Racha Yai

This beautiful palm covered island is dotted with small sandy beaches, and surrounded by fringing hard coral reef. Racha Yai's clear waters and shallow protected bays make it an ideal trip for beginners, snorkellers, and divers who haven't been in the water for a while.

Local residents in the coral gardens and Staghorn Reef include Titan Triggerfish, Moray Eels, Cuttlefish, Octopus, Giant Pufferfish and many other colourful tropical reef fish.

Titan Triggerfish are quite mean looking fish, with their beady, swivelling eyes. In nesting season their moods change to match their looks. The male stands guard of it's nest on the sand, and woe-be-tide you if you cross into it's territory - the zone in a full circle directly above the nest. The Titan Triggerfish will charge at you continuously until you swim out of it's territory once again. Thankfully, the fish seems attracted to colourful fins, which reduces your risk of any personal injury.

A few years ago one of the first liveaboards was sunk at Racha Yai on Homerun Reef. It's now home to some Batfish and a huge sting ray.

Racha Yai Reef Basics: Fringing coral island with drop-offs
Depth: 5 - 25m
Visibility: 15 - 25m
Currents: Easy
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Easy
Diving Season: All year round
PADI Course Compatibility: Great for Scuba Review and Refreshers
Distance: ~22 km south of Phuket