Best Deep Dive Sites Koh Tao

Main Points

• Chumphon Pinnacle is a must-visit dive site, reaching depths of up to 45 meters, perfect for advanced divers.

• Southwest Pinnacle offers a rich tapestry of marine life and is accessible to both beginners and experienced divers.

• Sail Rock is famous for its vertical chimney swim-through and the chance to see whale sharks.

• HTMS Sattakut is a sunken warship, providing a unique wreck diving experience for those with wreck diving certification.

• Shark Island is known for its diverse marine species and is ideal for divers of all skill levels.

Exploring Koh Tao’s Best Deep Dive Sites

Koh Tao, a small island in Thailand, is a diver’s paradise. Its waters are home to a vibrant marine ecosystem and some of the world’s most breathtaking dive sites. If you’re a scuba enthusiast looking to explore deep dive sites, Koh Tao should be at the top of your list.

Consistent Diving Conditions

Thanks to its tropical climate, you can dive in Koh Tao all year round. The prime time to visit is from March to September when the sea is calm and visibility is at its best. During these months, you can expect clear waters and a broad spectrum of sea life.

Underwater Wildlife and Sightseeing Chances

The seas surrounding Koh Tao are a habitat for a variety of marine life. You’ll likely encounter beautiful coral reefs, clusters of fish, and bigger creatures such as barracudas and whale sharks. Each diving spot provides distinct sightseeing chances, ensuring that each dive is an exciting experience.

Chumphon Pinnacle

“Chumphon Pinnacle – widely regarded as …” from member-diving.com and used with no modifications.

Chumphon Pinnacle is frequently referred to as the best dive site in Koh Tao. Situated about 12 kilometers off the coast, it is a collection of underwater rock formations that jut out from the seabed. This site is a must-visit for any dedicated diver visiting Koh Tao.

Dive Depth and Suitability

Chumphon Pinnacle offers depths ranging from 15 to 45 meters, making it a suitable dive site for advanced divers. Diving in the deeper sections gives the opportunity to explore less crowded areas, giving a feeling of solitude and exploration.

Marine Life and Clear Waters

With visibility often extending up to 20 meters, the site offers divers an unparalleled view of the colorful underwater world. You can expect to see barracudas, batfish, and if you’re lucky, even a whale shark.

Chumphon Pinnacle is also a hotspot for large groups of trevally and fusiliers, creating a captivating underwater show. Be sure to look out for the local groupers and, if you’re fortunate, a manta ray may swim by.

Perfect Diving Moments

To get the most out of your diving experience, head to Chumphon Pinnacle in the early morning. Most dive schools leave to visit Chumphon Pinnacle at around 7am.

Southwest Pinnacle

“South West Pinnacle – Dive Sites of Koh …” from www.turtledivers-kohtao.com and used with no modifications.

Southwest Pinnacle is another jewel in the crown of Koh Tao’s diving sites. Situated about 7 kilometers southwest of the island, this site is celebrated for its magnificent underwater landscape and rich marine life.

What Makes the Site Special and What You Can Find There

The underwater landscape is made up of several rock structures that start from the ocean floor and are topped with a lively layer of anemones. This kind of environment is perfect for many different sea creatures, from the brightly colored sea slugs to the bigger, more predatory fish like barracudas.

What makes this site so unique is that it accommodates divers of all levels, with depths ranging from 4 meters to 30 meters. Beginners can have a blast exploring the shallower parts, while more advanced divers can go deeper for a more thrilling experience.

Sail Rock

One of the Gulf of Thailand’s most popular diving spots is Sail Rock, situated between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. This site is known for its unique underwater features and the opportunity to see large marine life, including the magnificent whale shark.

What to Expect When You Dive

When you dive at Sail Rock, you can usually expect good conditions. Visibility tends to range from 15 to 20 meters. The site is good for divers of all levels, but some experience is recommended because there can sometimes be strong currents and there’s a lot to see the deeper you go. The rock itself goes from the ocean floor to just above the water’s surface, creating a beautiful underwater landscape.

Popular Sea Creatures at Sail Rock

A key attraction at Sail Rock is the chance to see whale sharks. These friendly creatures are often seen here. In addition to whale sharks, the site hosts a range of other marine species.

There are schools of chevron barracudas, trevally, and batfish that you can see. The site is also known for its “chimney,” a vertical swim-through that starts at 18 meters and ends at 8 meters. Divers love this feature because it offers a unique view of the underwater world.

When To Go

Due to the length of time it takes to get to Sail Rock and back, most dive schools offer it as a day trip. You will leave early in the morning (around 5:45am) and usually return early afternoon. La Bombona Diving go every Friday and it costs 2800 Thai baht.

HTMS Sattakut

“HTMS Sattakut 742 Wreck, Koh Tao …” from www.reddit.com and used with no modifications.

HTMS Sattakut, a former Thai Navy ship, was deliberately sunk off the coast of Koh Tao to form an artificial reef. This site offers an exhilarating wreck diving experience and is a top choice for divers with wreck diving certification.

The wreck is located at a depth of 18 to 30 meters, which is suitable for advanced divers. As an artifical reef, the ship’s hull is covered with corals, which attracts a wide variety of marine life, such as snapper, groupers, and trevally.

Wreck diving offers a one-of-a-kind experience, letting divers navigate through the ship’s corridors and open compartments. However, divers need to have the right training and experience, as wrecks can pose risks like entanglement and poor visibility.

Where to Find the Wreck and Its Backstory

You’ll find the HTMS Sattakut near Hin Pee Wee, a well-loved dive site on Koh Tao. The ship was retired and sunk in 2011 to serve as an artificial reef and a hotspot for divers. It’s now a bustling home for sea creatures and a bucket list item for wreck diving fans.

What to Expect

At approximately 48 meters in length, the wreck is resting upright on the seabed. The deck is at a depth of 18 meters, while the bow and stern are at depths of 30 meters. The site is renowned for its excellent visibility and the rich marine life that has made the wreck its home.

Shark Island

“Shark Island, Koh Tao — Koh Tao …” from www.kohtaocompleteguide.com and used with no modifications.

Shark Island, a short distance away from the southernmost point of Koh Tao, is a favorite diving spot due to its wide variety of sea creatures and breathtaking underwater landscape. Contrary to what its name suggests, the site is not famous for its shark population, but rather its rich biodiversity. The name comes from the shape of the rock formation jutting out of the water as it slightly resembles the dorsal fin of a shark.

Overview of the Dive

Shark Island is a magical diving spot that boasts a combination of colorful coral gardens and a rich variety of marine life. Situated just a quick boat trip away from Koh Tao, this site is easy to reach and offers an amazing diving experience for divers of all skill levels. The underwater landscape of the island includes rocky formations and sandy areas, providing the perfect habitat for different marine creatures.

What’s in the water?

While Shark Island may not be teeming with sharks, it more than makes up for it with a wealth of marine life. Divers can expect to see everything from butterflyfish and angelfish to parrotfish. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot the super-rare eagle ray.

Shark Island’s coral gardens are especially noteworthy, with both hard and soft corals serving as a home to numerous marine species. Underwater photographers love the brilliant colors and complex structures of the corals.

Shark Island is a dive site that offers a rewarding experience. You’ll see stunning coral formations and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re new to diving or have a lot of experience, you’re sure to be impressed by this site.

What Makes Each Site Special

Every dive site on Koh Tao has its own special charm, from the breathtaking depth of Chumphon Pinnacle to the historic wreck of HTMS Sattakut. Whether it’s the colourful underwater world of Shark Island or the adrenaline rush of meeting a whale shark at Sail Rock, there’s a dive site on Koh Tao that will capture your heart and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Commonly Asked Questions

Going scuba diving in Koh Tao is an unforgettable adventure, but it’s normal to have some questions before you take the plunge. Here are some common questions that might help you get ready for your dive trip.

When is the Ideal Time to Dive at Koh Tao?

From March to September is the prime time to dive in Koh Tao. The weather is usually serene during these months, and the visibility underwater is at its peak, often extending up to 20 meters. This is also when whale sharks are common, giving you an opportunity to meet these magnificent creatures.

Can Beginners Dive at These Sites?

Definitely, a lot of Koh Tao’s dive sites are beginner-friendly. Places like Shark Island and the less deep parts of Southwest Pinnacle have calm conditions and a lot of sea creatures for new divers to see. However, some places, like Chumphon Pinnacle and the HTMS Sattakut wreck, are better for more experienced divers because they’re deeper and can have strong currents.

What Kind of Sea Creatures Will I Encounter?

The ocean surrounding Koh Tao is full of sea creatures, giving divers the opportunity to encounter many different species. You can typically see vibrant reef fish, moray eels, and barracudas. If you’re fortunate, you might even come across a whale shark or turtle on your dive.

How Can I Get to These Dive Sites?

The majority of dive sites around Koh Tao can be reached by boat. Local dive operators run daily trips to the island’s best sites, offering transport, equipment, and experienced guides to make sure you have a safe and fun diving experience.

What Gear Do I Need for Deep Diving?

When it comes to deep diving, it’s important to have the correct gear to make sure you’re safe and have a good time. You’ll need a dive computer to keep track of your depth and how long you’ve been underwater, a buoyancy control device (BCD), mask, fins, compass and a regulator. You should always have a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safety, particularly if you’re diving in a place with a lot of boat traffic.

Make sure your gear is in good working order and that it is serviced regularly. If you’re renting gear, go with a dive operator who has a good reputation for the safety and reliability of their equipment.