Marine Life of Tropical Andaman Sea - Thailand
Whale Shark
Scientific name: Rhincodon typusSize: Up to 12m
More: The largest living species of fish. Found in warm oceans. It is a harmless and slow moving filter feeder. They predominantly eat plankton. The skin is marked with pale yellow spots and stripes. The spots are unique to each whale shark, this means they can be identified as individuals. Live up to 80+ years old.
Dugong
Scientific name: Dugong DugonSize: Up to 3m
More: Dugongs are related to manatees. Is the only strictly-marine herbivorous mammal. Graze on underwater grasses day and night. Has been hunted for thousands of years for its meat and oil. Can stay underwater for six minutes before surfacing. Female dugongs have one calf after a yearlong pregnancy.
Harlequin (or Ornate) Ghost Pipefish
Scientific name: Solenostomus paradoxusSize: Up to 15cm
More: Related to seahorses. They are normally found living around crinoids, featherstars and gorgonian fans. They are difficult to spot because of their camouflage. They spend a lot of time floating upside down. They are relatively weak swimmers, rapidly fanning their little fins for propulsion. Keep within a small territory.
Manta Ray
Size: Up to 8m span
More: The largest of the rays. Range through the tropical waters of the world. Have 300 rows of peg-like teeth, each the size of the head of a pin. Mantas are filter feeders with a primary diet of plankton. They are very curious of humans and often "play" with scuba divers. They can leap out of the water into the air.
Pharaoh Cuttlefish
Scientific name: Sepia PharaonisSize: Up to 45cm
More: They have eight short arms and two long tentacles that are usually tucked away. The tentacles are deployed to catch prey. Moves by undulating a delicate fringe that runs along its entire body. Cuttlefish use color to communicate warnings, mood changes, courtship displays or for camouflage.
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
