Donald Duck Bay
Similan Islands dive site
Location: On the north side of Koh Similan (Similan Island #8)
Depth: 0-15 m
Type: Rocky reef
Level: Beginner dive site. Also good for night dives and snorkeling.
Description:
Donald Duck Bay is so named because of the boulder formation on the east side of the bay that look like Donald Duck’s head. (Best viewed from outside the bay, on the east side looking in).
That pile of rocks must be the most photographed in the Similan Islands and can be climbed if time permits between dives to give a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding islands and turquoise waters below. Donald Duck bay is sometimes referred to as M16 or Cambell’s Shoe Bay and the top rock that photographers like to pose next to is called sail rock.
The bay is a good natural shelter and many of the liveaboard boats moor here in the evenings. It is also a popular place to bring day trippers snorkeling. It’s not the best dive site however, at least not for a day dive, more suitable to diver training because of it’s shallow depth and minimal currents.
The bay is an excellent night dive location though. A number of coral bommies separated by patches of sand are homes to a myriad of different shrimp species which can be heard crackling away on the dive. Decorator crabs are numerous as are squid and cuttlefish. Moray eels can be seen swimming at night and green turtles are also common. Painted rock lobster can also be seen.
How to dive the Similan Islands
You can dive the Similan Islands by day trip from Phuket or Khao Lak, or by liveaboard. Liveaboards are ideal given the size of the area, the variety of dive sites, and the distance from the mainland.
A typical Similan liveaboard itinerary is 4 days 4 nights and also includes Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. Shorter 2d1n or 3d2n trips are also available.
If you don’t mind longish transfers then Similan diving day trips with 2 dives run five days per week from Phuket.
The Similan Islands diving season is from 15 October to 15 May.
Reference: http://thailandliveaboards.com/thailand-dive-sites/similan-islands/donald-duck-bay/
Comments