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Sail Rock

Dive Location:  8km east of the Samran Pinnacles.
Depth: Average 22m / Maximum 34m

This site is probably the finest in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a wall-dive surrounded by a number of smaller but still impressive pinnacles. On the northern wall; at a depth of 16m, is a great example of a Neptune barrel sponge. This impressive section of the wall is also heavily encrusted with orange sponges; many oysters and clams cling to the craggy surface.

The southeast face has a natural chimney eroded into the rock. You enter a wide orifice at 18m and ascend the chimney to come out at 10m. Poisonous bearded scorpionfish and sea urchins abound, so dive slowly and carefully, and pay special attention to your buoyancy!

Next to the chimney lies an elevated plateau busy with many forms of marine life. There are gardens of sea anemones tenanted by pink anemonefish. Winding yellow margined morays explore the holes and crevices, while cleaner and painted shrimp, along with medium-sized reef crabs, remain in their shelters.

At the eastern end of the wall you can often see great barracuda – occasionally 3m long – patrolling the depths. Schools of big-eye jacks, tuna and rainbow runners mingle with threadfin trevally in the shallower waters. Whale sharks are often spotted here.

For featured dive centres

• Planet Scuba

Schooling trevallies

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