Christmas Point

Christmas Point marks the northwest tip of Similan Island 9 in the Similan Islands National Park, Phang Nga Province, Thailand. It is a well-known granite boulder dive built around a distinctive arch-like swim-through.

Overview

Large stacked granite boulders run from the island’s shoreline down to 35–40 meters, forming arches, gullies and swim-throughs, including a signature arch-shaped swim-through at around 24 meters (similandivingtours.com, khaolakscubaadventures.com). Operator ratings for the site vary: several describe it as intermediate-to-advanced with average currents that can turn strong at certain times of the tidal cycle, while others rate it straightforwardly advanced given its depth and occasional current. This entry keeps the existing Advanced rating given the site’s depth range and current variability, while noting that conditions are frequently moderate.

Site Information

• Location: Northwest tip of Similan Island 9, Similan Islands National Park, Phang Nga Province, Thailand
• Entry Type: liveaboard
• Site Type: Boulder
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 40 meters
• Typical Visibility: 10–30 meters
• Current: Average, but can run strong at certain points in the tidal cycle, typically southwest–northeast
• Best Time: November to May

Marine Life

Sources report leopard sharks, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, batfish, moray eels, snappers, barracuda, triggerfish, surgeonfish, and unicornfish at this site, along with soft corals, nudibranchs, and ribbon eels (khaolakscubaadventures.com, similandivingtours.com, hobo-ya-similan.com). This is a broader and somewhat different list than previously published here; species not corroborated by these sources (longnose hawkfish, blue-ringed/regal angelfish) have been removed rather than carried over unverified.

Dive Profile

Most dive plans work the boulder formation from deeper water up through the arch-shaped swim-through at around 24 meters, then continue into shallower boulder terrain. Guides typically brief the swim-through route before descent given its popularity as the site’s signature feature.

Entry and Exit

Liveaboard access via zodiac. The northwest exposure means entry and exit can be affected by swell; guides may adjust the dive plan or site choice if conditions are poor.

Tips and Recommendations

• The arch-shaped swim-through at ~24 meters is the site’s best-known feature — expect to transit it as part of most dive plans
• Current strength varies with the tidal cycle rather than being uniformly strong — ask your guide about the day’s conditions before the dive
• Ribbon eels and ghost pipefish, when present, are typically found in crevices along the boulder faces — watch for them at a measured pace rather than rushing the swim-through

Safety Considerations

Current can strengthen unpredictably at this site depending on tide, and the northwest exposure can bring swell. Divers should be comfortable with variable current and maintain contact with the boulder formation rather than drifting into open water unintentionally. Advanced certification is recommended given the depth range and current variability.

Photography

The arch-shaped swim-through is the standout composition here, with divers silhouetted against the exit light. Wide-angle setups suit the boulder architecture; a torch helps illuminate ribbon eels and other crevice-dwelling subjects for macro work.

Sources: Khao Lak Scuba Adventures, Similan Diving Tours, Aussie Divers Phuket, IDC Phuket, Hobo-ya Similan. Last updated 2026-07-05.