reef

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Bay 1 / Ao Ter

Bay 1, or Ao Ter, on Similan Island No. 1 is one of our favourite spots for a truly relaxed dive. Forget big pelagics and raging currents; this is a place to slow down, settle into the sand, and let the reef come to you. We often drop in and drift gently along the sloping reef, which rarely dips below 20 metres, making it ideal for longer bottom times. The hard corals, particularly the large table and staghorn formations, are a real draw here. We've spent entire dives just hovering over a single coral head, watching the tiny Redfin Triplefins dart about, or trying to spot the ridiculously camouflaged Freckled Anglerfish. They're masters of disguise, so a keen eye and some patience are rewarded. The Ostrich Gobies are abundant, often sharing their burrows with tiny shrimp, and we’ve consistently found groups of Yellowstriped Cardinalfish hovering under ledges. It’s a site that rewards macro enthusiasts and new divers alike – calm conditions and plenty to see without having to fight a current. Our best dives here have been in the morning, right after sunrise; the light catches the reef beautifully and the smaller critters are often more active before the day boats arrive.