|
Racha Yai and Racha Noi
By John Williams, photos by Ashley J. Boyd
(Condensed from original article)
To the south of Phuket lie the twin islands of Koh Racha Yai
(big) and Koh Racha Noi (small) which offer significantly better
diving than do Phuket's western beaches. Almost all diving operators
offer one day trips to both of the islands (although not on the
same day) and some offer a two day live-aboard trip every week.
 Racha
Yai's best diving is off its east coast which makes it especially
attractive during Phuket's off-season in the summer. Although
visibility varies, it can be as good as 25 meters or more. A typical
dive is a gentle drift along a sloping rocky face that is sprinkled
with hard coral forests of many, many varieties. Especially prominent
are stag horn corals of blue and tan. Many times there are large
schools of false barracudas hovering over the reef, while on the
reef itself you'll see octopus and cuttlefish in addition to the
more common tropical species. Divers of all levels of experience
and snorkelers can visit Racha Yai with no usual hazards as the
diving is easy and gentle. Water depths range between 3-30 meters.
 Racha
Noi is popular for the more experienced diver, as depths are generally
greater and the currents frequently stronger than at its sister
island to the north. The northern tip features a large pinnacle
where spotting larger marine life is distinctly possible, while
the southern point is a nice drift dive with the added bonus of
having a beautiful little beach to visit during your surface interval.
We also have a wooden ship wreck at about 27 meters on the southwest
coast of the island which although does not compare to some of
the larger wreck dives in Pattaya, is an enjoyable deep dive.
Not much grows on the wreck yet, but it attracts large amounts
of reef fish. The diving here is definitely more challenging than
Racha Yai, but the rewards can be much greater.
Accommodation is available on Racha Yai in both of the pristine
little bays on the northern side of the island. Muslim farmers
and a few fishermen have lived on Racha Yai for years now, harvesting
coconuts and fishing the waters surrounding the islands. For current
information, check with one of the dive centres in Phuket.
| At a Glance:
The Racha Islands |
| Reef type: |
Coral gardens, rocky points, boulders |
| Access: |
1/2 day and full day trips through dive
centres |
| Visibility: |
Average to poor, West Coast. At Racha, 20-30
meters |
| Current: |
Variable, sometimes strong |
| Coral: |
Good varieties of hard corals |
| Fish: |
Good, but not the best spots for fish |
| Highlights: |
Unusual fish life, easy to get to areas;
good, fun, fast drift dives at Racha depending on current. Beautiful
topside scenery. Good for beginners |
Source: ©Siam Dive n' Sail
121/9 Patak Road, Mu 4, Karon, 83100 Phuket, Thailand
Tel: 66-76/330-967 Fax: 66-76/330-990
E-mail: info@siamdivers.com
|
