Ko Bon: Remote Island Diving with Manta Ray Possibilities
Ko Bon sits at the northern edge of the Similan Islands, further from Phuket than other islands in the chain. This remoteness is precisely what makes it special. Fewer day-trippers, more immersive experiences, and the kind of genuine expedition feeling that appeals to adventurous divers.
Ko Bon is legendary among serious divers for consistent manta ray encounters during the dry season. Manta rays pass through the island’s channels seasonally, creating some of the most memorable dive encounters possible—swimming alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
The island isn’t just about mantas, though. The diving is world-class, the environment is pristine, and the remoteness creates genuine adventure feeling.
This is diving for serious adventurers.
Why Visit Ko Bon?
Manta Ray Encounters (Seasonal)
Ko Bon is famous throughout the diving world for manta ray encounters. During the dry season (particularly January to April), manta rays migrate through the channels around the island.
Swimming alongside a manta ray—a gentle giant with an 3-4 meter wingspan—is a life-changing experience. These encounters happen regularly enough at Ko Bon that many divers specifically travel here hoping for this encounter.
Remote Location
Ko Bon is the furthest island in the Similan chain from Phuket. This remoteness means:
- Fewer tourists (day-trip crowds don’t reach here)
- More pristine diving conditions
- Genuine expedition feeling
- Small group intimacy
- Authentic experience of remote island diving
Dramatic Underwater Topography
Ko Bon features dramatic topography: deep channels, sheer walls, strong currents in some areas, and interesting marine environments.
The current conditions that attract manta rays also create dynamic diving. Drift diving through channels with potential manta encounters keeps you alert and engaged.
Pristine Marine Ecosystem
Being remote, Ko Bon maintains exceptional marine health. Large fish populations, healthy coral, and diverse marine life indicate thriving ecosystems.
Liveaboard Experience
Ko Bon is typically visited via liveaboard dive boats. Multi-day stays allow exploration of multiple sites and increased chances of manta encounters.
What You’ll Experience at the Ko Bon
A Ko Bon experience typically unfolds like this:
Liveaboard Journey
You board a dive boat in Phuket and spend the night traveling to Ko Bon. Dawn arrives as you approach the remote island. The journey itself creates anticipation.
Multiple Dive Sites
With several days, you dive multiple sites around Ko Bon:
- Manta channels – Where mantas seasonally pass through
- Deep walls – Dramatic drop-off diving
- Sandy slopes – Macro diving and smaller creatures
- Current passages – Challenging drift diving for advanced divers
Manta Encounter (If Fortunate)
Seasonal manta encounters are possible but never guaranteed. When mantas appear—and they do regularly during dry season—the experience is extraordinary.
Swimming alongside a graceful giant in the water is profound. Most divers who encounter mantas describe it as a career highlight.
Liveaboard Camaraderie
Multi-day diving creates camaraderie among divers. Sharing meals, diving together, and pursuing the manta encounter creates bonding.
Advanced Diving Skills
Ko Bon’s currents and conditions provide excellent training for advanced skills. Drift diving, current management, and deep diving challenge and develop your abilities.
Minimal Tourist Impact
The remoteness and liveaboard requirement mean Ko Bon doesn’t attract casual tourists. This preserves the pristine feel and small group dynamics.
Who Should Visit Ko Bon?
Ko Bon appeals to:
Serious Divers: Advanced or skilled divers seeking challenging, remote diving.
Manta Enthusiasts: Divers specifically seeking manta ray encounters.
Liveaboard Lovers: Those who prefer multi-day diving experiences.
Adventure Seekers: Remote location and challenging conditions appeal to adventurous divers.
Photography Enthusiasts: Manta rays and dramatic topography create memorable shots.
Current Divers: Drift diving and current management develop advanced skills.
Anyone Seeking Pristine Remote Diving: Ko Bon represents authentic remote island diving.
Ko Bon isn’t ideal for:
- Inexperienced divers (currents and depth require skills)
- Those seeking guaranteed easy diving
- Anyone uncomfortable with rough boat conditions to reach remote location
What’s Included in Your Ko Bon Tour
All Simba Sea Trips Ko Bon tours include:
- Liveaboard accommodation for duration of trip (typically 3-4 days)
- Professional divemaster familiar with Ko Bon sites and manta encounters
- Multiple dives at various Ko Bon sites
- Diving equipment (or bring your own)
- All meals aboard the liveaboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Nitrox available for extended bottom time
- Safety equipment and comprehensive dive briefings
- Park entrance fees
- Ground transportation to/from Phuket pier
What to bring:
- Diving certification (Advanced Open Water recommended, Rescue preferred)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Quick-dry clothing
- Swimwear
- Underwater camera (if interested in photography)
- Personal toiletries
- Any specific dive gear preferences
- Motion sickness medication (if needed—boat is larger but ocean journey is extended)
- Log book to record dives
Best Time to Visit Ko Bon
Seasonal considerations significantly affect Ko Bon experiences:
Seasonal Overview
Dry Season (November to April):
Calm seas, excellent visibility, consistent weather
Manta season peaks January-April:
Best overall diving and best chances for manta encounters.
Shoulder Season (May-June):
Still possible to dive. Mantas diminish as season shifts. Fewer tourists.
Rough Season (July-October):
Rough seas make Ko Bon inaccessible or closed. Periodic liveaboard operations if conditions allow
Manta Season Timeline
If manta encounters are your primary goal, plan for January through April.
January-February:
Manta encounters most reliable
March-April:
Manta encounters still possible, season winding down
May-June:
Mantas less frequent as migration season ends
General Diving Timeline
November-December:
Excellent diving, mantas beginning to arrive
January-February:
Peak manta season, peak diving conditions
March-April:
Still excellent, mantas present
May-June:
Shoulder season, fewer mantas
July-October:
Rough season, limited operations
What Our Customers Say
Excellent
4.9 based on 4291 reviews
Amazing boat trip
Great day out, stopped to watch the sunrise on the way just magical! Dee and the team were great, she helped to encourage my youngest to go snorkelling which he loved Saw monkeys at monkey island, beautiful Maya bay with sharks, great swims at Phi Phi and a lovely secluded beach with a beer in hand! Lots of delicious fruit, spring rolls, cold drinks plus an awesome buffet lunch back at the marina Definitely worth an early start to the day, thank you team
The best day
We really enjoyed our day visiting the Phi Phi islands, Dee was brilliant and all the crew on Simba 8 as well as the staff at the SOHO club! It was very special to see the sunrise and all of the activities were amazing and well planned. Everything ran smoothly and the fresh fruit and drinks provided were a nice touch. The experience felt very exclusive and never rushed!
Fantastic day - stops - beat crowds
Amazing day. All stops were fantastic. Definitely worth beating the crowds. Lunch excellent. Super speed boat (not luxury). Great guide Harry.
Practical Information
Distance and Journey
Ko Bon is the furthest Similan island from Phuket—approximately 75km offshore. Liveaboard journey is 4-5 hours from Phuket pier, typically departing late afternoon and arriving at Ko Bon next morning.
Trip Duration
Multi-day liveaboard trips typically 3-4 days, including travel time. Diving days vary from 3-6 dives depending on trip length and conditions.
Physical Fitness
Moderate to good fitness required. Diving is demanding. The ocean journey to a remote location requires physical resilience.
Diving Certification
Advanced Open Water minimum recommended. Rescue Diver certification advantageous. Nitrox certification helpful for deeper, longer dives.
Currents and Challenges
Ko Bon dives involve currents. Drift diving is common. You need current diving skills or must be willing to develop them. Dive briefings always include current discussion.
Weather Dependent
Ko Bon access is weather-dependent. Rough seas may cause schedule changes or rescheduling. This is part of remote island diving—you adapt to conditions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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