North Point

North Point is a rocky reef off the north tip of Similan Island 9 characterized by large granite boulders, channels, swim-throughs and coral gardens on a white sand bottom. A prominent pinnacle rises from about 30-40 m up toward 25-30 m, with hard coral patches around 10-15 m and soft corals and giant sea fans on deeper rock faces. Turtles commonly graze the shallow staghorn coral gardens, and filter feeders and occasionally sharks may be encountered around the deeper pinnacle. Boat-access only, with a mooring buoy often centered on the main boulder cluster at about 18 m and divers using the mooring line for descent and ascent. Water temperature at dive depth is roughly 27-29 °C and visibility is usually 20-30 m or more. The reef slopes from about 5-10 m out to 25-30 m with maximum depths around 35-40 m. Currents range from mild to moderate but stronger tidal currents and surge can occur around the northern tip and pinnacles, so divers should stay close to the reef, maintain good buoyancy control and follow guides. Avoid descending beyond 30-35 m unless on a technical profile due to depth and nitrogen limits.