Dive Site: Deep Six

About Deep Six

Deep Six, also known as Fanfare Point, is a captivating dive site situated at the northern tip of Similan Island No.7 in Thailand's Andaman Sea, within the Similan Islands National Park. The site features dramatic underwater landscapes, where the island's granite rock formations plunge deep into the blue, continuing to the sandy seafloor. Divers can explore massive granite boulders, intricate swim-throughs, and vibrant soft coral gardens adorned with red sea fans, giant sponges, and an abundance of marine life. A shallow reef near the surface also makes this a popular snorkeling spot. Depths at Deep Six range from 10 to 40 meters, offering diverse exploration opportunities. The site is characterized by an outer sandy area where larger marine life, such as whitetip reef sharks and Kuhl's maskrays, can be spotted resting. Moving closer to the island, divers encounter towering boulders fringed with gorgonian sea fans and colorful soft corals. Crevices within these rocks hide cleaner shrimp, spiny lobsters, and juvenile fish, creating a dynamic habitat. Green and hawksbill sea turtles are also frequent visitors. Entry is typically by boat, often involving a negative entry to quickly reach the pinnacle's top in areas with stronger currents. While currents are generally mild to moderate, they can pick up significantly around the outer corner of the island, requiring good buoyancy control. Visibility is usually excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters. This site is best suited for intermediate-level divers, though its sheltered north bay can serve as a calm starting point.

Dive site facts: Deep Six

Depth

12–24 m

Current

Variable, mild to strong

Visibility

Excellent

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Boulder, drift, pelagic

Region / port

Similan Islands, Andaman Sea

Coordinates

8.5985, 97.6370

Conditions & Currents

Deep Six is known for variable tidal currents, which can range from mild to strong, particularly around the exposed point. Divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques and prepared for changing conditions, as the currents play a significant role in shaping the site's unique 'stepped' granite boulder topography. Descending rapidly and maintaining good buoyancy control are crucial, especially on days with stronger flow. While visibility is generally excellent, strong currents can sometimes stir up sediment, though usually the clear waters of the Similans prevail. An experienced guide is essential to navigate the currents and maximize the dive experience, pointing out sheltered areas and strategic viewing spots.

Marine life & sighting chances

Damselfish

common

Yellowback Fusiliers

common

Whitetip Reef Shark

occasional

Reef Fish

common

Coral

common

Shark

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Deep Six typically involves a boat entry directly onto the site, often as a drift dive due to the prevailing currents. Divers descend to explore the granite boulder formations that create unique 'steps' and channels. The average depth is around 12 meters, but the site extends to a maximum of 24 meters, allowing for exploration of deeper areas where pelagics are more common. The dive usually follows the contour of the point, allowing the current to carry divers along the vibrant reef. Turnaround points are often dictated by air consumption and current strength, with the safety stop typically conducted in shallower, more sheltered areas among the boulders or along the reef edge.

Underwater photography

Deep Six offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle underwater photography, given its impressive granite boulder landscapes and clear visibility. A wide-angle lens will capture the dramatic 'stepped' formations and schooling fish effectively. For pelagic encounters like Whitetip Reef Sharks, be ready with a fast shutter speed. While macro subjects like pipefish and nudibranchs are present, the site's main draw is its expansive scenery and larger marine life, making wide-angle setups more rewarding. Strong currents mean divers should have excellent buoyancy control to maintain position for shots and avoid disturbing the environment. Natural light is often sufficient in the shallower areas due to the excellent visibility, but strobes will enhance color and detail, especially in deeper sections or within shadowed crevices.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Christmas Point

  Dynamic Similan site with strong currents, big fish, and swim-throughs.

• Koh Tachai

  North Reef offers a relaxing reef dive with common leopard shark sightings.

• Koh Bon

  North Reef features a relaxed sloping reef with abundant fish and good corals.

• North Point

  Submerged boulders and channels, with leopard sharks and stingrays on sandy bottoms.

• Breakfast Bend

  Long reef dive with gentle slopes, extensive hard corals, and leopard sharks.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Deep Six is typically via liveaboard or day trip boats departing from Khao Lak, the primary gateway to the Similan Islands. The closest major international airport is Phuket International Airport (HKT), which offers domestic flights to various hubs. From Phuket, travelers can take a bus or taxi to Khao Lak. Liveaboard trips usually range from 3 to 7 days, combining Deep Six with other premier sites in the Similan and Surin Islands National Parks. Day trips are also available but often have shorter bottom times. National Park fees apply for all divers visiting the Similan Islands. It's advisable to book trips in advance, especially during peak season, due to the popularity of these sites.

Safety & environment

Diving at Deep Six requires an intermediate level of experience due to its variable and potentially strong currents. Divers must maintain good buoyancy control and be proficient in drift diving techniques. Always dive with an experienced guide who is familiar with the site's specific current patterns. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket, approximately a 3-4 hour journey from the Similan Islands, including boat transfer and land travel. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for emergency evacuation and recompression treatment, is highly recommended. Divers should always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safety in case of surfacing away from the boat, and adhere strictly to dive computer limits and no-decompression limits.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Deep Six FAQ

Liveaboards diving Deep Six

These liveaboards may visit Deep Six 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