I have just arrived back from scuba diving Hin Daeng. This is one of two dive sites visited south of Koh Lanta and it takes an impressive 3.5 hour boat ride to reach on Go Dives Boat.

Hin Daeng is also very close to Hin Muang. Although we were supposed to dive Hin Muang first the boat master simply rescheduled due to the currents, obviously these dive sites are not for the beginer and when we entered on the first dive you could see why.

I have dived here for 6 years and still it is a special place on the second dive we dropped down to a Lepoard Shark around 22 meters. Pretty cool watching it look at you and breath but was amazing to watch it swim away with its whooshing tail. Then we heard all the tank bangers going crazy! and shallowed up to where the canyon is a WOW! my incredible day was just about to get better as I was lucky enough to spend 40 minutes with A Manta Ray at only 11 meters.

There is something Amazing when you are next to a gracefull 4 meter wide giant being cleaned in front of you. I swam a little closer to the rocks for protection from the current and also to get a better view. Then the Manta just tips it wings and glides off. This time was great tho as he kept circling around and settling back in the same place. It is even more special when the Manta is next to you and you think it is looking at you form a small eye. Incredible Day

Thank you again to Didi for letting me use these great shots

If you really want to enjoy the majestic mantas another way is to do a Liveaboard trip where you get to stay and do three dives at these sites. You can either join the MV Flying Seahorse which departs Koh Lanta 2 day 1 night trips and for the real adventure stay on board for a 7 day trip which also takes int he Similan Islands. Or guests who would like a luxury Liveaboard which departs Phuket can choose the Mermaid.