West of Eden
Similan Islands dive site
Location: West side of Koh Pabu (Similan Island #7)
Depth: 5-40 m
Type: Fringing reef in the shallow areas. Large granite boulders further down.
Level: Suitable for all levels of diver.
Description:
West of Eden is a new favourite dive site on the west side of Koh Pabu. (East of Eden is the old favourite on the east side).
Being a west coast dive site West of Eden consists of huge granite boulders which create stunning underwater seascapes, canyons, crevices and walls. The boulders are covered with sea fans and colourful soft corals plus sea whips and clams.
In the deeper areas reef sharks can be seen, usually black tips, but if you are lucky white tip reefs as well. Also keep an eye in the blue because you might spot barracuda, dogtooth tuna and trevally. Whale sharks and mantas are sometimes spotted here, but not on every dive.
In the shallower areas the fringing reef is made up of both hard and soft corals. It’s home to all the usual schools of tropical reef fish. The rubble patches are great places to hunt for critters, including fire gobies, ribbon eels, pipefish, frogfish and Pegasus seamoth.
If we had to recommend a lens for your camera we would probably favour the macro because the critters are so good. But you could also go with the wide-angle lens because the visibility is almost always excellent.
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/west-of-eden/
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