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Koh Doc Mai

Not Rated
Duration

4 hours

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Koh Doc Mai, which translates to “flower island,” is a captivating limestone island located in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. This unique island is known for its dramatic vertical walls, which descend to depths of 24 to 28 meters, creating a stunning underwater landscape that attracts divers from around the world. The island’s structure is characterized by numerous cracks and crevices that harbor a diverse array of marine life, making it an essential stop for diving enthusiasts and photographers alike.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Koh Doc Mai is the lack of access to its surface, meaning that all exploration occurs underwater. This restriction has helped preserve the natural beauty of the site, allowing marine ecosystems to thrive. Divers typically focus their attention on two significant caves located on the east side of the island, which serve as popular spots for observing marine creatures in their natural habitat.

The vibrant underwater walls are home to a plethora of small, fascinating species. Divers often encounter tiger-tail seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, and anglerfish camouflaged among the corals and sea fans. For those who dive slowly and carefully inspect the nooks and crannies of the walls, these elusive creatures can often be spotted, adding an element of excitement and discovery to every dive.

Koh Doc Mai is particularly renowned among macro photographers due to its rich biodiversity. The walls are teeming with colorful nudibranchs, flatworms, and tiny white-eyed moray eels, each presenting a unique opportunity for stunning photographs. Schools of dancing shrimp, often seen in groups of ten or more, enhance the vibrant underwater scenery, while larger fish like yellowline snapper, trevally, and fusilier typically cruise along the walls, adding to the dynamic marine environment.

To fully appreciate the intricate details and small creatures that Koh Doc Mai is famous for, divers are encouraged to take their time. Slow, deliberate movements allow for a more immersive experience, ensuring that the hidden gems of this underwater paradise are not missed. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a novice, the enchanting world beneath the surface of Koh Doc Mai promises unforgettable encounters and breathtaking views that highlight the beauty of Thailand’s marine life.

Tip: Do not forget to check our Daily Speedboat Tours

Price and Diving packages

  • Price for two dives: 4,000 THB
  • Full equipment rental 1,000 THB per day
  • Payment methods: CASH or apps Revolut/Wise/Paypal
  • 6+ dives – get 15% discount
  • 8+ dives – get 20% discount
  • 10+ dives – get 25% discount

Highlights

  • Small group: 4-12 divers
  • Type: Wall / Slope Reef / Drift
  • Visibility: Vis 10-20 m
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Current: Mild – Strong

Itinerary

Departure time

Our departure times vary due to tide table to get best possible diving conditions with no or mild currents. We confirm the departure time by email or by Whatsapp. Please come at least 30 minutes ahead of the departure time.

Paperwork and equipment

We check your diving certification, you fill the diving form and try diving equipment if needed.

Transfer to the dive site

We move to the Loh Jark pier by car (600m) or together by motorbikes and get on the boat. It takes 20 minutes to get to the dive site.

Two open water dives

Each dive takes max 50 minutes or 50 bars level whatever comes first with 1 hour surface break during which we serve fresh fruit. Soft drinks are available during the whole trip.

After diving session

We cruise back after the second dive and arrive to the office to fill the logbooks and get some good deserved beer and share the experience :)

Return to the resort

You are free to stay with us or return to your resort only after 5 hours in total time to enjoy the rest of the day.

Included/Excluded

  • Brand new custom-made ALU diving speedboat
  • Marine toilet, fresh water showers, comfortable platform
  • Experienced PADI instructors
  • 2 tanks dive
  • Diving weights and belt on board
  • Soft drink, fresh fruit
  • Full diving equipment (regulator, BCD, 3mm short wetsuit, fins and mask) - 1,000 THB/person
  • Transfer (See FAQs)

Durations

4 hours

Tour's Location

FAQs

How do I get to your location? Is transfer included in the price?

Roundtrip transfer is not included in the price.

  • Elixir resort – 400 THB (5 mins. drive)
  • Loh Pared Beach Area (Santhiya Resort, Royal Yao Yai, Blue Bay resort, Yao Yai Resort) – 700 THB (15 mins. drive)
  • North of Koh Yao Yai (Anantara, Koh Yao Yai Village, Hillside resort, Thiwson, Baan Taranya – 800 THB (25 mins. drive)

Price of the transfer is always roundtrip and is per car. We split the costs, if there are more guests from the same area. Please send us resort name and your room number to arrange the transfer and pick up.

We recommend renting a motorbike to come to our office (250 THB/day). There is very little traffic on Koh Yao Yai and motorbike is also great way to explore the island.

Do I need an Open Water Diver (OWD) certification?

Yes, OWD certificate is required for all our diving trips with the exception of our SCUBA diving courses.

Why is 2 tanks dive with Elixir Divers more expensive than with companies from other islands?

Koh Yao Yai is an emerging diving destination, perfectly positioned near stunning sites like Shark Point and Anemone Reef. While the island is still developing and hasn’t attracted large tourist crowds, this is what makes it a hidden gem for divers seeking a quieter experience. We pride ourselves on offering personalized, detail-oriented service, ensuring that every dive is memorable. Our brand-new, custom-made diving speedboat is designed for comfort, accommodating up to 16 divers, but we prefer small groups of 4-12 to enhance your experience. Unlike larger operators that rely on slower boats with up to 30 divers, we focus on quality and intimacy. We equip our divers with top-quality Apeks regulators, and our equipment is meticulously maintained by our dedicated team, ensuring safety and performance. While our pricing may be slightly higher—averaging 1,000 THB (25€) for two dives—it reflects the exceptional value and experience we provide. Just check our reviews to see what our clients say. It's important to note that while prices in Thailand haven’t changed significantly in over a decade, the costs of maintaining high standards have risen. Many operators cut corners by competing solely on price, often sacrificing quality or personal attention to divers. We believe in investing in our services to provide an unparalleled diving experience. Join us at Koh Yao Yai for an unforgettable dive adventure!

I am flying later today...

Divers should wait a minimum of 18 hours after their last dive before taking a flight or ascending to altitude.

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