The name Batfish Bend needs an island number: it is used for Three Trees on northeastern Similan Island 9, and also appears as Barracuda Point / Batfish Bend at Island 5. This profile describes the Island 9 reef. Longfin batfish help explain one name; three distinctive trees above the coast explain the other. The reef and sandy slope give way to deeper boulders, so the actual profile matters as much as the name on an itinerary.
Dive dates appear when the writer supplied them. Earlier stories keep their original words and have no newly assigned ratings.
Three names along the eastern reef
Aussie Divers explicitly identifies Three Trees as Batfish Bend. Breakfast Bend is also used for the broader eastern side of Island 9, with operators dividing the coast differently. The named area and briefing are more useful than assuming that every operator uses identical boundaries.
Reef, sand and deeper boulders
Aussie Divers describes a shallower start around 8 metres, sloping toward sand around 18 metres and boulders extending toward 30 metres. The original Divezone account’s reef-and-drift character remains relevant, but the Island 9 reef should not be confused with the similarly named Island 5 site.
The fish behind Batfish Bend
Longfin batfish are reported here, with rays and garden eels around the sand and shrimps near the rocks. Turtles and leopard sharks are possible encounters in the operator’s account. None is guaranteed; the change from reef to sand and boulders gives the dive interest of its own.
Current and the chosen route
Thailand Dive and Sail describes slight to moderate current for its broader Breakfast Bend / Three Trees profile, while the original account notes that stronger flow can occur. The practical point is to match the route and depth to the day rather than label the entire area permanently easy or difficult.
Boat access and companions
A Similan itinerary may list Three Trees, Batfish Bend or Breakfast Bend. The operator can identify the intended reef section and whether a shallower profile is planned. Non-diver acceptance, passenger fares and supervised snorkelling are separate boat-specific questions; the name of a dive stop alone does not answer them.
Questions about Batfish Bend
Can the name Batfish Bend refer to Island 5?
Yes. Scubago lists Barracuda Point / Batfish Bend at the southern tip of Island 5, while Aussie Divers uses Batfish Bend for Three Trees on Island 9. The island number and actual reef location distinguish the two.
Is Batfish Bend the same as Three Trees?
Aussie Divers uses Batfish Bend as another name for Three Trees. Breakfast Bend may refer to a broader stretch of the eastern reef.
Is the whole dive shallow?
No. The operator describes a shallower reef and deeper boulders around 30 metres. The actual profile should be specified for the group.
Are batfish guaranteed?
No. The name reflects reported longfin batfish encounters, but wildlife varies from one visit to another.
Updated 13 November 2026. Sources: Island 5 name distinction; Aussie Divers identity and profile; Broader reef profile.
Best time to dive: the ideal period to plan holidays here is October to November. Access: Boat. See the map of Batfish Bend on the right for the exact location. This site is also known as Three Trees
Fishes you may spot while diving Batfish Bend
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Clownfish
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Emperor Angelfish
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Sweet Lip
Photos
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Clown fishes waiting in front of their blue anemone housePhoto by Jihye Lee -
Blacktip Shark patrolling the crystal clear water... EPIC photo!Photo by Yann Hubert -
Huge Hammerhead Shark patrolling the reef in French PolynesiaPhoto by Yann Hubert -
Beautiful & Colorful Mandarin FishPhoto by Rich Guest -
Yellow Seahorse in Lembeh StraitPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
Lion Fish swimming in crystal clear waterPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
Surreal LifePhoto by Jihye Lee -
White NudibranchPhoto by Rich Guest -
Anemone ClownfishPhoto by Matthieu Billaud -
White Nudibranch Reef Koh Lanta ReefPhoto by Rich Guest
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