Koh Doc Mai

Koh Doc Mai, which translates to “Flower Island,” is a stunning limestone island located about an hour and 15 minutes from Chalong Bay. Renowned for its fantastic wall dives, this site is a treasure trove of macro marine life. On a good day, Koh Doc Mai can offer some of the best diving experiences in the area, though it can occasionally be challenged by strong currents. For those who love macro life and exploration, this site is ideal. Diving here is best done at a slow pace to ensure you don’t miss the myriad small creatures hiding in the many cracks and crevices. Typically, only one side of the island is explored during the standard 50-minute dive.

Experienced divers will find that marine life begins as soon as you enter the water, extending all the way to the bottom of the wall at around 25 meters. The site features two small caverns at depths of 13 meters and 18 meters, adding an element of adventure to the dive. Koh Doc Mai is teeming with small eels and shrimp, and it is one of the best sites to find a diverse range of nudibranchs, making it a dream site for underwater photographers. Additionally, the site is home to many bamboo sharks, which can often be spotted resting in the crevices.

Koh Doc Mai is regularly included in day trips and is often combined with other popular dive sites such as the Phi Phi Islands, Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and the King Cruiser Wreck. This combination of dive sites offers a diverse and thrilling day of underwater exploration, showcasing the best of Phuket’s marine biodiversity. Each site presents a unique diving experience, from the vibrant reefs and macro life of Koh Doc Mai to the larger marine species and intriguing wrecks found at the other locations.

Overall, Koh Doc Mai is a must-visit dive site for anyone diving in Phuket. Its rich marine life, unique underwater topography, and the potential for extraordinary sightings make it a highlight of any diving trip. Whether you are an avid macro photographer or simply love exploring diverse underwater environments, Koh Doc Mai promises an unforgettable diving experience. The island’s combination of natural beauty and abundant marine life truly makes it a jewel in Phuket’s array of dive sites.

Getting There

Dive boats go to Phi Phi & Shark Point every day of the week (weather permitting) as a part of the Phi Phi & Shark Point, 3 dive day trip from Phuket. This dive site can also be part of the King Cruiser, Shark Point day trip for Advanced divers.

All scuba diving sites are chosen at the discretion of the tour leader on the day of the dive. The selection of dive sites depends on weather conditions, currents, safety considerations, and the suitability for the majority of divers on the boat. Therefore, we cannot guarantee specific dive sites before the boat departs.