Snorkeling Thailand Blog

Ribbon eel

yellow ribbon eel

Ribbon Eel The Ribbon Eel (a member of the Muraenidae family) is also known as the leaf-nosed moray eel or bernis eel. It is also the only member of the genus Rhinomuraena because it is so unique. They are truly fascinating but very hard to find. Distinguishing Features Bearing a striking resemblance to a mythical Chinese dragon or a dancing ribbon, the Ribbon Eel is very elegant as it moves Read More …

Teira batfish

Batfish

Teira Batfish The batfish that you’ll most likely see around the reefs of Thailand is the Teira Batfish (Plantax Teira), also known as the Tall-fin Batfish. There are five species of Teira Batfish currently known and they are very curious creatures. They often like to investigate divers and follow them around before returning to their group. Distinguishing Features Batfish are characteristically disc-shaped with laterally compressed bodies and large dorsal and Read More …

Giant Moray eel

Giant Moray eel

Giant Moray The Giant Moray (Gymnothorax javanicus) is the largest of all the Indo-Pacific morays in terms of body mass and grows up to 3 metres in length & 30 kg in weight. It is a species of moray eel and belongs to the family Muraenidae of marine fishes. There has been reports of provoked and unprovoked attacks on scuba divers by this fish.   Distinguishing features The Giant Moray Read More …

Stonefish

stonefish

Stonefish Commonly known as the most venomous fish in the world, stonefish (Synanceia) is a member of the Synanceiidae family. They can be dangerous and even fatal to humans, should they come in contact. These fish are found in coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific, although some species have also been in the rivers of southern Asia. It is estimated there are 5 species of stonefish, all of which are very Read More …

Moorish Idol

Moorish Idol Moorish Idol are extremely common in the Indo-Pacific and around the reefs of Thailand, so if you’re snorkeling in the area, you’ll be almost certain to see them. They are the sole species in the Zanclidae family. Distinguishing Features The Moorish Idol has a laterally compressed body with bright bands of black, white and yellow. They have a large dorsal fin with six or seven spines. These come Read More …

Emperor Angelfish

Emperor Angelfish The emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) is a species of marine angelfish, native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It belongs to the Pomacanthidae family and is a beautifully striking fish, popular with divers, snorkelers and underwater photographers. They are truly regal, both in appearance and the way in which they gracefully swim through the ocean. Distinguishing Features Bold and beautiful, the adult emperor angelfish is covered with bright Read More …

Restrictions on tourist numbers to Similan Islands – book early

Similan Islands snorkeling tour

Numbers to be limited at the Similan Islands The Similan Islands national parks department has this month (October 2018) announced a restriction on the number of daily visitors to the Similan Islands national park. This is part of an ongoing commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the archipelago. From now on only 3,000 non divers and 525 divers per day will be allowed to enter the national park. (That’s Read More …

Phuket Philatelic Museum

Phuket post office museum

Phuket Philatelic Museum The old post office in Phuket Town now houses a small museum. It’s tiny and not worth going out of your way to visit. But it’s a charming little building and free to enter so if you happen to be walking by, it’s on Montri road, why not pop in. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday 9.00 am – 5.30 pm. If you’re into museums you could also Read More …

Kata Noi beach

Kata Noi beach Phuket

Haad Kata Noi Beach Phuket Kata Thani beach Noi means small in Thai, so Kata Noi is the smaller Kata beach. Beach is Haad ( หาด) in Thai so Haad Kata Noi is small Kata beach. Lesson over. Kata Noi is located just south of Kata beach. You can walk between the two over the headland, or get a tuk tuk. There is a stone step path down from the top Read More …

Koh Sirey

Koh Sirey Phuket

Koh Sirey Phuket A small island attached to Phuket town by a bridge Koh Sirey (or Ko Sire) is a tiny island off the east coast of Phuket. Actually it feels more like a part of Phuket because it’s attached by a bridge from Phuket Town. It’s the second most populous island in Phuket province, after Koh Phuket. Koh Sirey land area is about 20 square kilomentres. It’s largely untouched Read More …