Dive Site: Christmas Point

About 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. Its dramatic underwater landscape is defined by immense granite boulders, often compared to houses in size, which have been sculpted by centuries of strong currents. These impressive formations create a complex maze of overhangs, passages, and swim-throughs, offering a thrilling and visually stunning dive experience. The site's depth ranges significantly, from shallow coral gardens near the surface down to approximately 40 meters, where a deep ridge provides a vantage point into the open ocean. This diverse topography supports a rich ecosystem, with colorful soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, and a variety of reef fish thriving within the sheltered crevices and on the exposed rock faces. The currents, which can be moderate to strong, contribute to the site's dynamic nature and are responsible for shaping its unique geological features. While Christmas Point is renowned for its topography, it also offers exciting marine life encounters. Divers frequently spot white-tip and black-tip reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections, along with schools of barracuda and Napoleon wrasse. The sandy patches at the base of the boulders are home to colonies of garden eels, while more patient observers might find frogfish, ribbon eels, and nudibranchs among the corals. The occasional presence of larger pelagic species like manta rays and guitar sharks adds to the site's allure, especially when cooler upwellings occur. Diving Christmas Point typically involves a boat entry, often a negative entry, as the currents can be significant. Dive profiles usually involve exploring the boulder formations and swim-throughs, with opportunities to observe both macro life and larger pelagic species. An experienced guide is essential to navigate the currents and maximize the dive's potential, ensuring a safe and rewarding exploration of this exceptional Similan Islan

Dive site facts: Christmas Point

Depth

10–40 m

Typical dive

15–30 m, 50–60 min

Current

Medium to strong

Visibility

10–40 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat / Negative entry

Level

AOWD recommended, current experience essential

Dive type

Reef, drift, macro, pelagic

Night dive

Not commonly offered

Region / port

Similan Islands, Thailand

Coordinates

8.6789, 97.6123

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Christmas Point are typically moderate to strong and can be highly variable, often shifting in strength and direction. During high tide, the current tends to flow southwest to northwest, while low tide sees it moving northwest to southwest. Full moon periods can intensify the current, potentially pushing divers into deeper areas, so careful attention to tidal charts is crucial. The site is frequently dived as a drift, and a negative entry from the dinghy is common, placing divers directly onto the reef. Thermoclines are a regular occurrence due to the deeper waters surrounding the island, bringing cooler water and sometimes reduced visibility, which can also influence current patterns. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions and rely on their guide for accurate real-time briefings on entry, exit, and navigation to ensure a safe dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

White-tip reef shark

occasional

Black-tip reef shark

occasional

Napoleon wrasse

occasional

Barracuda

common

Manta ray

rare

Leopard shark

occasional

Frogfish

occasional

Ribbon eel

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Garden eel

common

Marble ray

occasional

Guitar shark

rare

Sweetlips

common

Grouper

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Christmas Point typically begin with a negative entry from a dinghy, close to the shallow rocks on the south side of Island 9. Divers descend quickly using the rock formations as a visual reference. The initial descent often leads to deeper boulders, where a thermocline may be encountered around 20 meters, marking a cooler layer of water and sometimes affecting visibility. The route often involves exploring the sandy patches at the base of these boulders to observe garden eel colonies. Following the contours of the reef with your right shoulder to the wall, you navigate a series of overhangs and swim-throughs. The largest swim-throughs are easily navigable, with pockets of air often trapped at the top. The dive usually progresses, allowing exploration of the vibrant soft corals and sea fans that adorn the granite. Safety stops are typically conducted in the shallower sections, where reef fish are abundant, before surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Christmas Point offers diverse photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots of its dramatic boulder formations and impressive swim-throughs to macro photography of its resident smaller creatures. For the grand rockscapes and schools of barracuda, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider using strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the soft corals and sea fans, which can be particularly striking in sheltered areas. When photographing garden eels, a macro or zoom lens with good reach is beneficial to maintain a respectful distance, as they are shy. Buoyancy control is paramount, especially within swim-throughs and around delicate corals. Be mindful of currents, as stability is key for sharp images. Patience is rewarded at this site, whether waiting for a shy frogfish to pose or for a pelagic to cruise by the deeper ridge.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Koh Bon

  Known for manta ray sightings and a coral garden, often dived immediately after Christmas Point.

• Richelieu Rock

  A horseshoe-shaped pinnacle famous for whale sharks and a high concentration of marine life, though further north.

• Surin Islands — Turtle Ledge

  A calmer area with rich coral and numerous sea turtles, offering a contrast to Christmas Point's currents.

• Koh Bon — West Ridge

  A deeper ridge often with stronger currents, frequented by manta rays, complement for pelagic encounters.

• Koh Bon — Coral Garden

  A more sheltered alternative with a diverse hard coral ecosystem, suitable for gentler conditions.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Christmas Point is primarily via liveaboard trips departing from Phuket or Khao Lak, typically lasting 4 to 7 days to cover the Similan and Surin Islands. The closest major international airport is Phuket International Airport (HKT), from which divers transfer to departure ports like Thap Lamu. Park fees are required as Christmas Point is within the Similan Islands National Park. Most itineraries combine Christmas Point with other Similan sites and occasionally extend to the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock, offering a comprehensive tour of Thailand's premier dive destinations. Booking well in advance is recommended, especially for peak season trips.

Safety & environment

Safety at Christmas Point demands careful attention due to potentially strong and unpredictable currents. Divers should always carry an SMB and know how to deploy it, especially during drift dives or if separated from the group. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket, highlighting the importance of conservative dive planning and proper insurance coverage, including emergency evacuation. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, particularly regarding entry techniques and navigation within the boulder formations and swim-throughs. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging delicate corals or getting stuck in tight passages. Be aware of thermoclines, which can impact visibility and comfort, and plan your gas consumption accordingly.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Christmas Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Christmas Point

These liveaboards may visit Christmas Point 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