Scuba diving at North Bay in Koh Racha Noi in Phuket
The North Bay dive site sits at the north end of Racha Noi Island. This secluded bay offers three amazing diving experiences at one single dive site.
- The bay with its shallow depths and reliable shelter is an ideal location for novice divers to get their feet wet.
- On the west side of this destination, you can explore unique rock formations that are unlike anything else at Racha Noi Dive Sites.
- On the east side of the bay, there’s a breathtaking formation of gigantic granite boulders that require most of your diving time to explore. At its lowest point is a drop-off sloping to over 130 feet (40 meters) deep – we need to stay at 100 ft/30 m.
Overall, North Bay is a popular Phuket dive site and is often visited by local operators and liveaboard diving boats alike.
North Bay dive site brief
- Access: From boat
- Maximum depth: 100 feet/ 30 meters (66 ft/20 m in the bay)
- Visibility: 49 – 98 feet / 15 – 30 meters
- Dive time: 45 – 60 minutes
- Certification level: Open Water
- Current: light in Marina Bay, stronger outside the bay
- Type: reef, rock
The dive plan for North Bay in Racha Noi and Phuket
The bay is shallower near the shore, where sandy ground and sporadic small hard coral can be found. As you descend into the depths of up to 20 meters, a vibrant reef awaits, with swarms of colorful fish darting about alongside giant morays and octopuses.
Do you know the plural of octopus and other relevant scuba terms?
On the eastern side, among large granite boulders, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of schools of chevron barracuda in deeper waters.
To the west of the awe-inspiring rock formations lies a thriving, sloping reef composed mainly of hard corals and home to an abundance of marine life. It’s not uncommon to catch glimpses of some bigger visitors swimming among them as well. Various ray species often glide through the currents.
Speaking of which, to ensure a safe journey, pay close attention while nearing the end of the boulders on either side, strong underwater currents can pull divers deep under.
What’s to see at North Bay in Phuket Racha Noi?
At North Bay, you can expect to see a wide variety of colorful fish and marine life. From the shallow depths all the way down to over 100 feet/30 meters, some popular sightings include white-eye pufferfish, triggerfish, blue-spotted stingray, yellow boxfish, angelfish, groupers, and schools of blacktip fusiliers.
Manta rays and whale sharks can also occasionally be seen cruising through the bay, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled while exploring!
Overall, North Bay provides an exciting dive experience for all levels of divers. Its stunning underwater landscapes and diverse marine life make it a must-see destination when diving around Racha Noi Island.
Best time to dive at North Bay
Scuba diving at North Bay in Koh Racha Noi is depending on the weather and currents. During rain season it can be tough with strong monsoon winds. Therefore, the best time to come here is between November and April. This time of the year also increases your chances to spot a whale shark swimming by.
Related dive sites
The best dive site to see manta rays on Racha Island is South Tip of Racha Noi. Advanced divers should also check out Maritas Rock for larger animals. Bay 1 and 2 are also a must-see on the island due to its scuba park with wrecks and artificial sights.
