Lots of divers wonder if they'll spot sharks while diving in Koh Tao. For many, it’s exciting to see these awesome creatures; for others, fear motivates the question, even if sharks rarely, if ever, attack scuba divers.
When diving and snorkeling in Koh Tao, you may spot a Black Tip Reef Shark
Blacktip Reef sharks, distinct from Blacktip Sharks, can be spotted at specific times of the year around Koh Tao dive sites like Laem Thian, Tanote Bay, Aow Leuk, and Hin Wong Bay. These sharks are known for their shyness and timidity, often staying in groups when young and swimming in very shallow waters. This behavior makes them more accessible to snorkelers on Koh Tao, as the noise made by scuba regulators can be heard from a distance. Particularly at Hin Wong Bay and Shark Bay! While adults may be challenging to approach, they won't hesitate to gracefully cruise by you, juveniles may swim right up to explore their surroundings.
When diving in Koh Tao, you may spot a Whaleshark
The Whaleshark, often mistaken for a whale, is actually the largest fish in the ocean and a sought-after sight for scuba divers. Koh Tao, famed for Whaleshark sightings, provides surprises all year round but the prime period, often dubbed "Whaleshark season" by the local diving industry, is from March to June. Key offshore dive sites like Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, and Sail Rock are known for these awe-inspiring encounters. But that's not all – Whalesharks are also spotted at shallower sites like Shark Island, Twins, and White Rock!
When diving in Koh Tao, you may spot a guitar shark
Guitar sharks, despite being rays, have fins on their back that make them look like sharks. They swim using their "shark" tail, unlike other rays that prefer flapping their pectoral fins as a propeller. We've had the chance to encounter these fascinating creatures at Chumphon Pinnacle dive site.
When diving in Koh Tao, you may spot a bull shark
... Or should I say, there was a time when the Bull Sharks gang were a common sight around Koh Tao. We used to guarantee shark sightings at Chumphon Pinnacle during specific seasons, with instances of up to 15 sharks at once. However, they mysteriously vanished in 2010, only to reappear briefly in 2014 at Sail Rock for a few months.
As passionate divers, we have a deep admiration for sharks! These majestic creatures hold both power and serenity, playing a vital role in our ecosystem. Unfortunately, media portrayal has instilled fear around these magnificent animals. In reality, sharks are beautiful and misunderstood beings that we need to stop fearing and fishing .
JOIN US IN PRESERVING SHARKS – REFUSE TO BUY ANY SHARK PRODUCTS AND AVOID PATRONIZING RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE SHARKS AND SHARK FIN SOUP. Your support makes a difference!
