Koh Bon

Koh Bon is one of the best places to see Manta Rays, especially from April to May, but like this past year, you can catch them all year round.

Koh Bon Island has a 33m wall on its south side, facing a small cove, with a stepped ridge pointing west and down to over 40m.

Leopard Sharks are common at the ridge on the sandy flats below the wall, and White Tip Sharks can be seen roaming the depths off the edge of the reef. Soft corals the colours of turquoise, yellow and green dominate. Listen carefully and you'll hear the warning clicks of hundreds of nervous Damselfish, and the coral crunching of hungry Titan Triggerfish.

The small cove of Koh Bon provides good grounds for a night dive. The reef is made up of Pore Corals, with Shrimpgobies peering out of the holes, and coral ledges. There are splendid Decorator Crabs, the intelligent Red Octopus, and Red and White Banded Boxer Shrimps.

To the west of Koh Bon Island lies Koh Bon Pinnacle. This dive site lies in deep water (18m - 40m) and is exposed, so consequently it is only possible to dive here in favourable conditions with experienced or advanced divers. The west wall is steep, covered in small, yellow soft corals, and has a large cavern with a fish trap at its entrance. There is a smaller pinnacle lying to the north. Making your way back up the mountainous terrain, keep your eyes out for passing Eagle Rays, Black Tip Sharks, and Manta Rays.

Koh Bon Reef Basics: Manta Rays and White Tip Sharks
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 15 - 40m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 26 - 29°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Diving Season: November to April
PADI Course Compatibility: Great for Enriched Air Nitrox and Rebreather Diving
Distance: ~145 km north of Phuket, 50 km northwest of Khao Lak