Breakfast Bend – Reef in Thailand

Name: Breakfast Bend
Address: Thailand

About Breakfast Bend

Breakfast Bend, also known as Three Trees, is a highly regarded dive site located along the eastern side of Similan Island No. 9, Koh Bangu. Its name originates from the early days of Similan diving when it was commonly explored during breakfast hours. The site is characterized by a distinctive landmark on the island's cliff: three exceptionally tall trees that stand out among the jungle. The underwater topography consists of a sandy slope beginning at approximately 8 meters and descending beyond 20 meters. This slope is adorned with numerous rocky outcrops and coral bommies, creating a thriving habitat. The reef boasts excellent health, featuring extensive patches of staghorn coral interspersed with vibrant soft corals in shades of blue, yellow, pink, and purple. The northern section of the reef is home to a magnificent and unique whip coral garden, providing an almost otherworldly diving experience. Marine life at Breakfast Bend is abundant, with countless reef fish inhabiting the area. During sunset dives, trevallies are frequently observed hunting along the reef. The sandy bottom often reveals stingrays and garden eels. Lucky divers may encounter an enormous school of Forster’s barracudas, often forming a spectacular whirlpool, creating a breathtaking underwater spectacle. The site also hosts resident Napoleon wrasses, and leopard sharks and whitetip reef sharks are occasionally sighted. Visibility here is typically very good, often ranging from 20 to 40 meters, though it can vary between 10 and 30 meters. Currents are generally medium, making the site suitable for a range of diver experience levels. Entry is typically a boat dive, and the site is a popular choice for reef diving within the Similan Islands.

Highlights

Extensive coral gardensGiant whip coral gardenForster's barracuda schoolsResident Napoleon wrasseLeopard sharks and stingraysDiverse reef fish

Season calendar

Best months to dive here

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Excellent

Good

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Breakfast Bend typically begins with a boat entry along the eastern side of Similan Island No. 9. You will descend onto a sandy slope, which starts around 8 meters and gently deepens, offering a comfortable progression. The route often involves exploring the vibrant coral gardens, including large patches of staghorn and colorful soft corals. As you continue, you'll encounter numerous rocky outcrops and coral bommies teeming with reef fish. A highlight is often the northern section of the reef, home to a unique whip coral garden. Divers will turn to follow the reef contour, allowing ample time to observe the sandy bottom for garden eels and stingrays. Safety stops are conducted in the shallower sections of the reef, typically between 5-6 meters, before ascending back to the boat.

Underwater photography

Breakfast Bend offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially to capture the extensive coral gardens, massive whip coral formations, and dramatic schools of barracudas if you're lucky. A wide-angle lens will best convey the grandeur of the reef structure and the dense hard and soft coral coverage. For smaller subjects like garden eels, stingrays, or individual reef fish, a macro lens can be effective, particularly in the shallower areas or on the sandy patches. Good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid damaging the delicate corals and to get clear shots. Given the often excellent visibility, natural light can be sufficient for some shots, but strobes will enhance color and detail, especially in deeper sections or when photographing subjects under overhangs. Respect marine life by maintaining a safe distance and avoiding any disturbance to capture authentic behaviors.

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Diving at Breakfast Bend is typically part of a liveaboard trip originating from Khao Lak, approximately 70 km west of the Similan Islands. The nearest major international airport is Phuket International Airport (HKT), from which transfers to Khao Lak are readily available. Liveaboard itineraries to the Similan Islands, often lasting 4D/4N or 6D/6N, commonly include this site. The Similan and Surin Marine National Parks are open for diving from October 15th to May 15th each year, closing during the monsoon season to allow for ecosystem recovery. Divers can expect park fees as part of their liveaboard package. This site is frequently combined with other Similan Islands dive locations and sometimes with more northerly sites like Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock, depending on the trip length.

Safety & environment

For diving at Breakfast Bend, it is crucial to plan conservatively within your certification limits, especially given the maximum depth of 35 meters and average depth of 15 meters. While currents are generally medium, they can vary significantly, necessitating strict adherence to daily briefings from your captain and dive guide. Always verify entry, exit, and emergency procedures before each boat dive. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket, highlighting the importance of dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and treatment. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the healthy coral reefs and should never touch marine life. This site is suitable for Advanced Open Water (AOW) divers due to potential currents and depths, and experience with drift diving is beneficial.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Suited for

Advanced Open Water (AOW) divers
Divers comfortable with medium currents
Underwater photographers seeking coral and diverse marine life
Liveaboard enthusiasts
Divers seeking vibrant reef ecosystems

Less suited for

Open Water (OW) divers without significant experience
Divers uncomfortable with potential drift dives
Individuals seeking only large pelagic encounters
Those who prefer shore diving

FAQ

Breakfast Bend FAQ

Is Breakfast Bend suitable for beginner divers?

Breakfast Bend is generally considered better for Advanced Open Water (AOW) certified divers or those with equivalent experience. While some sources mention it's suitable for beginners to intermediate, the medium to strong currents and depths up to 35 meters suggest a need for good buoyancy control and comfort in varying conditions. Open Water divers should carefully assess their comfort level and experience before diving here.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see at Breakfast Bend?

You can anticipate encountering a rich variety of marine life, including extensive hard and soft coral gardens, schools of reef fish, and resident Napoleon wrasses. Lucky divers may spot large schools of Forster’s barracudas, leopard sharks, whitetip reef sharks, stingrays, and garden eels. The site is particularly known for its diverse coral formations.

What are the typical diving conditions at Breakfast Bend?

Typical conditions include water temperatures ranging from 27-30°C and visibility often between 20-40 meters, though it can drop to 10 meters. Currents are generally medium but can fluctuate from none to strong, requiring attention to daily briefings. The site features a sandy slope with rocky outcrops and coral bommies, with depths from 5 to 35 meters.

What makes Breakfast Bend unique among Similan Islands dive sites?

Breakfast Bend is particularly distinguished by its healthy and extensive coral gardens, featuring impressive staghorn and colorful soft corals. The unique whip coral garden on the northern side creates an 'alien planet' like atmosphere. It's also renowned for the potential to encounter massive schools of Forster's barracudas forming whirlpools, a truly breathtaking sight.

How are dives typically conducted at Breakfast Bend?

Dives at Breakfast Bend are exclusively boat dives. You'll typically descend onto a gently sloping reef, exploring the coral formations and marine life. The dive profile often involves a drift along the reef, with the turn point determined by current and air consumption. Safety stops are performed in shallower areas before ascending to the surface.

Why dive Breakfast Bend from a liveaboard?

Breakfast Bend is one of Thailand's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Breakfast Bend on their Thailand itineraries.

Thailand

20 guests27 m

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About Breakfast Bend

Highlights

Season calendar

Nov – Apr (Peak)

May (Transition)

Jun – Oct (Monsoon)

Dive site facts: Breakfast Bend

Conditions & Currents

Marine life & sighting chances

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Underwater photography

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

Safety & environment

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Suited for

Less suited for

Breakfast Bend FAQ

Why dive Breakfast Bend from a liveaboard?

Liveaboards diving Breakfast Bend

Dive sites similar to Breakfast Bend

12 liveaboards run the Breakfast Bend route.