Racha Noi Island - Similan Islands

Racha Noi usually delivers some of the best visibility around Phuket, making it a reliable spot when other sites are a bit murky. We often head to the northern and southern points, where those huge granite boulders create impressive swim-throughs and channels, much like what you’d find in the Similans. It’s a good place for a drift dive, letting the current carry you past schools of fusiliers and triggerfish. Keep an eye on the blue – manta rays make regular appearances here, and we’ve even had a few whale shark surprises over the years. This site is a solid choice for divers who appreciate dramatic underwater topography and the chance for big pelagic encounters.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.460000, 98.330000

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 Racha Noi Island

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 Racha Noi Island

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 are the typical diving depths at Racha Noi Island, and are there sites suitable for deep diving?
While specific typical diving depths for Racha Noi Island are not explicitly provided, the site features huge underwater granite boulders that descend to significant depths, particularly at the north and south points. These formations, similar to those found in the Similan Islands, suggest potential for deeper dives. Divers should consult with local dive operators for precise depth profiles.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Racha Noi Island?
Divers at Racha Noi Island can expect a stunning underwater topography characterized by hard coral reefs and impressive huge underwater granite boulders, especially at the north and south points. These formations are very similar to those found in the Similan Islands. Around these boulders, there is a good chance to encounter magnificent manta rays and even occasional whale sharks.
How challenging is diving at Racha Noi Island, and are there dive sites for all experience levels?
Diving at Racha Noi Island is generally considered to be of intermediate difficulty. While the site offers beautiful reef and boulder formations, the southern point, in particular, features an interesting drift dive that may require some experience. Due to its intermediate rating, it might not be suitable for absolute beginners without proper guidance, but it offers rewarding experiences for certified divers.
What is the best time of year to dive Racha Noi Island, especially for seeing specific marine animals like manta rays?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Racha Noi Island, nor does it indicate seasonal peaks for seeing specific marine animals like manta rays or whale sharks. For information on optimal diving seasons in Thailand, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving at Racha Noi Island, particularly for more advanced sites?
Given that Racha Noi Island is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site, a basic open water certification is typically required. For experiencing the interesting drift dive off the southern point or exploring deeper sections around the granite boulders, an advanced certification or experience with drift diving would be highly recommended. Always consult with your dive operator regarding specific certification requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving at Racha Noi Island?
Divers at Racha Noi Island can generally expect excellent visibility, often considered the best you will experience when diving in Phuket. Regarding current conditions, the presence of an "interesting drift dive" off the southern point indicates that currents can be present and may be significant enough to warrant a drift diving approach.