New PADI Open Water and PADI Advanced Open Water Students

SDS05 began in sweltering heat in Khao Lak. Once we headed down to the pier and boarded the boat we departed early evening to the Similans. Due to a recent Typhoon in the Philippines which we were getting the remains of, we were blessed with some choppy seas, which in turn created a rather bumpy ride out. Once we reached the Similan Islands we were sheltered from the elements.

During the trip we had several courses going on with several people completing their PADI Open Water Course and PADI Advanced Open Water Course. During day 1 they enjoyed some delightful diving in the Similan islands with the Open Water students completing the basic knowledge and skills in order to become certified whilst also enjoying the delightful marine life and corals.

During the first dive some people discovered the Tsunami memorial Statues which was a great surprise to them. These were put in place several years ago and are now a nice feature for groups to cruise along admiring in the shallow water. Later in the day we moved further north to Island No. 7 where we did 2 dives.

Due to the rough conditions on the eastern side of the islands we took shelter on the western side for the night, which bought a rare opportunity for an exploration night dive for some. We did initial checks using the depth finder and also from people snorkelling and checking the area. Some groups came across and 1m Jenkins Whip ray which was a great site to see.

Day 2 bought us some calmer weather in the morning where we went to Elephant head rock, later moving up to Donald duck bay for Beach time! After Breakfast and beach time, we did our last dive in the Similans before moving north to the famous Koh Bon home of the mantas. No mantas unfortunately on the occasion but some amazing marine life including Egg Cowries, Barracuda, Napoleon Wrasse and Sea Snakes. For the night dive we moved north to Koh Tachai.

Day 3 started in choppy conditions at Koh Tachai Plateau but was an amazing dive with some groups seeing rare nudibranch. Also it was our first time back since removing the large fishing nets. To my amazement it is now looking as beautiful as it once was. Small amounts of net in areas but the marine life is now forming around it and continuing to grow. To all those people and dive shops who helped I would like to say a big thank you and great work! Without you it would not have been possible and a lot of marine life would have suffered over time. Mission accomplished!

Day 4 started at Richelieu rock which was in its full glory with excellent light and good visibility. Along the way we saw Ghost pipefish, the resident big school of Barracuda including one huge one which has its own entourage of fusiliers, Cowries shells and seahorse. After the dive we headed back closer to mainland for the final and exciting dive at the Boonsung wreck. This delivered it normal beauty of schools for fish seeking shelter and macro heaven in the form of Stone fish, nudibranch galore, Ghost pipefish, Banded pipefish, spearing mantis shrimp and lots more.

All in all a great group of people aboard the dolphin queen for SDS05 and good fun was had by all especially with the leopard sharks! Thank you all and we hope to see you back again one day.