Shark Fin Reef - Similan Islands

Shark Fin Reef is one of those sites we always come back to in the Similans. It’s a long stretch of submerged granite boulders, running north to south, creating channels and swim-throughs you could spend an entire dive exploring. We usually drop in on the west side and let the current carry us gently along, weaving between the rocks. You’ll spot plenty of Red-flushed Cod peeking out from under ledges, and the Staghorn coral patches are thick with Red Sea Half-and-half Chromis, a shimmering cloud of them. Look closely and you might spot a Crown of Thorns starfish lumbering along. The schools of Blue-lined Surgeonfish here are particularly impressive, often so dense they cast a moving shadow over the reef. We love pushing deeper into the gaps between the boulders, where you can feel the slight chill of cooler water and the sound of your own breathing amplifies. Keep an eye out for larger Honeycomb Groupers in the deeper sections, they're often just hanging out, unbothered. This site is brilliant for divers who enjoy exploring rocky topography and don't mind a gentle drift, with plenty of small reef fish action to keep things interesting.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
8.509457, 97.664480
Type
reef

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 Shark Fin Reef

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 Shark Fin Reef

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