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Endless amounts of words have been written about the fantastic
diving and snorkelling available in the Andaman Sea. However,
it bears repeating that the underwater world of this region
of the globe is one of the most spectacular you will find
anywhere. A kaleidoscope of corals and hordes of reef fish
mingle with otherworldly invertebrates, while manta rays and
whale sharks patrol the deep waters, feeding on plankton and
dreaming un-knowable dreams.
By far the best diving in Ko Lanta is at Hin Daeng and Hin
Muang (red rock and purple rock, respectively), two small
rocks that lie to the southwest of Ko Lanta. Hin Daeng provides
the most dramatic vertical drop in Thailand's seas on its
southern side, while the more gently sloping western side
provides an excellent habitat for soft corals and schools
of jacks. Hin Muang, so named for the copious amounts of purple
soft corals that coat its surface, is a completely submerged
a very short distance away. Carpeted in anemones and teeming
with sea life, this is easily one of the best dives in Thailand.
Both of these sites attract their fair share of big animals,
particularly whale sharks and grey reef sharks in the blue
water between the rocks.
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Koh Rok is actually two sister islands, Nok and Nai (inside
and outside) separated by a narrow channel. Completely devoid
of human inhabitants, these tow small islands are excellent
shallow dives, with lots of hard and soft corals. Black tip
reef sharks and hawks bill turtles are alos common sights.
Koh Ha is another small group of islands separated by deep
channels. Located close to the coast of Koh Lanta, these are
popular day trip destinations, spectacular above and below
the water. The pinnacles jut straight out of the sea, similar
to Phi Phi. Unlike Phi Phi, however, the water here is crystal
clear, with visibility often exceeding 25 metres (82 feet).
Koh Ha Yai, the largest of these islands features a fascinating
array of caves and caverns. The caves are very safe to penetrate,
with large entrances and only one way in and out. Inside the
cave, divers can surface to marvel at the rock formations
of these undersea grottoes.
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Koh Lanta itself has several good snorkelling and diving
options that are reachable from the shore or by a short ride
in a longtail boat. The Emerald Cave is probably the most
exciting of these. At high tide there is an underwater cave
that divers can swim through to reach a sheltered tropical
lagoon. Since the only way into and out of this lagoon is
through the cave, it's a good idea to have an experienced
guide to take you to this magical spot.
Most dive trips leave at around 08:00 and return to Koh Lanta
at about 14:00 to 16:00 and include lunch and at least two
dive sites. Longer liveaboard trips can also be arranged to
allow you up to three or four days to explore the fantastic
diving off of the island. |
