Shark Point, located between Phuket and Phi Phi Islands, features three submerged limestone pinnacles teeming with vibrant marine life. This protected sanctuary hosts docile leopard sharks resting on sandy bottoms and incredible soft coral formations. Advanced snorkelers can experience exceptional underwater views, though seeing sharks requires patience and good visibility at depths of 15 to 20 meters.
Shark Point, officially known by its Thai name Hin Musang, is a legendary marine sanctuary located approximately midway between Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands. This site consists of three submerged limestone pinnacles that run from north to south, creating a vertical skyscraper of marine life in the middle of the Andaman Sea. For those on a private yacht charter, it is an essential stop that offers a dramatic contrast to the shallow bay snorkeling found elsewhere. Only the very top of the first pinnacle breaks the surface, marked by a small lighthouse beacon that serves as a warning to passing vessels and a landmark for adventurous snorkelers.
While often classified as a premier dive site, the upper reaches of Shark Point provide an exceptional experience for snorkelers who are comfortable in open water. The top of the main pinnacle sits just a few meters below the surface, allowing for an incredible view of the vibrant soft corals and anemones that blanket the rock. Because this area is a protected sanctuary, the sheer density of fish is staggering. You are not just swimming over a reef; you are entering a busy metropolitan intersection of the ocean where every square inch of the rock is competing for space and nutrients.
The site earned its famous name due to the frequent presence of leopard sharks, which are officially known as zebra sharks. Unlike the aggressive predators often depicted in cinema, these creatures are the ultimate "relaxed roommates" of the sea. They are strictly nocturnal hunters, which means during your daytime visit, you are likely to find them resting peacefully on the sandy bottom surrounding the pinnacles. These sharks can grow up to two meters in length and are easily identified by their stunning spotted patterns and long, elegant tails.
Because these sharks typically rest at depths between 15 and 20 meters, seeing them clearly requires good visibility and a bit of patience from the surface. However, on a calm day with high water clarity, the silhouette of a resting leopard shark against the white sand is a sight that defines a Thai maritime adventure. For snorkelers, the goal is to observe these graceful animals from above without attempting to dive down and disturb their rest. This respectful distance ensures that the sanctuary remains a safe haven for the sharks and a spectacular viewing gallery for you.
Feature | Shark Point (Hin Musang) | Shark Point (Phi Phi Don) |
Location | Mid-sea (Offshore) | Off Long Beach (Nearshore) |
Primary Shark Type | Leopard Sharks (Zebra Sharks) | Blacktip Reef Sharks |
Water Depth | 5 to 25 meters | 1 to 5 meters |
Best For | Advanced Snorkelers & Divers | Beginners & Families |
The ecosystem at Shark Point is fueled by nutrient rich currents that pass through the pinnacles, supporting a level of growth that is rare in shallower bays. The diversity here is a testament to the success of its protected status.
