West of Six - Similan Islands

West of Six, or West of Eden as some call it, really shines in the shallows. We often start the dive in a sheltered bay, a good spot to look for turtles cruising by or a school of batfish hanging out. Drop down and you’re immediately into some of the Similans' healthiest hard coral, with those big acropora tables and colourful gorgonian sea fans everywhere. It's a gentle drift over granite boulders, covered in dense coral growth, making it a favourite for liveaboards looking for an easy, colourful dive. It’s a great site for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak up the vibrant reef in relatively calm conditions.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
8.540000, 97.640000

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 West of Six

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 West of Six

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 depths for diving at West of Six?
The typical depths for diving at West of Six are not specified in the available data. However, the site is noted for boasting some of the Similan Islands' best shallow coral coverage, suggesting that divers can enjoy significant parts of the dive in shallower areas. For more information on diving in the Similan Islands, you can explore our resources.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at West of Six?
At West of Six, divers can expect a fascinating combination of granite boulder topography and some of the Similans' best shallow coral coverage. The site features healthy acropora table corals and gorgonian sea fans, particularly in its vibrant shallow areas. Marine life commonly sighted here includes turtles and batfish, making for a rich underwater experience. You can learn more about various marine species in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the West of Six dive site for different experience levels?
The West of Six dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it is suitable for certified divers who have some experience beyond their initial open water certification. While offering beautiful sights, divers should be comfortable with various conditions that might be encountered at an intermediate site.
When is the best time of year to dive West of Six for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive West of Six for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might consult our when to dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at West of Six?
Given that West of Six is an intermediate difficulty dive site, a minimum of an Open Water Diver certification is typically recommended. Divers with an Advanced Open Water certification may find themselves more comfortable navigating the site's features and potential conditions. Always check with your dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the West of Six dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the West of Six dive site. Divers should always consult their dive guide or operator on the day of the dive for the most up-to-date conditions at West of Six.