Elephant Head Rock

Elephant Head Rock (Hin Pusar) is a group of granite boulders between Ko Payu and Ko Similan, named after a rock above water that resembles a half-submerged elephant. Below, the boulders form a maze of channels, tunnels and swim-throughs reaching well past 40 m. Whitetip reef sharks and leopard sharks stay deep, while turtles, giant trevally, octopus and mantis shrimps are seen around the rocks. It is often rated the most spectacular Similan site, but surge and 'washing machine' currents make it demanding.

Facts

• Region: Thailand – Similan & Surin
• Area: Similan North (islands 5–9)
• Depth: 5–40 m
• Level: advanced
• Current: strong
• Type: pinnacle, cave
• Coordinates: 8.6226, 97.6418
• Highlights: swim-throughs, tunnels, whitetip reef shark, leopard shark, Similan jawfish, giant trevally, sea turtle, mantis shrimp, octopus, soft coral
• Tips: Do not fight the swirling currents — shelter behind boulders. A torch brings out the soft-coral colours in the swim-throughs.

Sources

• https://www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-thailand-similan-islands.php
• https://www.sunrise-divers.com/dive-sites/similan-islands
• https://www.mantaqueen.com/liveaboards/4-days-4-nights/manta-queen-eight
• https://thejunk.com/liveaboard-dive-site-directory/
• https://www.scubago.com/en/explore/divesite/elephant-head-rock-231622