Dive Site: North Point

About North Point

North Point, the northernmost dive site of the Similan Islands, sits just north of Similan Island No. 9. This site is renowned for its diverse underwater topography, featuring massive granite boulders that create an intricate network of swim-throughs, channels, and walls. These structures descend steeply to depths beyond 35 meters, providing a dramatic backdrop for exploration. The shallower areas near the island transition into expansive reefs, primarily composed of staghorn and hard corals, stretching from east to west. The contrast between the deep boulder formations and the colorful, shallow coral gardens makes North Point a compelling dive for various interests. Sandy patches intersperse the rock formations, offering resting places for bottom-dwelling marine life. Marine life here is abundant and varied, ranging from pelagic species like white-tip reef sharks and giant trevally that cruise the deeper waters, to a wealth of macro creatures such as pipefish, nudibranchs, and purple fire gobies found amongst the corals and sand. Leopard sharks and blue-spotted stingrays are also frequent visitors to the sandy seabed. The site's diverse habitats support a rich ecosystem, ensuring something to discover on every dive. Diving North Point typically involves navigating the boulder formations and exploring the coral reefs. Given the potential for moderate to strong currents, it is best suited for intermediate divers with some experience in varying conditions. The excellent visibility, often ranging from 20 to 30 meters, enhances the experience, allowing divers to fully appreciate the site's grandeur and intricate details.

Dive site facts: North Point

Depth

10–35 m

Current

Moderate to Strong

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

27–30 °C

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wall, Drift, Coral Garden

Region / port

Similan Islands, Andaman Sea

Coordinates

8.7234, 97.6456

Conditions & Currents

North Point can experience moderate to strong currents, particularly around the deeper boulder formations. Divers should be prepared for drift diving conditions and possess good buoyancy control. Entry is typically a negative entry to quickly descend to the sheltered areas behind the boulders. The currents often dictate the dive plan, moving divers along the formations and through channels. Visibility remains excellent even with stronger currents, ranging from 20 to 30 meters, though localized thermoclines are uncommon. Divers should monitor their air consumption and always remain in close proximity to their buddy and guide, as currents can change quickly.

Marine life & sighting chances

Leopard shark

occasional

Blue-spotted stingray

occasional

White-tip reef shark

common

Blue-fin trevally

common

Unicornfish

common

Giant trevally

common

Pipefish

common

Purple fire goby

common

Octopus

common

Nudibranch

common

Moray Eel

common

Barracuda

common

Clownfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at North Point typically begins with a negative entry due to the potential for moderate to strong currents, allowing for a swift descent to the shelter of the large granite boulders. The route often involves exploring the dramatic underwater landscape, navigating through the numerous swim-throughs and channels that characterize the site. You'll descend along the steeply falling boulders, observing marine life that hides in crevices and cruises the deeper sections. The dive progresses towards the shallower reefs closer to Similan Island No. 9, where expansive coral gardens of staghorn and hard corals provide a vibrant contrast to the granite. The turn point is flexible, often determined by current direction and air consumption, aiming to utilize the current to drift towards the safety stop area. Safety stops are generally conducted in the calmer, shallower waters of the reef, providing a final opportunity to spot macro life before ascending.

Underwater photography

North Point offers diverse photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots of impressive granite formations and schooling fish to macro subjects hidden within the corals and sandy patches. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the grand scale of the boulders, swim-throughs, and large pelagics. For macro enthusiasts, a macro lens will be rewarded with pipefish, nudibranchs, and gobies. Due to potential currents, stable buoyancy and quick reactions are essential. Consider using strobes to bring out the true colors of the soft corals and reef inhabitants. Be mindful of your fin kicks around fragile corals and when exploring tight swim-throughs, prioritizing the preservation of the delicate ecosystem.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• 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.

• Breakfast Bend

  Breakfast Bend, also known as Three Trees, is a highly regarded dive site located along the eastern side of Similan Island No.

• Koh Bon

  Koh Bon is a distinguished dive site located north of Similan Island No.

• Richelieu Rock

  Richelieu Rock, often celebrated as Thailand's premier dive site, is a majestic, isolated pinnacle located within Surin National Park in…

• Hin Muang

  Hin Muang, translating to 'Purple Rock', is one of Thailand's premier dive sites, located within the Mu Koh Lanta National Park.

• Hin Daeng

  Hin Daeng, meaning "Red Rock" in Thai, is a world-renowned dive site situated in the Mu Koh Lanta National Park, approximately 55 km south…

Getting there & logistics

Access to North Point is primarily via liveaboard trips or day trips departing from Khao Lak, the main gateway to the Similan Islands. The Similan Islands National Park is located about 60 kilometers from Thaplamu Pier in Khao Lak. Most international travelers fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) and then transfer to Khao Lak. Trip lengths vary, with liveaboards typically offering itineraries of multiple days to explore several Similan and Surin Islands dive sites. The National Park is closed annually from mid-May to mid-October, so plan your visit during the open season. Park fees are usually included in liveaboard or day trip packages. The site is often combined with other Similan sites like Christmas Point and Breakfast Bend to create a comprehensive dive itinerary.

Safety & environment

Diving at North Point, while rewarding, requires adherence to safety protocols due to potentially strong currents and depths exceeding 30 meters. Divers should possess an intermediate certification and experience with drift diving. Always dive with a reputable operator and an experienced guide who is familiar with the local conditions. Ensure your equipment is well-maintained and that you have adequate gas planning. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket, which can be several hours away by boat and road depending on your liveaboard's location. Comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency evacuation and recompression treatment is strongly recommended. Avoid touching marine life or coral, and maintain good buoyancy to prevent accidental damage to the fragile ecosystem.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

North Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving North Point

These liveaboards may visit North 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