Similan Islands - Island #8

Home to Donald Duck Bay, Island 8 is the one of the two Similan Islands open to the public. However, unlike Island 4 the only accommodation on the island is for National Park Staff (this should change for next season).

The island is popular with snorkelers and day trippers, while the bay is often used as a docking area for liveaboards and sailing boats. There is a great walk up to a view point, which is slightly more accessible than the trail on Island 4. Although it includes the same series of ropes to aid your ascent it is only a short ten minute walk, and once again it is definitely worth the view.

This is also the only West facing beach on the Similans. Due to that there is more chance of larger fish – Reef Sharks, Porcupine Rays and Leopard Sharks to be seen while diving or snorkeling.The snorkeling around the bay is lovely. There is rarely any current although there can be a slight surge and the speed boat activity can often cause unexpected waves.

There are several resident turtles in the bay who often get fed by snorkelers and boat crew. PLEASE avoid this, as they stop being afraid of boats and during the monsoon season fishing boats moor in the bay (illegally) and the turtles get taken aboard and eaten!!! Don’t feed them, try to discourage others to not feed them and remember the only thing to take home, are pictures and the only thing to leave behind are footprints.

This also makes a great launching point for the dive trips in the area. Many of the best sites are just a few minutes away.
We do usually have our lunches right on the beach when we are diving the Northern Similans during our Similan daytrips on the speedboat from Khao Lak.

If you look at the map, you'll notice that there are two dive sites just outside of Donald Duck bay - Turtle Rock and Waterfall bay. Because of their proximity to the mooring lines, these sites are quite popular for sunset and night dives.

Finally, the sunsets here are gorgeous. Taking in the whole of the Similans, and gazing across the Andaman sea....the world is really at your fingertips.


Similan Diving