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Hideaway Bay and Tuna Wreck – Thailand Dive Sites

Two Similan Islands dive sites in one location, Hideaway Bay and Tuna Wreck can be experienced in a single dive

Tuna Wreck, Hideaway Bay, Similan Islands
Tuna Wreck, Hideaway Bay, Similan Islands © chris@divehappy.com

A perfect little natural harbour that ensures calm waters, Hideaway Bay is often used as the location of the first dive on a Similans liveaboard trip. It’s actually two quite different locations right next to each other that you can visit in one dive. It’s located off the south of Island 5 in the Similans.

Octopus and fish, Hideaway Bay
Octopus and fish, Hideaway Bay © chris@divehappy.com

The bay itself has a bright white steep sandy slope which is covered in beautiful hard corals and has usually has lots of glass fish and several schools of yellow snapper hanging around. Stingrays, moray eels and octopus can also be found here – it’s a big reef garden with countless places for marine creatures to hide and hunt.

Octopus and Jai, Hideaway Bay
Octopus and Jai, Hideaway Bay © chris@divehappy.com

Less experienced divers can go straight over to the reef as it’s sheltered and calm to get comfortable with their scuba gear.

Tuna Wreck and Pook, Similan Islands
Tuna Wreck and Pook, Similan Islands © chris@divehappy.com

More experienced divers usually opt to enter the water at the Tuna Wreck. It’s an old tuna trawler that was deliberately sunk by the Thai authorities back in 2003 to create an artificial reef. It sits on its side at the bottom of Hideaway Bay’s slope at around 40 meters, with the top side at 28 metres. Divers descend a rope line to the wreck, explore the top area and then cross over to the nearby reef, which is usually visible from the wreck. Obviously, you need to watch your depth and NDLs here.

Pook and the tsunami memorial
Pook and the tsunami memorial February 2023 © chris@divehappy.com

Once divers have moved away from the wreck along Hideaway Bay reef, typically towards the end of the dive they will encounter the 2004 Tsunami Memorial. The memorial is a collection of 12 metal sculptures depicting the signs of the Thai Zodiac in the shallows. There is also a horizontal sculpture of a reclining mermaid, and all of the sculptures have become encrusted with corals in the 20 years since the tsunami.

Sudesh and the Tuna wreck
Sudesh and the Tuna wreck February 2023 © chris@divehappy.com

All photos taken during Similan diving seasons 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. I’ll probably add more during the 2024-2025 season too. The Similan dive season runs from October to May each year. The Similan Marine National Park is closed from mid May to mid October each year, so don’t plan a liveaboard trip then!

Recommended Similan Liveaboards October 2024 to May 2025

Blue Dolphin Liveaboard

Blue Dolphin Liveaboard A mid-range liveaboard with 7 cabins for 16 people. Check availability and pricing

The Phinisi Liveaboard

The Phinisi Liveaboard A Similan mid-range liveaboard with 7 cabins for 18 people.Check availability and pricing

Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard

Smiling Seahorse Liveaboard A mid-range liveaboard with 8 cabins for 16 people. Check availability and pricing

The Junk Liveaboard

The Junk Liveaboard A mid-range liveaboard with 6 cabins for 18 people. Check availability and pricing
 

2024 Thailand Last Minute Liveaboard Deals

2025 Thailand Last Minute Liveaboard Deals

Similan Islands Dive Sites List

Similan Liveaboards Overview

Upcoming Similan Liveaboard Availability and Pricing

Check availability and pricing for all Similan Islands liveaboards departing in

(The Similan National Park is closed from mid May to mid October each year)

Similan Liveaboards Trip Reports

Photos from each of the Similan liveaboard trips I've been on over the years.



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Start Planning Your Thailand Dive Trip Now!

:: Check the availability and pricing of liveaboards in Thailand and book online.


:: Find the cheapest flights to Thailand - Phuket (airport code: HKT) is the nearest airport for diving the Similan Islands. You can get direct international flights to Phuket or go via one of Bangkok's two airports - Suvarnabhumi (BKK), the main airport, or Don Mueang (DMK), the low cost carrier terminal.


:: Make sure you don't forget to bring any of the essentials for your scuba diving trip with our comprehensive Liveaboard Packing List


:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.


:: Find available places to stay in Phuket for before and after your liveaboard on Booking.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.


:: Need inspiration? See our Best Places To Dive In Thailand for ideas of where to go and what to do.


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