The dive sites Hin Daeng and
Hin Muang are the deepest drop-offs in Thailand. They are
world-class dive sites and provide some of the most stunning
diving in the area, with a high chance of seeing Manta Rays
and even Whale Sharks.
From our location in the South of Ko Lanta, we can reach
Lanta's Top Dive Sites much faster than dive boats that depart
from Saladan in the North of the island. Our journey time
to Hin Daeng & Hin Muang is just 1 hour (compared to
4 hours by big boat from Saladan). Take a look at our High-Speed
Dive Cruiser to see why!
The greater depths and currents make these sites suitable for
Advanced divers or Open Water divers with 20+ dives.
Hin Daeng,
'Red Rock', and Hin Muang, 'Purple Rock', are named after the
beautiful red and purple corals that cover the pinnacles. Located
70km south of Ko Lanta, they boast good visibility, unless
the waters become extremely plankton-rich. It is this plankton
that attracts the larger marine-life and there is a high chance
of seeing Manta Rays and passing Whale Sharks throughout the
season.
Hin Daeng protrudes about 3 meters above the water, but
below, it drops straight down to 70+ meters on the southern
side. It gets its name from the beautiful red corals that populate
most of the dive site. Don't forget to look out into the blue,
away from the reef, as this is where much of the action can be
witnessed.
There is a huge school of large Round Batfish that congregate
around the buoy line, and there are often large schools of barracuda
patrolling the outer reef.
HIN MUANG - 'Purple Rock'
HIN
MUANG AT A GLANCE
Visibility:
10-35m
Coral Quality:
*****
Variety of Fish:
*****
Diving Level:
Advanced
Current:
often strong
Depths:
12-60 m
Water Temp:
27-31°C
Journey Time :
1 hour
Hin Muang is completely submerged and derives
its name from the vast number of purple corals covering
the pinnacle.
The reef is 200 meters long and less than 20 meters wide,
there are three main pinnacles and several smaller ones.
The reef starts at 12m, and there is often some current,
so we use a line for descent, safety stops and ascent.
At these sites, the marine-life seems to be on a larger scale
than elsewhere in the Andaman Sea. Many Giant Morays can be seen
amongst the cracks and crevices and large Leopard Sharks are
often found in the 40-meter ridges.
It's fascinating to watch
the huge schools of Snappers and Fusiliers swim around the
pinnacles while Rainbow Runners, Jacks and Travellie dart in,
hoping for a quick snack.
Red-Tooth Trigger Fish flutter prettily
amongst the the colourful soft corals, and many types of Anemone
fish dance over the top of the highest pinnacles.
It is here that
the Manta Ray's come to be cleaned in the currents that sweep
over the tops of the pinnacles.
Due
to the greater depths and currents (especially at Hin Muang),
we recommend that these dives are suitable for Advanced Open
Water divers or Open Water divers with twenty dives or more.
We keep group sizes small to ensure you
get the most out of each fun dive. This also reduces
impact on our reefs. Our emphasis is on safety, fun and
personal service within a relaxed and stress-free environment.
You will find the atmosphere and service on our dive
boats,
beyond anything you have experienced before!
Our experienced Divemasters know the dive sites extremely
well, and will be happy to discuss what you would like
to see, and the type of dive or snorkel experience you
would like to have. Each dive is personally planned with
the divers in each group, to ensure you enjoy each and
every dive you make with us.
A full briefing is provided at each site, with helpful
tips on what to look for, safety information, and the most
interesting places to visit.
"Ko
Lanta has to have some of the best diving in the world. I
am amased at the diversity on the reefs along with the colours
and visibility. Hin Daeng & Hin Muang were breathtaking and
Ko Haa, spectacular. Thanks for being so chilled out and
relaxed and also for taking an old BSAC diver under your
wing."
"I
challenged you to do the impossible and you did it! With
your great dedication to customer service you acheived what
no-one else on the island was able to do - an absolutely marvelous
trip to Hin Daeng - one of the best dives of my whole life!"
"Not
only have you given us an experience we will never forget,
but we made two new friends - not to mention the Whale Shark
we met on our 6th dive ever - WOW !"
