Koh Bon Island Dive Sites
Koh Bon is a small granite rocky island about 20km northeast of the northernmost tip of the Similan Islands. On the surface it’s just rock topped with a little greenery. No beaches or anywhere to land on the island, though there is a hole that passes from one side of the island to the other. There is a sheltered bay that is sometimes used for night dives. There are 2 main dive sites at Koh Bon. The most dived is the ridge that sticks out from the western side of the island and continues underwater down to a depth of 40 meters. There is also a deep pinnacle on the north side of the island. Koh Bon is on the route of most Thailand liveaboard trips. One popular tour is the 2 days / 1 night Similan – Koh Bon trip, starting every Tuesday and Saturday.
Koh Bon Island near the Similan islands
Koh Bon Ridge
Maybe the best place to find manta rays in the region. The dive site follows a ridge jutting out from the west of the island, covered in pastel shaded soft corals, which drops to depths of 35-40m. Mantas are often spotted over the ridge or in the deep water to the South. Leopard sharks are also common in the deeper water and this is a good location to find the elusive purple fire goby! The reef here is mostly rocky but marine life is good, often large schools of sweetlips or snappers.
Koh Bon Dive Site Map
Koh Bon Pinnacle
If you head northeast of the ridge, about one hundred metres or so from the rocky reef that encircles Koh Bon island, there is a deep pinnacle which tops out at 18m depth, but dropping to over 50m. It is certainly a deep dive and great for experienced divers who want something a bit different. Koh Bon pinnacle can be a great place to find mantas or leopard sharks. The north side of the pinnacle drops off steeply while on the south side you can make a long swim at 28 – 30m depth to reach the main island reef.
Koh Bon is on the route of most Thailand liveaboards. There are also day trips possible to Koh Bon (2 dives) on Sunday or Wednesday with pick up in Phuket or Khao Lak.
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