Elephant Head Rock - Similan Islands

Elephant Head Rock is classic Similans, a jumble of massive granite boulders stacked between Islands 6 and 7. Its namesake rock pokes out of the water like a half-submerged pachyderm, but the real show is below. We love weaving through the narrow swim-throughs and tunnels carved out by these ancient rocks. Drop down to 20-25m, and you'll often spot whitetip reef sharks patrolling the sand, and we've had a few lucky leopard shark encounters here too. It’s a site that really delivers on the Similans' reputation for impressive underwater architecture, suitable for most divers comfortable with navigating a few tight squeezes.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
8.622600, 97.641800
Maximum Depth
26m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Mu Ko Similan

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 Elephant Head Rock

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 Elephant Head Rock

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 diving depth at Elephant Head Rock?
The typical diving depth at Elephant Head Rock is around 26m. While the site plunges to a maximum depth of 50m, most divers find 30m to be sufficient to explore its unique features. This allows for ample bottom time to enjoy the stunning underwater landscape.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Elephant Head Rock?
Divers at Elephant Head Rock can expect to explore a fascinating underwater landscape dominated by huge granite boulders. These formations have created an amazing network of swim-throughs, tunnels, and caverns. Keep an eye out for marine life such as whitetip reef sharks and leopard sharks, often spotted around the deep rocks.
How difficult is diving at Elephant Head Rock, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Elephant Head Rock is classified as suitable for beginners. Its diverse features and manageable conditions make it an excellent choice for those new to scuba diving. This allows new divers to comfortably explore its unique swim-throughs and marine life.
What is the best time of year to dive at Elephant Head Rock?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Elephant Head Rock. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the Similan Islands, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications or experience levels are recommended for Elephant Head Rock?
Given its "Beginner" difficulty rating, Elephant Head Rock is suitable for divers with entry-level certifications. Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience is generally recommended. This allows divers to safely navigate the site's unique underwater topography and enjoy its diverse features.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at Elephant Head Rock?
The provided data does not contain specific details regarding the typical current and water conditions at Elephant Head Rock. Divers should always consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on conditions before planning their dive.