacks, surgeonfish and fusiliers here too.
This is another fantastic Similans dive site for underwater photography and perhaps a passing pelagic sighting. This site also gets its fair share of manta rays that come to use the cleaning stations. Don't forget to look out in the blue and above your head for a passing large shoal of chevron barracuda too, that frequently patrol North Point.
In the shallows closer to Similan Island 9, between 8 and 14m, there are enormous flat plains of cauliflower leaf corals and stubbly finger corals. Green and hawksbill turtles are common here. As usual when diving in the Similans, leopard sharks can be seen in the sand at the bottom of the boulders. Other interesting marine life include large groupers.
Further north there is a white sandy floor at a depth of 40m that connects North Point to North Point Pinnacle. When conditions are right you can dive from the pinnacle that begins at 15m deep and drops down to over 50m. Below you, it's possible to see sharks resting peacefully and sometimes you can encounter a manta ray here.
This is a stunningly beautiful Similan dive site, especially when the visibility is good and there is no current.
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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