Dive Site: Beacon Reef

About Beacon Reef

Beacon Reef, sometimes referred to as Beacon Bay or Beacon Point, is a cherished dive site within Thailand's Similan Islands National Park. This site is renowned for its expansive, gently sloping reef that transitions from shallow depths to deeper waters, offering a rich tapestry of marine life and impressive hard coral formations. It serves as a prime example of the diverse underwater landscapes found in the Similans, characterized by beautiful coral gardens and dramatic rock structures that attract a wide array of reef inhabitants. The topography features a reef that descends from approximately 5 meters down to around 35 meters, creating a continuous slope suitable for various dive profiles. In addition to the natural reef, the site also hosts the wreck of the Atlantis X liveaboard, adding an extra layer of exploration and interest to the dive. The combination of healthy hard corals, scattered bommies, and the wreck provides ample shelter and foraging grounds for countless species. Marine life encounters at Beacon Reef are consistently rewarding, with frequent sightings of reef sharks and schools of colorful reef fish. The healthy coral ecosystems support a vibrant food chain, making it a dynamic environment for observing marine behavior. The dive site is accessible during the main Similan diving season, offering generally good visibility and manageable currents, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely exploration. Diving here typically involves a boat entry, allowing for a guided exploration along the reef. Divers can enjoy a slow-paced journey, appreciating the intricate details of the coral structures and the diverse marine inhabitants. The site's characteristics lend themselves well to both day dives and can also be suitable for night dives, offering different perspectives on its underwater inhabitants.

Dive site facts: Beacon Reef

Depth

5–35 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

10–28 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced Open Water recommended

Dive type

Reef, wreck, coral slope

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Similan Islands

Coordinates

8.595, 97.64

Conditions & Currents

Beacon Reef generally experiences mild to moderate currents, making it suitable for a wide range of diver experience levels. However, as with any open water site, currents can vary based on tides and local conditions, so divers should always consult with their dive guide. Entry and exit procedures are typically conducted from a boat, and briefings will cover specific techniques for navigating any prevailing currents. Visibility at the site is usually very good, ranging from 10 to 28 meters, though it can occasionally be affected by surge or rainfall runoff. Divers should plan their gas consumption and dive routes conservatively, especially when exploring deeper sections of the slope or during night dives where currents might be less predictable.

Marine life & sighting chances

Reef sharks

occasional

Coral gardens

common

Staghorn corals

common

Table corals

common

Gorgonian fans

common

Soft corals

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Beacon Reef typically begins with a boat entry, followed by a descent onto the sloping reef. The dive plan usually involves following the reef contour from a shallower depth of approximately 5-10 meters down towards the deeper sections, which can reach 35 meters. Divers will often traverse along the slope, observing the various hard coral formations and diverse reef fish. A notable feature is the Atlantis X liveaboard wreck, which divers can explore as part of their route, usually located on the deeper parts of the slope. The turnaround point is often dictated by gas consumption or no-decompression limits, after which divers gradually ascend back along the reef, with the safety stop commonly performed in the shallower coral gardens.

Underwater photography

Beacon Reef offers varied photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots of the sloping hard coral reefs and the Atlantis X wreck to macro subjects nestled within the corals. For wide-angle, a rectilinear lens will capture the expansive coral gardens and the wreck structure effectively. Pay attention to ambient light for dynamic range and consider strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life. For macro, explore the healthy hard corals for pipefish, nudibranchs, and other small critters. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid damaging the delicate coral structures, particularly when focusing on macro subjects. Be patient with marine life, allowing them to acclimate to your presence for more natural shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• North Point

  North Point, the northernmost dive site of the Similan Islands, sits just north of Similan Island No.

• 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.

• 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…

Getting there & logistics

Beacon Reef is located within the Similan Islands National Park, accessible via liveaboards and day trips primarily departing from Khao Lak. The closest major international airport is Phuket International Airport (HKT), from where travelers typically transfer to Khao Lak. Liveaboard trips to the Similans usually range from 3 to 7 days, incorporating Beacon Reef into a broader itinerary that includes other renowned sites like Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon. Day trips are also an option, though they offer less extensive exploration. It's important to note that the Similan Islands National Park is closed from mid-May until mid-October each year, so planning your visit within the open season (mid-October to mid-May) is crucial.

Safety & environment

Safety at Beacon Reef, like all Similan Islands dive sites, prioritizes conservative dive planning within certification limits, especially given the maximum depth of 35-40 meters. Divers should be prepared for mild to moderate currents and always heed their dive guide's briefings regarding entry, exit, and any specific local conditions. While exact locations of recompression chambers can vary, the nearest facilities are typically in Phuket. Comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and recompression treatment is strongly recommended for all divers visiting this remote national park. Park rules, including no-touching policies for marine life and strict waste disposal regulations, must be followed to preserve the pristine environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Beacon Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Beacon Reef

These liveaboards may visit Beacon 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