Banana Bay - Similan Islands

Banana Bay, tucked into the Similans, often gets overlooked for some of its flashier neighbours, but we think that’s a mistake. This is our quiet favourite, especially for those days when you just want a relaxed, easy dive after a bit of a current-filled morning elsewhere. The bay itself is a gentle slope, mostly sand, but don't let that fool you. Spend some time really looking, and you’ll be rewarded. We love it for the macro and the sheer chill factor. Think blackspotted sea cucumbers inching along, little striped triplefins perched on coral rubble, and those tiny bicolor blennies popping their heads out of holes. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers who want to slow down and really compose a shot. We’ve often seen big garrupa cruising through the sandy patches, and giant morays peeking from under the scattered coral heads. Our tip: go early or late in the day. The light is softer, and the five-lined snapper schools seem to move more deliberately, making for some lovely silhouettes against the sun. It’s perfect for newer divers building confidence, or anyone who just wants an hour of pure, unhurried underwater observation.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.498387, 98.325070
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: กำหนดพื้นที่เกาะราชาใหญ่ เกาะราชาน้อย ตำบลราไวย์ อำเภอเมืองภูเก็ต จังหวัดภูเก็ต

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 Banana Bay

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 Banana Bay

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