Dive Site: Breakfast Bend

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.

Dive site facts: Breakfast Bend

Depth

5–35 m

Typical dive

8–20+ m

Current

None to strong, typically medium

Visibility

10–40 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Beginner to Intermediate, AOW recommended

Dive type

Reef, boulder, coral slope

Night dive

Possible (best for sunset)

Region / port

Similan Islands, Andaman Sea

Coordinates

8.683, 97.657

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Breakfast Bend are typically rated as medium, making it a site accessible to various diver certifications. However, current strength can vary from none to strong depending on tidal conditions, requiring divers to consult with their captain and guide for daily briefings. Visibility can reach up to 40 meters during optimal conditions but may drop to 10 meters at other times. Divers should plan conservatively around the 5-25 meter reference depth, staying within their certification limits. Entry and exit procedures for this boat dive must be confirmed beforehand, and divers should adjust their route and depth based on local guide judgment to ensure safety and enjoyment.

Marine life & sighting chances

Staghorn coral

common

Soft corals (blue, yellow, pink, purple)

common

Whip corals

common

Forster’s Barracudas

occasional

Stingrays

occasional

Garden Eels

common

Napoleon Wrasses

occasional

Leopard sharks

occasional

Whitetip reef sharks

occasional

Reef fish

common

Potato Groupers

occasional

Ghost pipefish

rare

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

• Anita’s Reef

  East coast of Similan Island No. 5, known for coral bommies and a gentle sandy slope.

• Barracuda Point

  Similan dive site known for reef diving and macro photography.

• Beacon Reef

  Another Similan dive site suitable for reef diving.

• Elephant Head Rock

  Famous for dramatic swim-throughs and tunnels.

• Christmas Point

  Typifies the boulder-strewn landscapes of the Similan archipelago.

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

FAQ

Breakfast Bend FAQ

Liveaboards diving Breakfast Bend

These liveaboards may visit Breakfast Bend 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