Clown Anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Photo by Henry and TersiaThe dive site known as Stonehenge at the Similan Islands in Thailand got its name for quite obvious reasons. It is a deep dive in the centre of the Similan Islands and consists of a group of huge granite boulders which sit on a sandy seabed. It is located at the north-western tip of Koh Miang (Island 4) and is not really suitable for inexperienced divers or those who use up their air quite quickly.
- Good swimthroughs
- Not for novices
- Large schools of fish
What makes Stonehenge challenging are the medium to strong currents and its minimum depth of 24 metres. For those who are inexperienced or not good on air, this dive site is far from ideal. However, for experienced divers who enjoy diving deep, exploring swimthroughs, canyons and caverns, and can handle a current, this is a wonderful place to dive right in the centre of the Similan Island archipelago. Its exposed location may make it difficult for some, but it means that the water is crystal clear, large fish patrol the boulders, and there aren't usually many other divers in the water. The mooring line is essential to get down to the top of the massive granite boulders which make up this dive site. Once down there (at approximately 24metres) the dive begins by exploring the canyons and swimthroughs until the maximum dive depth is reached. This can be anything up to 40 metres here, but divers must remember that their air supply will not last as long as at most other Similan Islands diving locations. Which way divers swim around these rocks depends on their Divemaster's plan, which will in turn depend on the currents.
Lionfish (Pterois) Photo by RetozolloWhile diving at Stonehenge it's always a good idea to keep an eye out into the deep blue sea, just in case something large decides to swim past. But there's plenty to see in among the crevices between the boulders. Gorgonian Sea Fans and whip corals add colour and encourage life. There are some soft corals and anemones which also house different forms of marine life. Starting with the large fish, Trevally (Carangidae), Barracuda (Sphyraena), and Tuna swim in groups looking for food. There are sharks here, with Leopard/Zebra Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum) and the occasional Guitar Shark (Rhinobatidae) resting on the sandy bottom, while Whitetips (Triaenodon obesus) and Blacktips (Carcharhinus melanopterus) swim around away from the action. They are generally quite shy, so sightings are often brief. Lionfish (Pterois) swim around and Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) hide in wait on the rocks. More colourful reef fish are the interesting Yellow Boxfish (Ostracion cubicus), Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum), Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcepiger flavissimus) and the tiny Yellowtail Wrasse (Anampses meleagrides). There are several moray eels here, especially Giant Morays (Gymnothorax javanicus), which are commonly found in Thai waters, as are Clown Anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris). However, the more observant and patient divers may get to see another quite common, but rarely-seen, member of the seahorse family. The Ornate/Harlequin Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) is usually found in sea fans and whip corals. These small fish have such good camouflage that they are incredibly difficult to spot, even when another diver is pointing directly at one. Macro photographers can have an excellent time underwater here at Stonehenge.
Due to its depth, difficulty and no snorkelling, Stonehenge tends to be visited less than many other Similans dive sites. Because of this, it can be thoroughly enjoyable, with lots to see. Divers access Stonehenge by liveaboard tour or on a speedboat day trip. To check the lowest prices and most convenient packages, click below for instant booking or to make an enquiry.
