Marlas Mystery Wreck - Similan Islands

Marlas Mystery Wreck, sitting upright at 26 metres, is a real favourite of ours in the Similans. It’s not just a pile of metal, there’s a genuine sense of exploration here, slipping through the old cargo holds and peeking into the bridge. We love the way the light filters down, illuminating schools of yellow snapper that swarm around the superstructure, a shimmering curtain you have to swim through. The wreck itself, a former fishing trawler, has become an apartment block for marine life. Look closely and you'll spot scorpionfish camouflaged against the rust, moray eels peering from shadowy crevices, and always, always those glassfish reflecting your torch beam in the darker sections. While the name implies some grand secret, the real mystery is how a relatively modern vessel came to rest here, adding a layer of intrigue to an already engaging dive. It’s perfect for intermediate divers who appreciate a wreck with character, offering plenty of nooks to poke around in without being overly complex. We always suggest taking your time, letting your eyes adjust to the subtle movements, and seeing what unexpected resident you can find.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.605500, 98.380500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m
Difficulty
Intermediate

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 Marlas Mystery Wreck

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 Marlas Mystery Wreck

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