Anita's Reef - Similan Islands

Anita's Reef, tucked away on the eastern side of Similan Island No. 5, is a site we often suggest for a relaxed dive. The gentle sandy slope makes for easy navigation, and it's punctuated by some seriously impressive coral bommies. You'll find a nice mix of table and staghorn corals, and we’ve often spotted lionfish lurking, plus those striking Oriental sweetlips. Keep an eye out for the clown triggerfish; they’re a bit shyer but truly gorgeous when they make an appearance. The soft tree corals and sea fans on the bommies are great for finding longnose hawkfish. This spot is generally pretty mellow, good for an easy-going morning dive when you just want to cruise and watch the reef wake up.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.945000, 97.648000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-25m

Best Time to Dive in Similan Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Similan Islands occur in May, averaging 30.8°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.6°C
  • February: 29.0°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.6°C
  • May: 30.8°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 29.3°C
  • September: 29.0°C
  • October: 29.0°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Similan Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Anita's Reef

Marine Life in Similan Islands

Home to 183 recorded species including 127 reef fish, 38 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 4 sharks & rays, 2 other, 1 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Anita's Reef

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Anita's Reef?
The typical depth range for diving at Anita's Reef is between 10 and 25 meters. This gentle sandy slope allows divers to explore various depths within this range, encountering diverse marine life and coral formations.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Anita's Reef?
Divers at Anita's Reef can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including lionfish, the colorful Oriental sweetlips, and the beautiful but less common clown triggerfish. The reef boasts stunning coral bommies covered in soft tree corals and sea fans, alongside areas of table corals, staghorn corals, and dendronephthya coral in shades of golden brown and purple. Keep an eye out for longnose hawkfish hiding within the sea fans.
How difficult is diving at Anita's Reef, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Anita's Reef is classified as intermediate difficulty. While it features a gentle sandy slope, its intermediate rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Beginners might find other sites in the Similan Islands more appropriate for their first dives.
What is the best time of year to dive at Anita's Reef for optimal conditions?
Based on the provided data, there is no specific information regarding the best time of year to dive at Anita's Reef for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Anita's Reef?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Anita's Reef. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is the minimum requirement for most recreational dives, but it's always best to check with your dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at Anita's Reef?
The provided data does not include specific details about the typical current or water conditions at Anita's Reef. However, as an intermediate-difficulty reef site, divers should always be prepared for varying conditions and consult with their dive guide on the day of the dive.