Dive Site: Turtle Rock (Similan)

About Turtle Rock (Similan)

Turtle Rock is a renowned dive site nestled within the Similan Islands, situated on the western side of Island 8. This location is particularly notable for its distinctive rock formation, which resembles a turtle emerging from the water, and serves as a favored spot for night dives due to its generally calm conditions. The underwater topography encompasses a mix of coral reefs, sandy expanses, and granite boulders. The shallow bay presents abundant healthy coral bommies, ideal for exploration. Towards the west, the site transitions into boulders that descend to a depth of 30 meters. Divers typically begin their descent near a central buoy line, then explore the scattered coral formations and sandy patches, especially during night dives. While the site's name suggests frequent turtle sightings, they are occasionally encountered, particularly sleeping among the shallow boulders at night. Marine life commonly observed includes moray eels, squid, and octopus actively hunting. At deeper sections around 20 meters, you might spot spearing mantis shrimp and Kuhl's stingrays. Many lionfish species are active after dark, with a chance to see the distinctive oscillated dwarf lionfish, and large painted spiny lobsters are found among the shallow rocks. Conditions are usually easy and calm, with clear water in the sheltered bay, making it suitable for beginner divers. It is often the sole night dive offered during a liveaboard trip, with divers instructed to use torches upon surfacing to signal small dive tenders that might be in the area.

Dive site facts: Turtle Rock (Similan)

Depth

5–30 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard only

Level

Beginner to advanced

Dive type

Boulder, swim-throughs, reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Similan Islands, Thailand

Coordinates

8.6500° N, 97.6400° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Turtle Rock are generally mild to moderate, typically flowing from north to south. While the site is considered relaxed and suitable for beginners, awareness of the current direction is always beneficial. Visibility is often excellent, ranging from 10 to 30 meters, though occasional 'green monsters' (thermoclines) can briefly reduce both temperature and clarity. Divers should be mindful of conditions when exploring the 6-meter swim-throughs, especially as larger fish may seek shelter there, requiring confident buoyancy control. Surface conditions are usually calm, particularly from January to February, making for comfortable boat entries and exits.

Marine life & sighting chances

Garden eels

common

Kuhl’s stingrays

common

Sweetlips

common

Snappers

common

Leatherback turtles

common

Blacktip reef sharks

common

Whitetip reef sharks

common

Leopard sharks

common

Triggerfish

common

Unicornfish

common

Barracudas

common

Giant trevallies

common

Manta rays

January-April · occasional

Whale sharks

March-April · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Turtle Rock typically begins with a descent onto the main boulder formations, which resemble a turtle. Divers then explore the many swim-throughs, most notably those found at a depth of 6 meters, ensuring careful buoyancy for navigation. The dive progresses along the sandy areas where garden eels and Kuhl’s stingrays reside, often keeping the maximum depth around 30 meters. The route allows for close examination of rock crevices where sweetlips and snappers hide. A key highlight is keeping an eye out for leatherback turtles that frequent the site. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, allowing for a safety stop, often near the shallower rock formations, before returning to the surface.

Underwater photography

Turtle Rock offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the impressive granite boulder formations and the numerous swim-throughs at 6 meters, especially when light streams through openings. For capturing the shy garden eels on the sandy bottom or the Kuhl’s stingrays, a macro lens or close-up filters can be effective. When shooting inside the swim-throughs, external strobes are beneficial for illuminating hidden fish like sweetlips and snappers without disturbing them. Patience and good buoyancy are crucial to avoid silting up the environment and to respectfully photograph resident leatherback turtles.

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…

• Similan Islands — Anita's Reef

  Anita's Reef, or Hin Muan Deaw, is a highlight of the Similan Islands National Marine Park, located between Islands #5 and #6.

• Elephant Head Rock

  Known for amazing underwater topography and swim-throughs.

• Koh Bon — West Ridge

  Famous for manta ray sightings.

• Koh Tachai Pinnacle

  Renowned for large pelagics like manta rays and whale sharks.

• 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.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Turtle Rock, situated on Similan Island #8, is primarily via liveaboard trips operating out of Khao Lak. The Similan Islands National Park is open annually from October 15th to May 15th. Most liveaboard itineraries range from 3 to 7 nights, often combining dive sites within the Similans with excursions to the Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. Travelers typically fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT), from where transfers to Khao Lak are arranged. National park fees are usually included in liveaboard packages, but it's advisable to confirm this with your operator. Planning well in advance is recommended, especially for peak season bookings from March to April.

Safety & environment

Diving at Turtle Rock, while generally relaxed, requires adherence to standard safety practices. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket, necessitating prompt evacuation in case of a serious diving emergency. Dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is strongly advised for all divers. Site-specific hazards include navigating the swim-throughs, especially the 6-meter passages, where careful buoyancy control and awareness of other divers are essential. Although currents are typically mild to moderate, they can shift, so divers should remain attentive to their dive guide's instructions. Always dive within your certification limits and monitor your air consumption, particularly when exploring deeper sections or intricate rock formations.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Turtle Rock (Similan) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Turtle Rock (Similan)

These liveaboards may visit Turtle Rock (Similan) 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