Tao Bay - Similan Islands

Tao Bay, on Similan Island Number One, is one of those sites we always try to hit, especially if we’re looking for a slightly more relaxed dive. It’s got a lovely, gradual slope, starting shallow over a sandy bottom, perfect for easing into the day or a long safety stop. What really stands out are the sheer thickets of staghorn coral, a real maze of branches that just goes on and on. You can spend ages poking around, spotting blennies peeking out or juvenile wrasse darting between the coral heads. We’ve seen bullethead parrotfish grazing here, their strong beaks crunching away, and sometimes a big argus grouper will cruise past, eyeing us up. Our favourite part has to be the large patches of seagrass where we often find blackbelly pygmies, almost impossible to spot unless you’re really looking. Visibility is usually pretty solid, letting the light dapple through the water, making the corals glow. It’s a gentle dive, ideal for photographers wanting to take their time or newer divers building confidence, though even seasoned pros will find plenty to keep them entertained here.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.390468, 97.880730
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Muko Surin

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 Tao Bay

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 Tao Bay

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