Dive Site: Elephant Head Rock

About Elephant Head Rock

Elephant Head Rock, locally known as Hin Pusa, is a renowned dive site in the Similan Islands, Thailand, located about 1 kilometer southwest of Similan Island No. 8. It's famous for its extraordinary topography, a "playground" of massive granite boulders that create a complex underwater maze of deep canyons, tunnels, and arches. These impressive rock formations extend from depths exceeding 40 meters all the way to the surface, where three large boulders break the water, one resembling an elephant's head and giving the site its name. The massive boulders are adorned with vibrant soft corals, colorful sea fans, and black corals, providing a rich habitat for a diverse range of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter various shark species, including Whitetip, Blacktip, and even Grey Reef Sharks in deeper sections, along with schools of Giant Trevally and Great Barracuda commonly seen hunting around the rocks. Smaller creatures like Ribbon Eels hide in sandy patches, while Green and Hawksbill Turtles can be spotted munching on corals. The site also boasts an abundance of reef fish and invertebrates, such as Moray Eels, various shrimps, Cuttlefish, and numerous species of snapper, sweetlips, and fusiliers. This site generally offers excellent visibility, often ranging from 15 to 40 meters. However, potential strong currents mean it is best suited for advanced divers. The currents can be quite challenging, especially around the full or new moon, often rebounding off the boulders to create unpredictable upcurrents, downcurrents, and whirlpools. Entry to the site is exclusively by boat, typically done off the back of the vessel due to its exposed nature. Following the dive guide's path is crucial to safely navigate the intricate boulder formations and currents.

Dive site facts: Elephant Head Rock

Depth

0–40+ m

Typical dive

18–40 m, 45–60 min

Current

Moderate to very strong

Visibility

10–40+ m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat / negative entry

Level

Advanced recommended, current experience essential

Dive type

Reef, boulder, swim-through

Region / port

Similan Islands, Andaman Sea

Coordinates

8.5789, 97.6234

Conditions & Currents

Elephant Head Rock is situated in the open ocean, which means currents can range from moderate to very strong and are often unpredictable. The current typically flows from southwest to northwest during high tide, but interactions with the large boulders can create complex patterns, including upcurrents, downcurrents, and even localized whirlpools. Divers should be prepared for potential drift and maintain excellent buoyancy control, especially when navigating the numerous swim-throughs and channels. Entry is typically a boat dive, often a negative entry, requiring divers to descend quickly to avoid surface currents. Due to these varying conditions, a close watch on your dive guide and conservative gas planning are essential for a safe and enjoyable exploration of this dynamic site.

Marine life & sighting chances

Leopard shark

occasional

White-tip reef shark

occasional

Black-tip reef shark

occasional

Grey reef shark

rare

Great barracuda

common

Giant trevally

common

Ribbon eel

occasional

Snapper

common

Sweetlips

common

Wrasse

common

Frogfish

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically begin a dive at Elephant Head Rock with a negative entry on the southern side, descending quickly to avoid surface currents. The initial descent reveals a dramatic landscape of granite boulders tumbling into the depths, well past 40 meters, interspersed with sandy patches. Following the boulders on the left shoulder, you'll encounter a channel around 26 meters deep and approximately 2 meters wide, adorned with soft corals. This passage often features a "window" for photographers. Beyond the channel, exploration continues through broad swim-throughs, starting around 26 meters, with multiple exits that open up towards the surface. A torch is recommended for peering into crevices and overhead environments. The dive plan usually involves circling the main boulder cluster, adapting the route based on current direction and strength. Safety stops are conducted in shallower, more sheltered areas, such as the northern side, if currents allow, before surfacing near the liveaboard or tender.

Underwater photography

Elephant Head Rock offers exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the dramatic scale of its granite boulder formations and expansive swim-throughs. A fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the impressive underwater architecture and the schools of pelagic fish that frequent the site. For capturing details within the channels and crevices, a powerful torch is indispensable, both for illumination and for highlighting subjects like ribbon eels and juvenile reef fish. Due to the variable currents, maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid contact with delicate corals and to hold position for stable shots. When entering swim-throughs, practice mindful finning to preserve visibility for those following. For macro subjects, search sandy patches between boulders for smaller, shyer creatures, but be mindful of the overall current conditions and the flow of the group.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Richelieu Rock

  Famous for whale sharks and diverse marine life, often combined in liveaboard itineraries.

• Koh Bon

  Known for manta ray sightings and beautiful soft coral walls.

• Koh Tachai

  A pinnacle site with strong currents, attracting pelagic fish and occasional manta rays.

• Hin Daeng

  Features Thailand's largest vertical wall and frequent shark sightings.

• Hin Muang

  Adjacent to Hin Daeng, known for its purple corals and pelagic encounters.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Elephant Head Rock and the Similan Islands is primarily via liveaboard trips departing from Khao Lak. While Phuket is an international gateway with Phuket International Airport (HKT), transfers to Khao Lak are necessary for liveaboard departures. Typical liveaboard durations range from 3 nights to 7 nights, often combining the Similans with other sites like Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon/Tachai. National Park fees are applicable for all divers visiting the Similan Islands. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a spot on preferred liveaboards. Day trips to the Similans from Phuket or Khao Lak are also available but generally offer less dive time and may not visit all the premier sites.

Safety & environment

Diving at Elephant Head Rock requires careful attention to safety protocols due to potentially strong and unpredictable currents. All divers should ensure their travel insurance includes comprehensive dive coverage and emergency evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Phuket. Given the remote nature of the Similan Islands, evacuation can be time-consuming, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures. Always dive with a qualified and experienced guide who is familiar with the site's unique current patterns. Adhere strictly to the dive plan, maintain situational awareness, and avoid venturing off alone, especially in swim-throughs and areas with overhead environments. Strong buoyancy control is paramount to prevent accidental ascents or descents and to avoid contact with the reef.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Elephant Head Rock FAQ

Liveaboards diving Elephant Head Rock

These liveaboards may visit Elephant Head Rock 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