Dive Site: Shark Point

About Shark Point

Shark Point, also known as Hin Musang, is a celebrated dive site located midway between Phuket and Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea. It is part of the Hin Musang Wildlife Reserve, established in 1992, which protects its rich biodiversity. The site is characterized by three main submerged pinnacles, one of which breaks the surface and is marked by a small lighthouse. These pinnacles are carpeted in diverse hard and soft corals, including staghorn, brain, honeycomb, and vibrant purple and red soft corals. Nutrient-rich currents sweep through the area, fostering impressive gardens of giant gorgonian sea fans and huge barrel sponges. The site is a haven for an extensive variety of reef fish, from schools of snappers and fusiliers to angelfish, butterflyfish, and various pufferfish. Lucky divers may encounter critically endangered Hawksbill turtles feeding on bubble corals or leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom. While visibility can be excellent, conditions can vary, and currents can be moderate to strong, making it more suitable for experienced divers. However, the shallower sections offer accessible diving for those with appropriate certifications. Shark Point is often combined with other local sites like Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser Wreck, providing a comprehensive diving experience in the region.

Dive site facts: Shark Point

Depth

0–20 m

Typical dive

12–20 m, 50–60 min

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

5–20 m

Water temperature

28–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Day boat

Level

Intermediate / Advanced

Dive type

Pinnacle, coral reef

Region / port

Phuket / Phi Phi Islands

Coordinates

7.735, 98.528

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Shark Point can range from moderate to strong, particularly around the pinnacles, and can be quite variable, influencing the dive plan. Divers should be prepared for potential drift dives, and entry and exit procedures are typically planned to accommodate the prevailing conditions. Visibility generally spans 5 to 20 meters, but can fluctuate based on plankton blooms or weather patterns, occasionally dropping significantly. While water temperatures are consistently warm, ranging from 28°C to 30°C, the intensity of the currents and occasional cooler thermoclines can make a 3mm wetsuit advisable for comfort during multiple dives.

Marine life & sighting chances

Leopard shark

November-April · common

Hawksbill turtle

All year · occasional

Barracuda

All year · common

Snapper

All year · common

Fusilier

All year · common

Angelfish

All year · common

Butterflyfish

All year · common

Parrotfish

All year · common

Seahorse

All year · occasional

Ghost pipefish

All year · occasional

Cuttlefish

All year · common

Squid

All year · common

Moray eel

All year · common

Scorpionfish

All year · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Shark Point begins with a descent onto one of the pinnacles, usually Pinnacle #1, which is recognizable by its surface marker. The dive then follows the contour of the pinnacle, allowing exploration of the extensive coral gardens and searching for macro life. Depending on current direction, the route may lead towards Pinnacle #2, which boasts impressive gorgonian sea fans and barrel sponges. Divers typically maintain depths between 12-20 meters to maximize bottom time and enjoy the vibrant reef. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often allowing for a safety stop amidst the rich reef fish population in shallower waters before surfacing near the boat.

Underwater photography

Shark Point is a vibrant photographic subject, especially for wide-angle and macro shots. For wide-angle, focus on the expansive coral formations, particularly the colorful soft corals and giant gorgonian sea fans on the deeper pinnacles. The schools of barracuda and snappers also make for compelling wide-angle compositions. For macro enthusiasts, the site is rich with ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and seahorses, which are often well-camouflaged; a macro lens will be essential here. Given the variable visibility and potential for strong currents, excellent buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the delicate corals and to secure steady shots. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the soft corals and marine life, as natural light diminishes quickly at depth.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Anemone Reef

  Famous for its carpets of anemones and clownfish.

• King Cruiser Wreck

  A sunken passenger ferry that offers exciting wreck penetration opportunities.

• Koh Doc Mai

  A wall dive renowned for its macro life and small caves.

• Hin Bida

  Known for leopard shark sightings and diverse reef life.

• Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nok

  Offers varied topography with walls, caves, and vibrant coral reefs.

Getting there & logistics

Diving Shark Point is typically done via day trips from Phuket or as part of a liveaboard itinerary exploring the southern Andaman Sea. Flights usually arrive at Phuket International Airport (HKT). Day boat departures are common from Phuket's Chalong Pier. Liveaboard trips often combine Shark Point with nearby sites like Anemone Reef, King Cruiser Wreck, and the Phi Phi Islands, offering itineraries that range from 1 to 4 days. While there are no specific marine park fees for Shark Point itself, some itineraries may include visits to other protected areas that do incur fees.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket. Divers should always ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as access to advanced medical facilities can be delayed in remote areas. At Shark Point, vigilance regarding strong and unpredictable currents is crucial; divers should listen carefully to their guide's briefing and be prepared for drift diving conditions. Good buoyancy control is essential to avoid contact with the delicate corals and to navigate the pinnacles safely. Always maintain a safe distance from marine life, particularly leopard sharks, and avoid touching or disturbing the environment.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shark Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Shark Point

These liveaboards may visit Shark 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