Surin Islands, Thailand

Mu Koh Surin National Marine Park


Inhabited by local sea gypsies Koh Surin hosts some of the oldest established reefs in Thailand, situated 60 Km North East of the Similans.
The two main islands; Koh Surin Nua and Koh Surin Tai are the largest in the Surin group. This Archipelago is much quieter than the Similan Islands. Surin is not only home to the local sea gypsies but also to a great range of wildlife. Here on the islands you may see; flying foxes, grey bellied squirrels, mouse deer, crab eating macaques and white bellied sea Eagles.


The Surin Islands have a large population of Hawksbill Turtles which use the local beaches for laying their eggs, false Killer Whales and Pilot Whales can be seen breaking the surface as they come up for air. Also Sailfish are another common sight here if your lucky you can usually see them as they jump clear of the water; sometimes only a few meters from the boat.


The dive sites around these waters consist of sloping reefs and submerged pinnacles and you can find a huge variety of soft and hard corals in mostly in pristine condition there are some stunning coral bommies, Which are home to many smaller marine creatures including Nudibranch, Cowries, Filter feeding crabs, Seahorses, various species of Pipefish and there is an abundance of feather-stars –many species are exclusive to Surin.

Giant Yellow edged, undulated and white eyed are just a few of the moray eel family you will encounter. The well camouflaged Frogfish (Anglerfish) are around, if you can spot them! The Scorpion fish sighted here include the common spot fin lionfish, raggy, bearded and reef stonefish- be wary where you put your hands. Bluefin Trevallies, which pursue immense schools of glass fish without mercy looking for their next snack. Looking out onto the sand, look out for the Blue Spotted Stingrays, Feather Tail Stingray and the more bizarre Garden Eels as they sway in the gentle current. Great, Pick-handle and Yellowtail Barracuda stalking prey is an impressive site. Black and White Tip Reef Sharks are frequently seen here as well as the odd Grey Reef shark. Snappers, Sweet-lips, Emperors, Groupers and of course the Dotty-backs all make Surin their home.


Koh Tachai, though a few kilometers away from the rest of the islands is also classed as part of the Surin group. Here around Koh Tachai, you will experience some of the best diving in the in the whole of Thailand (that is saying something). There are several dive sites around the island, but there is only one Dome -or Plateau as it is sometimes referred to. On this dive site you will see some serious action; making up the show here are; schools of metre long Yellow-tailed Barracudas, Giant and Blue Fin Trevally, as well as a wealth of reef fishes from; Parrotfish, Wrasse, Bannerfish, schools of Bat fish – who are intrigued by divers and may swim very close as if to check you out. Rainbow Runners, Snappers, large groups of Emperor Fish. Manta Rays and Whalesharks have been frequently sighted here; even shovel nose rays can occasionally be spotted resting on the sand.


Its is generally consider to be one of the most testing dive sites here as the current can pick up quite quickly it is important to listen to your dive master / instructor for the best times to dive this beautiful but occasionally ripping dive site. As you descend down the line it becomes apparent why this site is so revered by so many divers. The huge square in appearance boulders are striking and the sheer amount of fish attracted here will simply take your breath away, which brings me to the most important point, keep your eye on your air and your buddies as its deep, fast moving and very exciting. All these will contribute quickly in helping you suck your air dry and before you know it you are on your way up.


This dive site is so busy with aquatic life and so much to see that most divers will request this dive site again and again!