Dive Site: Similan Islands — Anita's Reef

About Similan Islands — Anita's Reef

Anita's Reef, or Hin Muan Deaw, is a highlight of the Similan Islands National Marine Park, located between Islands #5 and #6. This dive site is renowned for its spectacular coral gardens and clear blue waters, making it a favorite for divers and snorkelers alike. The reef features a gentle slope, descending from 5 meters down to approximately 28 meters, characterized by white sandy patches interspersed with diverse hard and soft corals. Here, you'll discover large pore corals, staghorn corals, and vibrant soft corals attached to small pinnacles. Giant gorgonian sea fans sway gently in mild currents, while the sandy areas are home to intriguing garden eels and blue-spotted stingrays. The site's topography creates numerous hiding spots and feeding grounds, fostering a rich ecosystem. Throughout the diving season, the reef teems with a variety of fish life, from colorful reef inhabitants like angelfish and butterflyfish to schooling barracuda and patrolling trevallies. Lucky divers might also encounter green and hawksbill turtles, along with macro subjects such as nudibranchs and ghost pipefish. The calm conditions and exceptional visibility typical of the dry season enhance these encounters. Diving Anita's Reef is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers. Its manageable depths and generally mild currents allow for relaxed exploration, making it perfect for underwater photography. The site is frequently included in liveaboard itineraries, offering a comprehensive experience of the Similan Islands' eastern side.

Dive site facts: Similan Islands — Anita's Reef

Depth

5–28 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels (Beginner to Pro)

Dive type

Reef, photography, macro

Region / port

Similan Islands, Thailand

Coordinates

8.5678, 97.6289

Conditions & Currents

Anita's Reef typically features mild to moderate currents, making it accessible and enjoyable for divers of all experience levels. These currents are generally predictable and less challenging than those found at deeper sites, allowing for relaxed exploration of the coral gardens. However, as with any reef, conditions can vary, and divers should remain aware of their surroundings. The mild current often creates a gentle drift, which can be advantageous for covering more ground with less effort, making it ideal for macro photography without constantly battling strong water movement. Visibility remains consistently excellent, usually between 20 to 30 meters, enhancing the overall dive experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Yellow Boxfish

common

Long-nosed Hawkfish

common

Anemonefish

common

Green Turtle

occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

occasional

Nudibranchs

common

Ghost Pipefish

occasional

Blue-spotted Stingray (Kuhl's)

common

Garden Eels

common

Schooling Barracuda

occasional

Bluefin Trevally

common

Hingebeak Shrimp

common

Banded Boxer Shrimp

common

Reef Sharks

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Anita's Reef typically begins with a descent onto the gentle reef slope, which starts around 5 meters and gradually extends down to about 28 meters. You will navigate along the eastern side, exploring the vibrant coral gardens comprised of hard and soft corals, interspersed with small pinnacles and sandy patches. The route often involves a leisurely drift with the mild current, allowing for ample time to observe macro life within the corals and search the sandy bottom for garden eels and stingrays. A prominent large coral bommie, rising from 20 meters to 12 meters at the southern point of the site, serves as a natural turn-around or focal point, teeming with smaller reef fish and cleaning stations. The ascent generally follows the shallower parts of the reef, culminating in a safety stop in the coral-rich shallows, which are also excellent for snorkeling.

Underwater photography

Anita's Reef is an exceptional location for underwater photography, appealing to both macro and wide-angle enthusiasts. For wide-angle shots, the extensive coral gardens, massive sea fans, and schools of fish provide a colorful backdrop, best captured with a wide-angle lens to encompass the scale and beauty of the reef. Utilize natural light in the shallower areas, but bring strobes to enhance colors and contrast in deeper sections. Macro photographers will delight in searching for nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and various crustaceans hiding among the corals; a macro lens will be indispensable for these subjects. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the delicate corals and stirring up sand, which can reduce visibility for your shots. Be patient and observe marine life behavior to capture natural, compelling images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Koh Bon — West Ridge

  Koh Bon West Ridge, nestled in Thailand's Similan National Park, is a renowned dive site celebrated for its stunning topography and…

• Richelieu Rock

  Richelieu Rock, often celebrated as Thailand's premier dive site, is a majestic, isolated pinnacle located within Surin National Park in…

• Elephant Head Rock

  Elephant Head Rock, locally known as Hin Pusa, is a renowned dive site in the Similan Islands, Thailand, located about 1 kilometer…

• Christmas Point

  Christmas Point, located on Similan Island number 9 (Koh Ba-Ngu), stands out as one of the Similan Islands' most iconic dive sites.

• Breakfast Bend

  Breakfast Bend, also known as Three Trees, is a highly regarded dive site located along the eastern side of Similan Island No.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Anita's Reef and the wider Similan Islands National Marine Park is primarily via liveaboard excursions, which depart from various ports including Phuket and Khao Lak. Typical itineraries range from 2 days/1 night to 4 days/4 nights, with longer trips often extending to include other prime sites like Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. While day trips are available from Khao Lak, liveaboards are highly recommended due to the distance from the mainland and the extensive array of dive sites. The Similan Islands diving season runs from October 15th to May 15th, outside of which the park is closed. Booking in advance, especially during peak season (November-April), is essential, and ensure your dive operator is authorized as the islands are a protected area.

Safety & environment

Diving at Anita's Reef is generally considered safe for all levels due to its mild currents and manageable depths. However, standard dive safety practices are crucial. Always dive within your training limits and stay with your buddy. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket, highlighting the importance of comprehensive dive insurance that covers evacuation and medical treatment. Ensure all your equipment is in good working order before each dive. While currents are usually gentle, always be aware of your position relative to the boat and the reef. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the fragile coral ecosystems and avoid contact with potentially harmful marine life. Respect all national park regulations, including prohibitions against touching, feeding, or disturbing marine animals.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Similan Islands — Anita's Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Similan Islands — Anita's Reef

These liveaboards may visit Similan Islands — Anita's Reef on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Mandarin Queen 9

Thailand

26 guests37.5 m

Manta Queen 8

Thailand

24 guests

$127/day

The Junk

Thailand

18 guests33 m

$163/day

Deep Andaman Queen

Thailand

23 guests30.5 m

$194/day

Explorer

Thailand

16 guests25 m

$150/day

Andaman

Thailand

20 guests26 m

$108/day

Stingray

Thailand

8 guests24 m

$245/day

Seatopia

Thailand

24 guests24 m