This dive site, Koh Bon East, features a gently sloping reef adorned with abundant hard corals that gradually transitions into a sandy bottom. Navigation is straightforward, following the contours of the reef. Unlike its famous West Ridge counterpart, which is renowned for manta rays, the East side offers a more tranquil diving experience, ideal for divers seeking a relaxed exploration without strong currents or complex topography. No specific historical events or stories are widely associated with this particular side of Koh Bon beyond its natural beauty.
The marine life at Koh Bon East is diverse and plentiful. Divers can expect to encounter leopard sharks, often found resting on the sandy stretches of the bottom, making it a reliable spot for sightings. The reef itself is teeming with various species of reef fish, including schools of barracudas, snapper, and the occasional moray eel hidden within the coral formations. The vibrant hard corals form the basis of a thriving ecosystem, supporting a rich variety of smaller marine creatures.
The best time to visit Koh Bon, and by extension its East side, aligns with the Similan Islands diving season, typically from October/November to May, when weather conditions are calmest and visibility is at its best. Divers should bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the sloping reef and larger marine life, but also be prepared for macro opportunities among the corals. The site's good visibility and relatively shallow average depth also make it suitable for freedivers and snorkelers to enjoy the vibrant reef and observe marine life from the surface or with breath-hold dives.
