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Racha Yai - Bungalow Bay South
GPS Location: 07-36-27N 98-22-00E
Max Depth: 5-22M
Currents: Mild to moderate
Visibility: 15M-30M
Diver Level: Beginner
Bungalow Bay or Ao Pa Tok as it is referred to locally is a large bay located on the West side of the island and derives its name from the resort and bungalows to be found overlooking the beach. The North and South sides are steep rock slopes which turn into reef slope upon meeting the water and level off to flat sand. Both sides form excellent wall dives. The North slope comprises mostly staghorn coral and boulders from 5-22M while the South is characterized by huge pore corals and massive boulders towards the cape. Currents inside the bay are slight and the sandy bottom maintains a comfortable depth of 10-12M for a fair distance before getting deeper towards the bay’s mouth. Dives are usually one way drift dives, however the current becomes stronger towards the two capes and there is a risk of being swept out to open sea so it is advised to turn around or terminate the dive well before you reach these. Also, due to the islands popularity, boat traffic is a hazard and ascents must be carried out with caution, preferably with a marker buoy and or close to the rocks.
Marine Life consists of mostly hard corals such as staghorn and lobed pore varieties. Reef fish abound in the area with a scattering of angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, damsels hiding in the staghorns, surgeonfish, groupers and the ever present parrotfish grinding up the coral. In the sandy areas Kuhl’s stingrays and flounders can be seen as they hide under a thin layer of sand. If one is granted an early morning dive, sleeping leopard sharks may be seen too. Amongst the rocks there are often surprises for the macro lover in the form of razor fish, leaf fish, robust ghost pipefish and even the rare sea moth has been spotted. At night, cuttlefish and many species of crab may be seen.
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