Turtle Ridge (Turtle Ledge) - Similan Islands

Turtle Ridge, or Ledge, as some call it, is one of those Similan sites we always make time for. Forget the name, it's not just about turtles, though you'll often find green and hawksbill grazing in the shallows. What we really love here is the sheer health of the hard corals, particularly the sprawling fields of staghorn. They stretch out, creating these intricate canyons and swim-throughs where we’ve found everything from two-toned pygmy squid clinging to a branch to the flash of a Dapple Coris darting through. Our favourite approach is usually a drift along the main reef, letting the gentle current carry us past dense schools of jacks that swirl and pulse. Keep an eye out for those subtly patterned dusky wrasse picking through the corals. If you're lucky, a whale shark might cruise by, but even without that big draw, the reef itself is vibrant. It’s a site that rewards a slow pace, letting you really appreciate the smaller details and the sheer volume of healthy coral. Perfect for divers who appreciate a robust reef and don't mind a leisurely exploration.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.389271, 97.881870
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 Turtle Ridge (Turtle Ledge)

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 Turtle Ridge (Turtle Ledge)

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