This dive site, Elephant Head Rock, is a prominent granite reef located centrally between Similan Islands 7 and 8, named for its distinctive elephant head-shaped rock visible above water. Underwater, it features a complex labyrinth of huge granite layers, riddled with numerous channels and swim-throughs, creating an exciting and mystical landscape. Divers navigate these formations, which often lead to encounters with abundant marine life attracted by the productive currents.
The marine life here is exceptionally diverse. Early mornings in deeper waters bring sightings of white tip sharks, while the mid-tier teems with schools of yellowback, yellow dash, and blue dash fusiliers. Larger pelagic species like bluefin tuna and bluefin trevally are frequently seen hunting in the shallows and mid-water. The sandy bottoms also host fascinating macroscopic life, including flounder eels, Andaman’s Jawfish, and McCoskers Flasher Wrasse.
Elephant Head Rock is considered one of the most dynamic dive sites in the Similan Islands, making early mornings particularly rewarding for observing feeding activity, especially for sharks, crabs, and large fish. Snorkelers can enjoy the vibrant shallow waters where trevally hunt. While suitable for freedivers due to its varied depths and interesting topography, divers should be mindful of potential currents that contribute to the site's rich biodiversity.
