Hornbill Rocks - Koh Phra Thong Local Thailand Dive Sites
Location: Ocean side of Hornbill Hill at end off GBBR.
Type: Coral outcrops and boulders
Depth: 3-10m
Life: Spiny lobster, starry pufferfish, honeycomb whipray, yellow boxfish, nudibranch (chromodoris)
Painted Spiny Lobster
Scientific name: Panulirus vesicolorSize: Up to 35cm
More: Live in crevices of rocks and coral reefs, only occasionally venturing out at night to seek snails, clams, crabs, sea urchins or carrion to eat. Produce rasping sound to repel predators. Sometimes, they migrate in very large groups in long files of lobsters across the sea floor.
Starry Pufferfish
Scientific name: Arothron stellatusSize: Up to 120cm
More: Has a white body, covered in numerous small black spots that become relatively smaller and more numerous as the fish grows. It can be found on coral and rocky reefs, also in inshore estuaries amongst sponge gardens and seagrasses. Eats hermit crabs, starfishes, coral, sponges, algae and sea urchins.
Honeycomb Whipray
Scientific name: Himantura uarnak
Size: Up to 6m long. 120kg+
More: Large ray characterised by honeycomb reticulations. Lives on the sand near coral reefs. Feeds on benthic fishes and invertebrates.
The extremely long tail of the honeycomb stingray is equipped with mechanoreceptors that give it advance warning of approaching predators
Yellow Boxfish
Scientific name: Ostracion cubicus
Size: Up to 45cm
More: Juveniles bright yellow with black spots; the spots decrease proportionately and the bright yellow becomes a dirty mustard with growth. Inhabit lagoon and semi-sheltered seaward reefs. Feeds mainly on algae, molluscs and sponges within sheltered reefs. Boxfishes can release toxins when attacked.
Nudibranch (Chromodoris Geminus)
Scientific name: Chromodoris GeminusSize: Up to 6cm
More: Uncommon and moves in an unusual way, as it flaps its mantel edge up and down as it moves along.Has large purple spots or marks, usually ringed with white. Has four colour bands around the mantle edge, an outermost white, then translucent greyish purple, then white, then yellow. Feeds on sponges.
PADI Dive Courses
Diving courses on Koh Phra Thong are conducted by the PADI Instructors from Blue Guru. A full range of PADI courses are offered up to Assistant Instructor. Also 18 different PADI specialty courses for refining skills and knowledge.
Thailand Divemaster Training
Blue Guru offer all inclusive Divemaster internships with scuba diving in the Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock. With exclusive tropical beaches and genuine local diving direct from the shore - training in such a location is a rare opportunity.
Marine Habitats
This tropical Thai island is fortunate to benefit from diverse & healthy marine habitats. In Golden Buddha Bay there are coral reefs. In Koh Ra Channel there are expanses of seagrass and some of the densest mangrove forest in the country.
PADI Non-Dive Specialties
Don't dive? Introduce yourself to the idea with these Non-Diving PADI Specialties.
Project Aware
Coral Reef Conservation
Oxygen Administration
Equipment Specialist
Mr. Chuoi Bar and Huts
Mr. Chuoi's bar and huts is an excellent budget accommodation option for the intrepid traveller. Situated close to a private bay, surrounded by nature, with freshly prepared food and an excellent little bar - everyone enjoys their stay with Mr. Chuoi.
Camping on Koh Phra Thong
There are some opportunities to camp at Ko Wah's place, near the northern tip of the island. His resort has been left idle, but sheltered camping areas, wash facilities and an excellent club house remain. Also it has some of the best beach on the island
