Thailand Aggressor

DIVE OVERVIEW

• Whale sharks, Mantas, Leopard Sharks, Silvertip Reef Sharks, Walls and Reefs with over 500 species of hard and soft corals and abundant marine life
• Up to 5 dives per day (4 day dives + 1 night dive) weather permitting
• All dives from skiff
• Water temperature: 79 - 84F, 26 - 29C
• 3mm wetsuit recommended

South Andaman Sea Itinerary

• KOH HAA-LAGOON - Koh Haa No.2 and No.4
• Located in the middle of Koh Haa group, the Lagoon is a 16 ft (5 m) deep area surrounded by a pair of small limestone towers (Koh Haa No.2 and No.4) to the east, and Koh Haa No.3 to the west. The south tower, covered with colorful soft coral, huge see fans, black corals, fields of anemones and orange cup coral, forms the south side of the islands, with the outer sand bottom at a depth of around 80 ft (24 m). A number of rocks are scattered beyond the wall, where divers may find snappers, and you will find hard coral scattered all around the sandy, sloped area connecting the two islands. The north tower is quite similar to the south, except things are on a larger scale.
• Koh Haa No.3, a long island to the west of the lagoon. It is also another good dive spot, however, less famous than the two towers. This site is perfect for macro lovers. Because of the nature of limestone cliffs, there are many cracks and crevices along the wall, offering shelter to many small creatures like shrimp and crabs. Take a closer look at a sea fan, and you may find ornate ghost pipefish and cowries camouflaged among the fronds. Harlequin Shrimp and sea moths have been spotted between the two islands sometimes. Many species of nudibranchs make their home at the wall, and lobsters and squid can also be found here.
• KOH HAA NEUA - The Chimney, Koh Haa No.1
• Koh Haa Neua is the northernmost island of Koh Haa group. Reefs surround this island with the north coast featuring a wall line covered with soft coral, sea fans and barrel sponges. A hard coral reef slope stretches from the southeast side to the east side of this island. The maximum depth at Koh Haa Neua is 80 100 ft (25 30 m).
• The most popular diving spot on this island is located on the south side, and it is characterized by stunning outcrops covered by dense growths of south corals and sea fans that create a dazzling swim through. At 50 60 ft (16 18 m), there is a grotto that leads to a chimney-like vertical hole another highlight of this dive site. This chimney has two exits at a depth of 15 ft (5 m). Kuhls stingrays, moray eels, scorpionfish and puffer fish are common sightings. Leopard sharks have also been spotted in the sand beyond the reef. Divers should also take the time to explore crevices you may find ornate ghost pipefish, or even rare species such as the tiger-tail seahorse. Eye catching harlequin shrimp have also been found in the area.
• KOH HAA YAI - The Twin Cathedral
• The biggest of the Haa islands is Koh Haa Yai. It is characterized by a steep cliff perpendicular to sea level that stretches all the way from above the water to depths of up to 100 ft (30 m). Koh Haa Yai is surrounded by reefs, and the most famous dive spot is the rock wall at the south side of the island, which ends in a sandy bottom at 80 100 ft (25-30 m) and is covered with a variety of soft corals, sea fans and hard corals.
• There are two underwater caves on the southeast side. The entrance of the first cave is at a depth at 40 ft (12 m). As this cave gets narrower as you go deeper, cave penetration is not recommended unless divers have obtained cave diving certification. The second cave is actually a shallow cavern, and can be found to the east of the first. The entrance is split into two by a vertical rock plate, but the rest of the cave is spacious and well illuminated. The hall height of the cave is 7 10 ft (2-3 m). above sea level, so swimming to the surface from inside the cave is possible. This cave is also known as The Cathedral because of the blue light reflected from the surface. The exterior of the cave is covered with soft corals, sea whips and rock outcrops, ending in a sandy bottom at depths of 90 100 ft (28-30 m). Leopard sharks and Kuhls stingrays are often found around the sandy bottom. Juvenile lobsters and a variety of nudibranchs can be spotted around crevices at the cliff, especially at the entry of the cave. Look closely, you may also find ghost pipefish camouflaged among sea fans or soft corals. Schools of squid and yellowtail barracuda are normally seen near the surface close to caves entry, Reflection from school of copper sweepers can be seen when you shine a light into the cave. Hawksbill turtles have also been spotted in the area.
• Hin Daeng
• If Richelieu Rock is the best dive site in the Northern Andaman area, then Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, the striking twin outcrops alone in the open sea, are undoubtedly the best of the Southern Andaman region. Meaning red rock in Thai, Hin Daeng is covered with red soft corals, which makes the rock appear red. Only three small pinnacles are visible from the surface, but once underwater, the vast from of Hin Daeng stretches 100 130 ft (30-40 m) down before reaching the sandy bottom.
• A long rocky wall consisting of soft corals, sea fans, and black corals stretches from the west to the south side of Hin Daeng, reaching to the sandy bottom 130 165 ft (40-50 m) underwater. The east and the northeast side, on the other hand, is a reef slope with pinnacles and hard corals. The contour slopes down to the sand to depths of around 115 130 ft (35-40 m). Divers can also swim across the big channel on the north side of Hin Daeng, which lead to the west side.
• Diversity of marine life here ranges from big pelagic fish like manta rays and whale sharks, to the rich variety of nudibranchs. Manta rays in small group of 3-4 are often spotted at Hin Daeng and whale sharks are also frequently sighted, particularly during the peak season (Feb.- Apr.) when they stay for a long time in these feeding grounds. Leopard sharks are often seen resting in the sand in the daytime, and gray reef sharks have also been reported. You may even get to witness big fish like barracudas or moray eels hunting. Heading back to the rocky wall, you may also find an abundance of macro critters such as the ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimp, long nose hawkfish, and nudibranchs.
• Hin Muang
• The twin outcrops to the west of Hin Daeng are referred to as Hin Muang, which means, purple rock in Thai. The outcrops are totally submerged, and are covered with purple soft coral, hence the site name. The outcrops are long and narrow, reminiscent of loaves of French bread. There are several pinnacles, with drop-offs stretching down to the sandy bottom at 150 200 ft (45-60 m). The drop-offs around Hin Muang are rich with marine life and covered by soft corals, gorgonian sea fans and black corals.
• Hin Muang is an oasis in the expanse of the South Andaman Sea, attracting a wealth of pelagic visitor like manta rays and whale sharks, particularly during the peak plankton-bloom period around the end of March and April. In addition, schools of rainbow runners, barracudas, snappers, batfish and many other tropical reef residents surround the pinnacles of Hin Muang, while other fish like groupers, snappers, and giant morays lurk among the many crevices. In sandy areas, divers frequently come across leopard sharks, as well as gray reef sharks and marble rays. The area is also rich in macro life, such as ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimp and an unimaginable variety of nudibranchs just waiting to be discovered. Take a peak among the intricate branches of a black corals forest, and you may spot a long nose hawkfish.
• Bida Nok
• Boasting a remarkably dramatic underwater topography, Koh Bida Nok is characterized by steep precipices, caves, swim-throughs and underwater crags. It is no wonder that Koh Bida Nok and its sister island Koh Bida Nai are two of the most popular dive site in the Phi Phi islands. There is a small underwater bay at the southern side of the island made up of a reef slope and rocky floor that starts at 20 ft (6 m) and ends in a sandy bottom at 65 ft (20 m). A vertical swim-through at the southwest side of the island, beautifully illuminated by surface lights, is not to be missed. Outcrops of various sizes are scattered along the west coast, sloping down to depth of 85 90 ft (26-28 m), while the east coast is a reef slope with a mixture of hard and soft corals and small outcrops.
• Leopard sharks are usually found lying on the sandy bottom, and blacktip reef sharks may sometimes be found along the reef line. Kuhls stingrays are common in the area, and look out for small bamboo sharks hiding in cracks. Look to the blue beyond the reef and you may also see schools of pickhandle barracuda and bigeye snapper. Along the reef, you will also find a variety of colorful reef fish, such as pufferfish, porcupinefish and lionfish. Macro lovers should also keep a sharp lookout for ornate ghost pipefish and seahorses.
• Bida Nai
• Like its sister island, Koh Bida Nai has an amazing topography of underwater crevices, huge boulders, and fields of staghorn reef. Stretched across the south and west coasts of the island is a gradual reef slope that starts at a depth of 15 30 ft (5-10 m) and is made up of hard corals like pore corals, table corals and staghorn corals. There are also some big boulders and a swim-through on the southern side. The eastern side of the island is a big sand slope with fields of staghorn corals. Divers can find leopard sharks snoozing in the island, or swim out to the large pinnacle beyond the reef for the big school of trevally, barracuda, and other fish. The top part of the pinnacle is around 45 60 ft (14-18 m) from the surface, and goes to depths of at least 30 m.
• The topography on the northern side of the island, on the other hand, consists mostly of stunning crags and cliffs, with wall dropping vertically to depths of 65 80 ft (20-25 m) before hitting the sandy bottom. In this section, there are soft corals, sea fans and lots of huge barrel sponges. Leopard sharks are quite common in this area, especially on the eastern side of the island. Blacktip reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks have been known to make appearances in the area, and be sure not to startle bamboo sharks, which may be hiding under rocks or in cracks. Divers may even spot a turtle or two.
• Schools of barracuda and trevally are often sighted near the east pinnacle, as are snappers, mackerel and other pelagic species. Divers may also see sea snakes, cuttlefish and Kuhls stingrays. Macro species such as ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and porcelain crabs are also frequently sighted.
• King Cruiser
• King Cruiser was a car and passenger ferry servicing the Phuket to Phi Phi Island route that sank on 4 May 1997 after hitting a submerged rock known as Anemone Reef on its way to Phi Phi Island. Fortunately, no lives were lost during the incident. Having fortunately settled in an upright position at the sandy bottom, the wreck stays relatively close to Anemone Reef and Shark Point and is 25-27 km. east of Chalong Bay with a north-south orientation. The depth is around 105 ft (32 m) at the sand bottom and about 45 50 ft (14-15 m) on top.
• The wreck is 280 ft (85 m) long by 82 ft (25 m) wide, with four decks with large passages, and window holes divers can use to gain easy access to explore the specious interior. However, some past of the wreck has noticeably deteriorated, and in mid 2003 the top deck at the stern collapsed into the mid-section, so the wreck is now considered unsafe foe penetration. Divers can explore the passenger deck level at a depth of around 60 75 ft (18-22 m), while others may be more interested in checking out the remains of the wheelhouse at the top level. For those interested in shark-sightings, a nurse shark has been seen sleeping in near the remains of the propellers at the bottom, and a gray bamboo shark has been spotted at the opening around the middle level at the stern. Hundreds of scorpionfish are usually camouflaged almost everywhere on the barnacles and rusting steel of the wreck. Thus, divers are advised to be careful if they absolutely have to hold on to part of the wreck or touch something. Along the stern, hovering lionfish are a common sight, and divers may find themselves surrounded by schools of trevally, snapper, rabbitfish, and fusilier at the top of the wreck. Other creatures that can be spotted on the wreck are a few species of nudibranchs, eels, crabs and lobsters. Occasionally, one may even encounter a huge great barracuda or a hawksbill turtle.
• Shark Point - Hin Mu Sang
• Named for the frequent sighting of leopard sharks in the area. Known as Hin Mu Sang by locals, this dive site is made up of 3 main pinnacles that lie in an almost north-to-south formation, with the axis slightly tilted to the east. These pinnacles are usually referred to by their numbers the north-most pinnacle is Number 1, and so forth.
• This site has the most diversity of fish and corals in the area. Each pinnacles is about 35 50 ft (10-15 m) away from the others and has areas covered with striking purple and pink soft corals, sea fans ranging from 50 cm to as big as a person, as well as beds of table coral, staghorn coral and coral head. Pinnacle No.1 is the only one visible from the surface and has a small lighthouse, with a surprisingly large submerged portion. No.2s peak is 15 25 ft (5-7 m) below the surface and No.3s peak at 50 ft (15 m) underwater. The sand bottom is about 40 ft (12 m) down on the north side, and the pinnacle stretches out a little to the northwest to a depth of around 80 ft (24 m) and shallower, to depths of around 50 75 ft (15-22 m) on the south and east side, with scattered rock all around.
• The dive usually starts from one pinnacle and finishes at the next pinnacle, with the direction dependant on the current. As there is a great diversity of marine life here, it is almost impossible to cover all three pinnacles is one dive and do justice to the site. The third pinnacle is rarely visited because the average depth is quite deep. For a more enjoyable one-hour dive, most people dive from No.1 to No.2 or vice versa. Some species of marine life that inhabit the area are scorpionfish, lionfish, pufferfish, blue-ringed angelfish, snappers, groupers and a few types of eels. On the rock and between corals, look for colorful nudibranchs, Durban dancing shrimp and also cute little juvenile fish like the cube boxfish and harlequin sweetlips. Above the reef, there are also schools of fish like the yellowtail barracuda, yellowline snapper and soldierfish.
• Shark Point is the place to go for divers eager to spot big fish. There is always a good chance of finding leopard sharks lying on the bottom next to the pinnacle, and gray bamboo sharks can also be found hiding under corals heads or inside small crevices. However, sharks are not the only highlight of the site-tiger-tail seahorses and ornate ghost pipefish frequently provide divers with a pleasant surprise among the sea fans and corals.
• Anemone Reef - Hin Jom
• Located around 25-27 km. to the east of Chalong Bay, Anemone Reef is a submerged pinnacle with its top around 15 ft (5 m) underwater, giving this dive site its Thai name Hin Jom. Its English name is similarly straightforward- sea anemones dwel in stunningly dense populations in the shallow areas, presenting an amazing view of seas own version of the living carpet.
• The pinnacle has a north-south orientation, with a small, sloped channel close to the south part. The depth ranges from 15 80 ft (5-25 m), and while there is a gentle slope down to the sandy bottom on the east side, it is steeper on the west side. Because of the quantity and the variety of marine life that lives in the beautiful soft corals and sea fans that cover the pinnacle, Anemone Reef is the choice site for naturalist courses and is no doubt a favorite among photographers as well.
• Anemone fish and clownfish are common, as are big schools of snapper that cloud the pinnacle. Schools of yellowtail barracuda are also often seen circling the rock, together with groupers, oriental sweetlips, juvenile harlequin sweetlips, scorpionfish and solderfish that flit among corals, cracks and crevices. Leopard sharks, possible escapees from the famous dive sites nearby, may also swim by from time to time. Small critters such as tiger-tail seahorses are also found here on occasion. At the shallow areas near the mooring line, a couple of ornate ghost pipefish and even an anglerfish have been seen here before.
• Choose scuba diving Phuket and it's surrounding areas, the Thailand Aggressor offers the best LiveAboard Andaman Sea diving.

Andaman Sea Sample Itinerary

• Saturday: Arrival Phuket, boarding between 5 - 6:00 pm
• Sunday to Friday Afternoon: Andaman Sea; Eat, Sleep & Dive
• Friday Evening: Cocktail party and dinner onboard.
• Saturday: Check out 8:00 am