Koh Bon is a granite island located some 27 km north of Koh Ba Ngu
(Similan Island 9). The main dive site is found along a spur that juts out from the northwest corner of the
island. A second divesite is found at a nearby pinnacle.
Characteristics:
The south side of the spur features a wall that drops to a rocky bottom 20
– 25 meters below the surface. The wall is pocked by small ledges and holes in which marine life resides.
As the wall ends and the ridge becomes submerged, it descends to the west, ending at a sandy
bottom at a depth of 35 meters. The north side of the spur slopes steeply to a staghorn coral garden 20-25
meters down, and follows the contour of the island in a northeasterly direction. At a distance
of 800 meters from Koh Bon is a deep pinnacle with its bottom at 40 meters and top at 18 meters. It features
soft coral fans and bushes.
Highlights:
This is the spot where we most reliably see manta rays coming in to feed,
typically gliding in above the submerged ridge. Also prominent at this site are large dusky sweetlips,
sometimes referred to as “Mick Jagger sweetlips” because of their fleshy mouths. In the bay area and on
the south wall, try to spot the oddly shaped Maldives snail, which looks like a crawling chunk of dark blue
sponge.
Marcia's notes:
Dives at this site typically involve some waiting around at the top edge of the
ridge to see if the mantas come by. You may descend from the ridge to check out other areas and return,
if you get bored with waiting.
Surins map
Sites
© 2009 Gekko Scuba Divers Co Ltd
