Friday, February 25, 2011

February 2011 Ultimate Dive Spots

  • Sea Bees - Pak Meng, Thailand
  • Worldwide Dive & Sail - Asia
  • Extra Divers - Explore Indonesia
  • Extra Divers - Oman
  • Pom Pom Island Resort - Borneo
  • Selkies Dive Centre - Malta
  • Euro Divers - Maldives

Click here to view our online version.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Information in Regard to Closure of Dive Sites in Thailand

As reported recently in the media, due to higher than normal sea water temperatures in 2010, some of the hard corals around the Similan and Surin Islands have been damaged by coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is a well-known phenomenon and has occurred several times in various parts of the world over the past century. The term covers an event where the symbiotic coloured algae living inside the coral are released due to stress (high temperature, for example). When the algae have been released, the coral appears white, hence the term “coral bleaching”.


In the Similan and Surin Islands, the highest impact has been on hard corals in shallow water, where the sea temperature is generally higher than in deeper water. Corals located deeper than 12 meters have suffered no or very little damage.

Local authorities have decided to close certain reefs for protection. We as a responsible operator welcome this decision and are eager to do everything within our control to protect and conserve the wonderful underwater world.

Only two out of 17 of the temporary closed reefs are located in the Similan Islands Marine National Park and many can be found in areas where diving is not permitted. Local dive spots around Phuket and Pak Meng are not affected.

With some excellent Manta Ray sightings guests on the liveaboards as well as on the day trip boats have been enjoying some exciting dives.