Similan Islands - Elephant Head Rock - Similan Islands

The Canyons off Ōpūnohu Bay in Moorea is one of those sites that just feels…right. It’s got that classic South Pacific vibe, but with a twist. We love the way the reef here is carved into these dramatic channels, creating natural swim-throughs and overhangs. It’s not a deep dive, maxing out around 20 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time to really explore. We’ve drifted through schools of Bleeker's Surgeonfish here, a shimmering curtain of silver, and watched Parrotfish graze on the coral, their crunching audible. Keep an eye out for the Black Sea Cucumbers inching across the sand. They look like prehistoric sausages, but they’re fascinating. Visibility often hits 23 metres, giving you a clear view of the resident turtles gliding past. Our favourite part? Finding a quiet nook to just observe. Blacktip sharks often cruise the edges, and you’ll spot clownfish peeking from their anemone homes. This site is perfect for photographers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed, scenic dive without too much current. It’s a gentle introduction to Moorea's underwater world, but still holds plenty of interest for experienced divers.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
8.652000, 97.638000

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 Similan Islands - 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 Similan Islands - 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