Ko Dok Mai - Similan Islands

Ko Dok Mai, or "Flower Island," is more of a limestone pinnacle than an island, and we find ourselves drawn back to it repeatedly in the Similans. It’s got a real wall-diving vibe, dropping straight down into the depths. The eastern side is typically where we begin, drifting along the wall that’s just riddled with crevices and small caves. These little nooks are where the real magic happens, a perfect hideout for shy critters. Keep an eye out for octopus – not always a guaranteed sighting, but when you spot a Dollfus's octopus tucked away, it’s a tiny victory. The western side, while less dramatic, has its own charm. Here, we often find ourselves captivated by the sheer volume of tropical silversides and blackstriped cardinalfish, shimmering like a liquid curtain. It's a great spot for macro enthusiasts; we've spent entire dives just peering into the smaller cracks, finding blue-spot blennies and even a well-camouflaged freckled anglerfish if you’re patient enough. Currents here can pick up, especially around the northern and southern tips, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the calmest conditions and best light. Overall, Ko Dok Mai offers a rich tapestry of wall life, perfect for those who love to explore every crack and crevice rather than just zooming along.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.796424, 98.530280

Marine Protected Area: Phuket Environmental Protected Area

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 Ko Dok Mai

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 Ko Dok Mai

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