Koh Chi
This is the smallest and furthest north of the islands of Surin. The site consists of a gentle slope and granite boulders off the western side down to a depth of 22m. The marine life is excellent here and a variety of hard corals carpet the sea floor. You can see several turtle species and many pelagic fish such as trevally, barracuda and tuna. The north end of the islet features granite boulders and caverns, which are favoured as refuge by soldierfish, angelfish and reef sharks. Currents can be strong at Koh Chi. This is a reliable site for blacktip reef sharks, which are seen more frequently here than in the Similans.
Hin Gong
Hin Gong is an exposed rocky outcrop located between the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock. It is a submerged pinnacle that rises from over 30m to within 5m of the surface. The site is swept by current and attracts pelagic life. Schools of trevally, barracuda and fusilier circle the rock. Reef sharks patrol the deeper sections. Whale sharks and manta rays are occasional visitors, particularly from February to April. Due to strong currents and depth, this site is suitable for advanced divers only. A reef hook is recommended.
Hin Rap
Hin Rap is located offshore to the north of Surin Nua. It is renowned as one of the Surin Islands' deeper dive sites. On the east side, the boulders drop off deeper to 25 metres, and larger pelagics can be found here. The shallow reef areas on the west side are excellent for snorkelling and spotting turtles. This site suits intermediate to advanced divers due to depth and potential current.
Mokken Village Reef
Located off the shore of the Moken sea gypsy village on Surin Tai, this shallow reef is accessible from the beach. Maximum depth is 10 metres. The reef is healthy, with hard corals, anemones, and small fish. This is an excellent site for night dives or for snorkellers. The Moken people traditionally live on the water, and their village offers a unique cultural stop between dives. Suitable for all levels, including introduction dives.
Koh Pachumba
Also known as Dragon Island, Koh Pachumba is a small islet located between Surin Nua and Surin Tai. The surrounding reefs feature sloping hard coral gardens and scattered boulders. This is a good site for turtles, which are frequently seen grazing on the reefs. Blacktip reef sharks patrol the shallows. Schools of snapper and fusiliers are abundant. Maximum depth is 18m. Currents are usually mild, making this site suitable for beginners and intermediate divers.
South East Point
At the Southeast point of Koh Surin Tai, 2 parallel jumbles of boulders run out perpendicular from the shallow reef into deeper water, where strong currents can attract reef sharks. Harlequin ghostpipefish and robust ghost pipefish shelter in the refuges provided by these rocks on the soft corals and fans. Cowrie shells and ribbon eels also inhabit the rubble floor and crevices. This dive in Surin rewards patient observation.
Back on the reef slope you can regain your breath and tick off sightings of Andaman rabbitfish, Indian sailfin tang and the Andaman sweetlips. If you've been scuba diving in Thailand before you'll know that it has some particularly attentive titan triggerfish, acting like over-zealous guardians of their unborn young. The Surin Islands are no different in this respect. Watch your buoyancy during nesting season (April to May).
Koh Torinla
On the east coast of Koh Torinla, a large coral plateau of staghorn corals and massive porites corals breaks the water's surface at low tide. This is home to a large proliferation of cardinalfish, humpnose bigeye bream, twin-spot and 5-lined snappers. Just off the coast lies a long rocky ridge that draws in Surin's fish life. Batfish and pickhandle barracuda are common in the depths of 30 metres, and Spanish mackerel and grey reef sharks often pay fleeting visits. White tip reef sharks can be spotted cruising the ridge top at 7 to 25 metres or resting on the surrounding sands.
To get back to the reef slope from this ridge you'll need to swim over an expanse of sand, where eagle and shovelnose rays occasionally pass. This area hosts mantis shrimps and the endemic blue-spotted Andaman jawfish. This most colourful jawfish family member often hovers above its rubble burrow. Or if it is parenting, it peers broodily out of its burrow, replete with a mouthful of finely balanced eggs. A macro photographer's dream.
