Elephant Head Rock is one of the Similan’s best dive sites, and is home to some of the most exciting diving anywhere in Asia. The name of the site is derived from the unusually shaped granite boulder that breaks the surface, which supposedly resembles an elephants head, although I’m not sure how much Thai whiskey you need drink before you see it, and obviously not before the dive! The site comprises of huge granite boulders that are scattered across the oceans floor, that have left a divers paradise, with swim-through’s, caverns, tunnels, arches and gullies awaiting.

This is a site where you really appreciate having a good dive guide, as they will lead you through this underwater maze, avoiding the strong currents which are common at this site. While you are exploring the boulders keep an eye out for the large schools of giant trevally, that roam around the shallower water searching for prey. Divers here are often greeted by sleeping leopard sharks and white tip sharks on the deeper sandy patches, and a resident hawksbill turtle usually makes an appearance during the dive. Although this site isn’t as rich in coral life as many of Similan’s other sites, Elephant Head Rock is home to some beautiful soft branch corals and large sea fans. Due to its exposed location, this site is home to strong currents, but it is these strong currents that often attract giant Manta Ray’s to the area, so divers should always have one eye looking in to the blue

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