Dive Site: Shark Fin Reef

About Shark Fin Reef

Shark Fin Reef is one of the most iconic and largest dive sites within Thailand's Similan Islands, specifically designated as Similan Is. No. 3. Its name originates from three distinct granite pinnacles that break the surface at low tide, resembling shark fins. This extensive underwater ridge stretches for nearly a kilometer, showcasing some of the most impressive granite formations in the Andaman Sea. Unlike typical coral-dominated reefs, Shark Fin Reef is characterized by enormous granite boulders, dramatic valleys, towering rock structures, and narrow channels. Depths vary significantly, ranging from shallower reef sections down to drop-offs exceeding 30 meters, accommodating diverse dive profiles. This complex and varied terrain ensures that each dive offers new opportunities for exploration, making every experience unique based on the chosen route and prevailing conditions. The site supports a rich array of marine life amidst its rocky habitat and healthy coral growth. Divers can frequently observe schools of snapper, fusiliers, trevally, and barracuda navigating the channels. Whitetip reef sharks are occasionally found resting under ledges, while blacktip reef sharks may patrol the shallower areas. Moray eels, octopus, lionfish, and numerous reef fish species also thrive here, utilizing the rocks and corals for shelter. Healthy hard corals, soft corals, and sea fans add vibrant color, supporting a diverse ecosystem of smaller marine species and creating highly photogenic underwater scenery. Generally, visibility is excellent, often between 20 to 30 meters during the dive season, allowing for clear views of the massive granite formations and marine life in the blue water. Currents at Shark Fin Reef can vary from mild to moderate, depending on tides and weather patterns. Stronger currents, especially around the pinnacles and deeper sections, can create exciting drift diving opportunities and attract larger schools of fish. This site is primarily accessed via

Dive site facts: Shark Fin Reef

Depth

15–30 m+

Current

Moderate, can be strong

Visibility

20–30 m+

Water temperature

29–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Tender

Level

Intermediate–Advanced

Dive type

Reef, drift, boulders, swim-throughs, pelagic

Region / port

Similan Islands, Andaman Sea

Coordinates

8.5600° N, 97.6400° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Shark Fin Reef are typically moderate but can fluctuate significantly with tidal patterns and weather, sometimes becoming strong, particularly around the pinnacles and in deeper sections. While many dives feature mild conditions, stronger flows can present exciting drift diving opportunities, often attracting larger pelagic schools. Divers should be prepared for varying current strengths and possess good buoyancy control, especially when navigating swim-throughs and boulder fields. Entry is usually a liveaboard back-roll or giant stride directly into the water, and exit involves ascending to the liveaboard. Visibility is consistently excellent, ranging from 20 to 30 meters, which allows clear observation of the reef's topography and marine life, even in moderate currents. There are no notable thermoclines or significant boat traffic concerns during dives, but divers should pl

Marine life & sighting chances

Schools of snapper

occasional

Schools of fusiliers

occasional

Schools of trevally

occasional

Schools of barracuda

occasional

Whitetip reef sharks

occasional

Blacktip reef sharks

occasional

Leopard sharks

occasional

Stingrays

occasional

Moray eels

common

Octopus

common

Cuttlefish

common

Lionfish

common

Reef fish

common

Whale sharks

seasonal · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Shark Fin Reef typically begin with a tender or back-roll entry from a liveaboard, often into an area chosen based on current direction for a drift dive. The initial descent leads to the top of the ridge, usually around 15 meters, where divers can begin exploring the massive granite boulders. Routes often involve navigating through narrow channels and swim-throughs that cut between these impressive formations, gradually descending along the sloping reef walls to deeper sections, sometimes exceeding 30 meters. Divers commonly explore the eastern side of the site due to prevailing currents. The complex topography allows for varied routes, moving from the shallower coral gardens to deeper rock formations where larger pelagics might cruise in the blue. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits. The safety stop is typically conducted in the shallower, calmer sections of the reef or in the blue water, depending on the drift, before ascending to the surface for liveaboard pick-up.

Underwater photography

Shark Fin Reef offers fantastic wide-angle opportunities due to its dramatic granite topography, expansive boulder formations, and clear visibility. A fisheye or wide-angle lens (e.g., 10-17mm or 16-35mm equivalent) is highly recommended to capture the immense scale of the underwater landscape, including the swim-throughs and canyons. When currents are moderate, utilizing a slow shutter speed with strobes can create dynamic images of schooling fish against the rocky backdrop. For macro subjects like moray eels, octopus, or smaller reef fish, a 60mm or 100mm macro lens will be suitable, particularly when exploring the numerous cracks and crevices. Pay attention to light and shadow play within the boulder formations, as this can add significant drama to your shots. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid contact with the fragile corals and marine life, especially in confined swim-throughs and current-swept areas.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Similan Islands — East of Eden

  East of Eden is an exquisite dive site nestled within Thailand's Similan Islands, famed for its breathtaking coral formations and abundant…

• Turtle Rock (Similan)

  Turtle Rock is a renowned dive site nestled within the Similan Islands, situated on the western side of Island 8.

• 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.

• 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…

• 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…

Getting there & logistics

Shark Fin Reef is exclusively accessed via liveaboard trips to the Similan Islands. These multi-day itineraries typically depart from Phuket or Khao Lak, both of which are accessible through Phuket International Airport (HKT). Flights to HKT are available from Bangkok (BKK) and other international hubs. Liveaboard durations vary but often range from 3 to 7 nights, combining Shark Fin Reef with other renowned Similan and sometimes Surin Islands sites like Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. There are no specific additional permits or fees beyond the national park entry fees, which are usually included in the liveaboard package. It's advisable to book liveaboard trips well in advance, especially during the peak season from November to April, to secure preferred dates and vessels.

Safety & environment

For diving at Shark Fin Reef, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment, recompression chamber costs, and evacuation is essential. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket, necessitating a potentially lengthy sea and land transfer in case of an emergency. Liveaboards are equipped with first aid, emergency oxygen, and communication systems, but evacuation can still take several hours depending on the vessel's location within the Similan National Park. Divers must possess appropriate certification (Intermediate to Advanced recommended) and experience with currents. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, maintain proper buoyancy to avoid damaging corals, and respect depth limits. Be aware of varying currents, which can change rapidly; stay close to your buddy and group. Surface marker buoys (SMBs) are mandatory for all divers for drift diving and emergency surface signaling.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shark Fin Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Shark Fin Reef

These liveaboards may visit Shark Fin Reef 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