Turtle Rock

Turtle Rock is a boulder dive site on the northwest side of Similan Island 8, just outside Donald Duck Bay, in the Similan Islands National Park, Phang Nga Province, Thailand. The site takes its name from a turtle-shaped rock formation that protrudes from the surface (similandivecenter.com, idcphuket.com).

Overview

The dive is a series of shallow boulders and staghorn corals tracing the edge of the island. Rocky sections average 15–20 meters with sandy bottom extending to 25 meters, and a shallow area to the north sits at 8–10 meters. The site offers canyons and a few swim-throughs, mostly between the surface and 10 meters. Sea turtles are regularly encountered around the formation, giving the site its name, though the turtle-shaped surface rock is the more literal origin of it.

Site Information

• Location: Northwest side of Similan Island 8, outside Donald Duck Bay, Similan Islands National Park, Phang Nga Province, Thailand
• Entry Type: liveaboard
• Site Type: Boulder
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–30 meters
• Current: Minimal to light
• Best Time: November to May

Marine Life

Sources confirm sea turtles as the defining encounter here (similandivecenter.com, idcphuket.com). Other species previously listed for this site (hawksbill turtles specifically, whitetip reef sharks, moray eels, damselfish, garden eels, blue-spotted stingrays) were not independently corroborated for Turtle Rock by name in the sources reviewed this pass; rather than carry those forward as unverified, this entry notes that general reef fish and typical Similan boulder-dwelling species are expected here, alongside the confirmed turtle sightings.

Dive Profile

A shallow, boulder-hopping profile working the canyons and swim-throughs near the surface to 10 meters, with the option to extend to the sandy base at 20–25 meters. The shallow north section (8–10m) is well suited to a relaxed second dive or training dive.

Entry and Exit

Liveaboard and day-trip access. The sheltered position outside Donald Duck Bay makes for straightforward zodiac operations in most conditions.

Tips and Recommendations

• Approach resting turtles slowly and from the side rather than directly in front
• The shallow canyons and swim-throughs near the surface are well suited to beginner divers building comfort with simple boulder topography
• This site works well as a relaxed second dive following a deeper site given its modest depth range

Safety Considerations

Turtle Rock is a low-current, modest-depth site suitable for beginner divers. Maintain a comfortable clearance from the boulder surfaces and monitor depth on the sandy base extension. Always carry an SMB.

Photography

Turtle portraits are the primary draw here, shot at eye level in the shallower canyon sections where the animals are more likely to be encountered at rest.

Sources: Similan Dive Center, IDC Phuket, Divezone, Pirate Divers International, Similan Diving Tours. Last updated 2026-07-05.