Camera Bay, Racha Noi

Camera Bay at Racha Noi is an intermediate dive site on the eastern coast of the island, named for the underwater photography opportunities created by its clear water, diverse marine life, and sheltered bay conditions. With depths reaching thirty meters along the reef slope and the protected aspect that reduces current exposure, Camera Bay offers a more relaxed Racha Noi experience while still delivering the marine encounters that make this island special. The bay's granite boulder and reef terrain slopes from the shallows into deeper water, providing a varied dive profile that accommodates different depth preferences. The shallower sections feature coral gardens on the boulder tops and ledges, while the deeper slope reveals larger formations and the occasional sandy flat where leopard sharks may be resting. The intermediate rating reflects the depth accessible and the need for good buoyancy control around the reef structure. Visibility in Camera Bay is often excellent, with the clean Andaman Sea water providing the clarity that gives the site its photographic reputation. The combination of clear water, diverse subjects, and sheltered conditions creates almost studio-like shooting conditions for underwater photographers, whether working with wide-angle setups for reef scenes or macro lenses for the abundant small creatures. Marine life is diverse and photogenic. Schools of fusiliers and snappers create mid-water spectacle, while reef species including angelfish, butterflyfish, and triggerfish provide color among the corals. The macro life is rich, with nudibranchs, shrimp, and tiny crabs inhabiting the coral and boulder surfaces. Manta rays occasionally sweep through the bay, and their appearance transforms any dive into an unforgettable experience. The coral health in Camera Bay is good, with hard corals forming the structural framework and soft corals adding color to the deeper sections. Sea fans extend from the boulder faces, and anemones with their clownfish families are scattered throughout the reef. Camera Bay delivers the Racha Noi experience in a more accessible format than the island's more exposed sites. The combination of photographic potential, diverse marine life, and manageable conditions makes it an ideal choice for intermediate divers who want to experience the island's underwater world without tackling the more challenging current-swept points.