Banana Bay dive site at Koh Racha Noi in Phuket
Banana Bay is one of the easier dives at Koh Racha Noi. The shallow reef inside the bay is suitable for all levels of divers. Outside the bay, the reef drops to over 100 feet (30 meters).
Banana Bay offers a variety of marine life, from small nudibranches to manta rays.
No wonder, many Phuket dives take place here.
Banana Bay dive site brief
- Access: From boat
- Maximum depth: 100 feet/ 30 meters (33 ft/10 m in the bay)
- Visibility: 49 – 130 feet / 15 – 40 meters
- Dive time: 45 – 60 minutes
- Certification level: Open Water
- Current: light in Marina Bay, medium outside the bay
- Type: reef, rock
About Banana Bay dive site at Racha Noi
Banana Bay is located on the east side of Racha Noi. Therefore, the bay is sheltered by the island from the Andaman Sea. There are two theories as to how the bay got its name: One suggests that the banana-shaped form is responsible, and the other that the many banana trees are renowned for the bay.
With over half a mile (1 km) length from south to north, the idyllic paradise, boasts a postcard-like scenery with its majestic green landscape, pristine white beach, and crystal clear turquoise waters.
The dive plan for Banana Bay in Phuket
Banana Bay off the eastern coast of Racha Noi Island is an ideal spot for novice divers, as it offers a straightforward and satisfying dive experience.
While exploring in shallow waters (10 – 33 ft/ 3 – 10 m) of the bay you may encounter giant morays, reef octopuses, black-and-white snapper, or perhaps even a sea snake.
Make your way to the south end of Banana Bay to locate the hard coral area. The corals here are flourishing and are home to many aquatic animals.
From here, the dive site drops off to about 82 to 100 feet (25-30 m), and advanced certified divers can carry on exploring the corals and venture deeper. The visibility is usually pretty good at Banana Bay ranging from 49 to 130 feet (15 – 40 meters).
What’s to see at Banana Bay dive site?
Like most dive sites in Racha Noi, Banana Bay has much to offer. The dive site is teeming with marine life, including fusiliers, triggerfish, butterfly fish, and vibrant basslets swimming atop the staghorn coral. In addition to these aquatic animals, seekers of exotic nudibranchs can find them clustered around the staghorn corals, too. Towards the open water, keep your eyes peeled for Manta Rays gliding through the current.
What certification is required to dive at Banana Bay on Racha Noi?
Most of the dive is in shallow waters with a usual calm current sheltered by the eastern location and the bay itself. Therefore, the dive site is suited for Open Water divers. If you want to venture deeper past the southern end of the bay, it’s required to have at least a deep dive adventure or be Advance Open Water certified.
Related dive sites
Some other great dive sites for all levels of divers are Bungalow Bay on Racha Yai, Lucy’s Reef at Bay 3, as well as Home Run Reef. Racha Yai Bay 1 & 2 have an artificial scuba diving park with wrecks and sunken scooters.
