Diving in Koh Bon Island

Diving in Koh Bon, part of the Similan Islands, is an unforgettable underwater experience in Thailand! Discover vibrant coral walls and get up close with majestic manta rays. It’s the perfect spot for divers looking for thrilling encounters with marine giants.

Diving into the Depths: The Allure of Koh Bon

Koh Bon, part of the stunning Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea, is a must-visit destination for diving. Known for its breathtaking coral walls and frequent manta ray sightings, this site offers an unforgettable diving experience. You could be a seasoned diver or a beginner looking for an exciting adventure, Koh Bon promises encounters with some of the ocean's most graceful creatures. The dive site features a sloping reef and a dramatic wall that plunges into the deep blue, making it ideal for both peaceful reef explorations and thrilling drift dives. Marine life thrives here, showing off vibrant corals and a variety of sea creatures. This guide will cover everything you need to know about diving at Koh Bon—from the best time to visit and the marine life you’ll see, to tips for making the most of your adventure in this iconic Similan Islands National Park location.

Timing Your Dive: The Best Seasons to ExploreKoh Bon

The best time for diving at Koh Bon Island is between November and April, aligning with the prime diving season for the Similan Islands. During these months, the water is calm and warm, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) and visibility often exceeding 30 meters (98 feet). This period also offers the best chances of spotting manta rays, especially around the reef’s cleaning stations. The crystal-clear waters enhance the beauty of the colorful coral formations and marine life, making your dive even more memorable. Planning your visit during this season promises the ultimate Koh Bon diving experience.

Koh Bon Diverse Marine Life

Whale shark

Whale shark

Manta ray

Manta ray

Anemone fish

Anemone fish

Box fish

Box fish

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

Octopus

Octopus

Shrimp

Shrimp

Sea anemone

Sea anemone

Soft Coral

Soft Coral

Hard Coral

Hard Coral

Turtle

Turtle

Barracuda

Barracuda

Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish

Lionfish

Lionfish

Napoleon fish

Napoleon fish

Parrot fish

Parrot fish

Koh Bon Marine Life Sighting Calendar

HHigh chance
MMedium chance
LLow chance
-No sighting
ANIMAL
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Manta ray

Manta ray

MMMLL----LLM
Whale shark

Whale shark

MMMLL----LLM
Octopus

Octopus

MMMMMMMMMMMM
Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Lionfish

Lionfish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Parrot fish

Parrot fish

HHHHHHHHHHHH

The Marine Marvels of Koh Bon: Animals and Seasons

Discover Koh Bon’s Amazing Marine Life

Koh Bon is famous for its frequent manta ray sightings, making it a dream destination for divers hoping for close encounters with these gentle giants. The island’s cleaning stations attract mantas, offering a rare opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.

Other than mantas, Koh Bon boasts an impressive array of marine life, including colorful reef fish, moray eels, leopard sharks, and even the occasional whale shark. The coral walls and reefs teem with biodiversity, featuring colorful soft corals, gorgonians, and fascinating macro life.

Koh Bon Diving Conditions

Recommended scuba diving level
Advanced Open Water

Water temperature27°C - 30°C
Underwater visibility20M - 30M
Underwater currentMedium - Strong
Depth3M - 40M
WeatherTemperature: 28°C - 35°C Monsoon season: Jun - Sep
Underwater hazardStrong currents Down Current
Koh Bon offers diving conditions that are perfect for intermediate and advanced divers looking for a mix of adventure and stunning underwater scenery.

  • Water Temperature: The waters are warm and inviting, ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F), making for comfortable dives.
  • Visibility: Expect clear views with visibility often exceeding 30 meters (98 feet), ideal for taking in the vibrant coral walls and marine life.
  • Currents: Moderate to strong currents make Koh Bon a great spot for drift diving, but some experience is recommended to handle these conditions safely.
  • Depth: Dive depths vary, with the wall offering deeper dives and the reef providing shallower, more relaxed options, catering to different preferences.
  • Weather: The best conditions are from November to April, with calm seas and clear skies, but diving is possible year-round if the weather permits.
  • Safety Tips: While generally safe, the site's currents require good buoyancy control and awareness to ensure a smooth experience.

Koh Bon in the Similan Islands is a diving paradise, offering extraordinary marine experiences and breathtaking underwater views. Swim with graceful manta rays or marvel at the vibrant coral and marine life for a truly unforgettable adventure.

Find the Perfect Dive for You

Discover the best scuba diving tours in the Similan Islands in Thailand with Giant Stride! With a wide range of options to suit your budget and diving style, you can browse through our trusted dive center vendors to find the experience that’s just right for you.

Book Your Adventure with Giant Stride

Giant Stride is your go-to for booking and comparing scuba diving experiences at Koh Bon and other popular dive sites all over Thailand. Choose from trusted and reliable vendors and enjoy an easy booking process with secure payment channels. Whether you are a beginner or looking for advanced expeditions, Giant Stride is a one-stop destination for your next big underwater adventure!