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Thailand Diving Locations - Chumphon

Approximately 450 kilometers south from Bangkok lies the province of Chumphon. Those who love lonesome and long sandy beaches as well as wanting to discover the many interesting diving places all around the Chumphon national marine park, should have a stopover here on the way to the south.
Nearby our resorts have many dive sites which are under the protection and supervision of the Chumphon Marine National Park. Each have their own unique attractions and all offer the best the Gulf has to offer in marine flora and fauna. Among the best are : Koh Ngam Noi, Koh Ngam Yai, Hin Lak Ngam, Hin Pae.

At a depth of a mere 10 feet, there is a large community of sea anemones spread over a flat terrace area.
These are pink tip anemones which have sparse short tentacles and a mouth which is visible (as compared with those with long clustered tentacles).
Although the community is large, the presence of the clown fish is minimal.
The pink skunk clown dominates this species of fish and live in bi-lateral harmony with their anemone hosts.
At this depth you will find multitudes of green and yellow damsels and fusilier fish with their distinct silver bodies and yellow-striped dorsal's. There are schools of large yellow tails measuring between 20 to 25 cm in size, swarming around divers as they descend to depths of 5 meters or more; Attracted by the air bubbles, these fish follow the divers. Their presence near the rock structures attract resident fish like snappers and groupers. Big groupers and colonies of John snappers, with a dot near the caudal fin, swim around looking puzzled at divers swim amongst the great numbers of yellow tails. Remain still, practicing neutral buoyancy, breathe easy and the fish will swim closer to you.
If there is a prevailing strong current, lie flat on the bottom and observe the profusion of fish life but do be careful of the sea urchins.
Marine animals and plant life are found most amongst the rocky formations rather than at the base.
On the seabed, observe the impressive clusters of bushy black polyps in hues of orange, white, yellow and light apple green.
These elegant man-size bushy black corals are beautiful subjects to photograph and with a host of fish around it makes for an excellent underwater portrait.
Wing oysters which normally grow on ships and sea fans are found setting their roots in the sand, appearing like black pads.
A circumnavigation swim reveals "swim through" channels and small caves where bigger fish nest.
Adding to the exotic marine life colours and characteristics are butterfly fish, angel fish, indigo goat fish, reticulated black damsels mingling around sporadic staghorn corals and crusty table corals.
The sightings of whale sharks and manta rays have been recorded in these waters during the months from February to April.
These plankton feeders occasionally swim near the rock structures and like to be near small fish communities. Unafraid of divers, these rare and awesome creatures usually stay around the site for a few days.

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