Koh Doc Mai literally means "flower island". There are different stories of how the place got its name - some say it is because the island was once full of blossoming flowers, and others claim its name comes from the underwater beauty around its shores.

The little limestone island stretches vertically down 24 - 28 meters, creating a wall all around. Although the west side, with hard coral extending out from 12 - 18 meters, is shallower, the east wall is more popular with divers.

There are many cracks and crevices along the walls at all depths, but the most frequented visit is a big cave and small cave located on the east side of the island.

However, the small cave is narrow and long, so divers who have not obtained a cavern diver specialty are not encouraged to penetrate the cave. There is no access onto the island.

The currents are moderate to strong and run in a north-south direction. The current is stronger on the north side at low tide, and on the south side during high tide. On days with strong current, there may be up-currents or down-currents as well.

A good variety of small creatures make this site a favourite for Phuket dive operators. Tigertail seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish and anglerfish are among the species frequently found along the walls.

Go slowly and check crevices in the wall or the sea fans and you may spot them when they move.

The walls are also a paradise for macro photographers, as colourful nudibranch, flatworms, tiny white eyed morays and groups of 10 or more dancing shrimp are guaranteed to make an appearance.

Do examine cracks and small crevices for giant morays, and enjoy the schools of yellowline snapper, trevally and fusilier that usually swim along the wall.

 

For those interested in bigger fish, great barracuda may be seen clser to the wall if there are strong currents, and leopard shark may also catch a few winks at the bottom of the wall.

 

Dive slowly if you don't want to miss the small creatures this divesite is famous for. It should be possible to get half way around the island in an hour.

It is usually a one way dive along the wall side, but it can get tricky when there are strong currents, as the up currents and down currents can rapidly reduce visibility from a good 15 meters to 2-4 meters.

Get advice from your dive guide or boat crew on where to end your dive and ascend, and plan to have enough time to swim back if you go pass the assigned area.

Depending on the season and sea conditions, it might take the boat more than 10 minuites to realise that your group is up on the other side where they can not see you.

At the end of the dive, ascend with caution and beware of boat traffic. Use a safety balloon. When surfacing, swim away from the island so the boat can make a pick up easily.