Manta Ray and Whaleshark Dive Safaris to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang

Manta Ray and Whaleshark Dive Safaris to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang

Every April and May, we offer special sail and dive safaris from Phuket, with our sailing catamaran Nakamal. During this time of the year the ocean is usually very calm and we are able to stay over night at this exposed spot which is located quite far down south from Phuket. Hin Daeng as well as Hin Muang are famous for the plenty Manta and Whaleshark sightings which occur mostly around this time of the year, due to the sea is loaded with nutritious plankton the main food source of these gentle giants.

Hin Daeng is a rocky outcrop barely piercing the surface located directly next to Hin Muang, a reef which starts at a depth of 14 meters. Both dive sites are recognised as Thailands best, and are definitely the best this region has to offer.
Since these dive sites are located in the middle of the ocean they are exposed to the elements and offer no shelter: even at moderate wind conditions, waves might be created which can make the mooring overnight at this very spot even on a stable Catamaran like the Nakamal an inconvenient experience.
Therefore most time of the year we perform only one dive at these reefs, since it takes about 3 hours to the next safe anchor site, either at Koh Rok or Koh Haa.

In April and May though, when the sea is calm and flat like a sheet and the Manta rays are around in great numbers, we run these special dive trips and we do stay there over night. This leaves enough time also to the snorkelers to observe these majestic creatures in close range with awe. Since the mooring is located right over the reef, one can see them all day long: From the boat, in the water and below the surface!!! This year we were extremely lucky, especially with a group of Swiss divers. The footage of two camera recordings we edited into a mind blowing VDO , while experiencing “MANTA OVERDOSE”. Watch the result below!
 

While being on another dive and sailing trip with a group of south Africans we had a different, fantastic experience. All four guests had just returned from snorkelling at a reef nearby, being still in the water when Captain Dieter pointed towards the water and shouted agitated: WHALESHARK!!!!!

Everyone thought the captain cracked one of his typical jokes. But since he was so way excited all put their masks on and were dumbstruck: 2 juvenile Walesharks swam directly – passing by – right in front of their noses!!! For the long time professional diving instructor in this region, Stefan, who has been present on this sailing cruise it was the first Whaleshark sighting ever. Since at this time he was not in the water, he grabbed mask and snorkel and entered the water within a split second. For all on board the sailing yacht, this was a most electrifying moment and the euphoric mood never left us for hours.