Elephant Head Rock – Dramatic Drop Offs, Boulders And Swim-Throughs

Elephant Head Rock is a large rocky pinnacle that nestles between Similan Islands seven and eight. The strong current that runs between the two islands has smoothed the granite boulders on Elephant Head Rock and created lots of really nice swim-throughs.

Although strong currents are frequently prevalent. The large size of the pinnacle ensures there is always a sheltered and safe area to dive. It’s often the first dive of the day to allow divers to explore the deeper areas of the site. Whitetip reef sharks are often cruising around on the deep southeast corner. You can also find them in small caves in the shallow area.

Look Up For Predators

The swim-throughs on this dive site are very attractive. Many of the walls are adorned with soft corals and small groups of oriental sweetlips take shelter from the current. In the deeper sand areas you can find plenty of kuhl’s stingrays, purple fire gobies and pegasus sea moths. Predators such as dogtooth tuna, great barracuda, bluefin and giant trevally circle the rock looking for a feeding opportunity. There’s a fair number of cleaning stations which also attract the larger fish.

Swimthrough At Elephant Head Rock

You’re not going to find much in the way of corals but that’s a natural state of affairs rather than man made. The drop offs and huge boulders make Elephant Head Rock a dramatic looking dive site. Many Similan Island liveaboards include this challenging but fantastic dive site on the itinerary. It’s not unknown for giant manta rays and whale sharks to cruise by so frequently look up and out into the blue. You may just get lucky.

It can be quite a difficult dive so make sure you listen intensely to the dive briefing and follow the line of your guide as closely as possible, surges and strong current can push divers up against the walls damaging the few corals or even injuring themselves. Don’t be put off though, it can be challenging but definitely a dive site not to be missed.