Koh Tao Dive Sites

Koh Tao Dive sites Map

Chumphon Pinnacle Depth 14m-36m Level of Diving: Intermediate to advanced	Regarded as one of Koh Tao's best dives, Chumphon Pinnacle is located within a 40-minute boat journey from the island. This is an absolute dive site you should include in your bucket list during your stay on Koh Tao. The Pinnacles are abundant with batfish, trevallies, big schools of chevron, great barracudas, snappers, and fusiliers. This is where you have the best chance of seeing a Whale Shark.
Sail Rock Depth 5- 35m Level of Diving: Intermediate to advanced	Sail Rock, also known as Hin Bai, positioned between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, stands out as one of the Gulf of Thailand's premier dive sites. This vast underwater pinnacle, with its peak breaking the water's surface, offers an awesome wall dive ranging from 5m to 35m deep. Expect a vibrant marine ecosystem, as Sail Rock's exposed location attracts a diverse array of marine life, including Huge schools of big-eyed trevallies, chevron barracudas, snappers, Fusiliers and longfin Batfish. Talang queenfish, sailfish, tunas, great barracudas and giant groupers often roaming around. The occasional presence of Whale Sharks adds an extra layer of excitement! Sail Rock features the renowned "chimney," a vertical swim-through allowing entry at 18m and exit at 12m or 6m into sunlight amidst beautiful pink anemones.
Southwest Pinnacle Depth: 6- 30m Level of Diving: Intermediate to advanced	Positioned to the southwest of Koh Tao, this dive site lives up to its name. The main pinnacle, rising to approximately 6 meters, is adorned with lush carpets of colorful anemones, providing a playful haven for Pink Anemone fish. For those with a keen eye, exploring the crevices reveals a hidden world of macro life, featuring Durban dancing Shrimp, Boxing Shrimp, tiny Crabs, Scorpionfish, and Nudibranchs. A paradise for macro enthusiasts and underwater photographers! The site showcases Sea Whips, Gorgonian Sea Fans, and Black Coral, bustling with vibrant marine life, including schools of Snappers, Trevally, Rabbitfish, Fusilier, and abundant Yellowtail and Chevron Barracuda. Various Grouper species, along with the Titan Triggerfish and occasional Whale sharks are spotted here too!
Samran Pinnacle Depth: 9- 28 m Level of Diving: Advanced	Samran Pinnacles, located between Sail Rock and Koh Tao, features underwater granite rock formations with a maximum depth of 28 meters. Suited for advanced divers due to open-ocean conditions and occasional strong currents, the site offers a stunning display of marine life. Witness swirling schools of Yellowback Fusiliers, large groups of Jacks, Trevally, One Spotted Snapper, and Chevron Barracuda. Despite occasional fishing net entanglements, the dive site boasts diverse hard and soft corals, Sea Fans, Whip corals, Barrel Sponges, and Lambert’s Worm Sea Cucumbers. Explore cracks and crevices to find crustaceans, Tiger Cowries, Sea Anemones with Anemone fish, Yellow Box fish, and Brown Marbled Grouper.
Mango Bay Depth: 1m – 16 meters Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	Mango Bay is one of Koh Tao's most picturesque beaches. The large bay offers various diving activities suitable for all levels. Beginners can enjoy shallow water skills in a more exciting sea setting, while experienced divers can be dropped off on the West side and swim along the coastline into the bay. You'll encounter stingrays, eels, vibrant tropical reef fish, discover unique critters in the sandy depths like sole, juvenile batfish, numerous gobies, Juvenile Harlequin Sweetlips, large schools of Yellow Tail Barracuda, several species of Groupers, Giant Clams and eagle rays if you are lucky.
Green Rock Depth 12m-20m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	On its best days, Green Rock stands out as one of Koh Tao's top dive sites! The top of Green Rock is a mere 2 meters deep, and it's a common sight to witness large schools of Yellowtail Barracuda. Once you descend, you will see lots of large rock formations and boulders covered in a variety of marine life. But the real thrill begins when you explore the intricate network of cave-like swim-throughs that make this dive site truly captivating! This is where the adventure gets truly exciting.
Red Rock Depth 3 m – 22m Level of Diving: Intermediate to advanced	Red Rock is a small pinnacle that comes up to just below the surface of the water. The rock features a large crack where Yellow Boxfish, Pufferfish, Durban Dancing Shrimps and Moray eels are playing hide and seek ! You will see Bannerfish, Angel fish, Beaked Coral fish, Red Breasted Wrasse and Parrot fish and Green or Hawksbill Turtles munching on Corals in this area! as well. After circling Red Rock, head west with for a short swim to the shoreline. There, you'll discover the entrance to Nang Yuan Cave. Technically a cavern due to its length, this is one of the best swim-throughs on Koh Tao!
Japanese Garden Depth 0m – 16m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	On the stunning island of Koh Nang Yuan, you'll find the breathtakingly beautiful bay known as Japanese Gardens. This is not only a perfect diving location on Koh Tao, especially welcoming for beginners, but it's also a popular spot for snorkeling! With a rich diversity of corals, Japanese Gardens is teeming with a varied array of fish species. Keep a keen eye out for Butterfly and Bannerfish, Red-breasted Wrasse, Parrotfish, Rabbit Fish, Sergeant Majors, Damsel fish, Squirrel fish, Fusiliers, as well as moray eels.
Twin Peaks & Buoyancy World Depth 10m-18m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	Twins stands out as one of Koh Tao's most popular dive sites, catering to both recreational divers and those seeking an ideal PADI training location. The three pinnacles at Twins offer a diverse array of marine life and vibrant corals. Christmas tree worms adorn the pinnacle, adding a splash of color to the underwater scenery. Longface Emperor fish, Pipefish, and Yellow Boxfish can be found nestled into the rocky crevices. As you explore beneath ledges, Blue Spotted stingrays come into view, while curious Snappers make their appearance. Wrasse, Groupers, Parrotfish, Bannerfish, and Trevally swim in small groups, accompanied by Pufferfish and porcupine fishes—Also a great spot for macro lovers. You might catch a glimpse of a Hawksbill or Green turtle gliding by. And just north, there's Buoyancy World, artificial structures that attract all sorts of fish and coral growth, along with buoyancy structures that help new divers hone their skills.
White Rock Depth 10m-20m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	White Rock, a top-notch dive site, features two prominent rock formations on a North to South axis, surrounded by a stunning coral garden and a sandy patch at 9 meters. It's a vibrant hub for marine life, showcasing Koh Tao's common underwater residents. Perfect for night dives, the site is a dynamic spectacle with an array of marine characters. From sea turtles enjoying to Titan Triggerfish guarding their territory, the underwater show is lively. Blue-spotted stingrays, White Eyed Moray Eels, schools of Yellow Tail Barracuda, Pufferfish, Angelfish, Bannerfish, Beaked Coralfish, Butterflyfish, Great Barracuda, Trevally, and elusive Banded Sea Kraits complete the captivating scene amid vibrant hard corals.
Hin Pee Wee Depth: 7m – 28 m Level of Diving: Intermediate to advanced	Even though Hin Pee Wee may be on the smaller side, there's a lot to explore—take it slow, and you'll discover all kinds of sea creatures cozied up in the rock fractures! Hin Pee Wee also serves as a middle ground for more experienced and adventurous divers navigating to or from the HTMS Sattakut Wreck or White Rock. While it's possible to explore all three dive sites in one go, having Enriched Nitrox and good air consumption skills is recommended for an optimal underwater experience.
HTMS Sattakut Wreck Depth: 18m – 30 m Level of Diving: Advanced	The HTMS Sattakut, with a rich World War II history, was a Navy troop carrier during the battle of Iwo Jima. Gifted to the Royal Thai Navy in 1947, it found a new home in Koh Tao in 2011, serving as an artificial reef after intentional sinking. Located 30 meters deep off Hin Pee Wee, the 49m-long wreck boasts two anti-aircraft Bofar 40mm canons, stairs, a front cabin, and a corridor with rooms. Peer through portholes for marine life like Giant grouper, Snappers, Sweetlips, Butterfly fish, Jenkins Whip ray, spotted trout, Sea snake, and yellowtail barracudas. Technical divers or those with the PADI Wreck Specialty can explore its interior through various entry points, starting beneath the gun platform at the bow and navigating through stairs, a front cabin, and a lengthy corridor leading to the stern.
No Name Pinnacle Depth: 14-30 m Level of Diving: Advanced	Situated due west from Twins Pinnacles, No Name Pinnacle on Koh Tao is a captivating deep dive site known for its abundant marine life. Comprised of large granite rocks, the main pinnacle features a sizable crack that adds an element of fun for divers, creating a great swim-through experience. No Name Pinnacle boasts a diverse array of marine life, and its geographical location and depth near Koh Nang Yuan make it a potential spot for large pelagic species. Keep an eye on the deep water where you may encounter Queenfish, Narrow Barred Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, schools of Rainbow runners, and, if fortunate, Black Marlin. This dive site is also known for seasonal Whaleshark visits.
HTMS Suphairin Wreck Depth: 16m – 28 m Level of Diving: Advanced	Strategically placed beneath the ocean's surface in September 2023, the Suphairin wreck, located just 15 meters north of No Name Pinnacle, is a 44.9-meter-long, 7-meter-wide high-speed attack ship. It belonged to the Gulf Patrol Fleet of the Royal Thai Navy and was constructed by the Singapore Ship Building and Engineering Company Limited. The keel lies at depths ranging from 24 to 28 meters, with the mast's highest point reaching 16 meters below the waves.
Junkyard Depth: 6-12 m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	True to its name, is an artificial reef crafted from unconventional materials – not your typical everyday waste, but rather substantial, bulky items. These items, which would pose challenges in terms of disposal due to their size, cost, or environmental impact, find a second life at Junkyard. The site features a diverse array, including a pickup truck, a replica of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a compact gym, a windmill, a pyramid, several cage structures fostering transplanted corals, long metal archway tunnels ideal for swim-through buoyancy practice!
Pottery Pinnacle & Three Rocks Depth: 3-10 m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	Pottery Pinnacle & Three Rocks in the southern part of Mae Haad Bay on Koh Tao offer diverse marine life in a shallow bay. Pottery Pinnacle, a small rock formation 200 meters from Jansom Bay, is popular for night dives, hosting Stingrays, Starry-Eyed Pufferfish, and various marine species. A short swim away, Three Rocks, with a max depth of 8-9 meters, features hard corals, a table coral, and marine delights. Both sites are ideal for small groups and night adventures!
Buddha Point Depth: 6m-12m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	To the south of the island, offshore from the sleepy town of Chalok Baan Kao, Buddha point is a hidden gem. It is generally a quiet dive site, with calm conditions. This dive site is a shallow reef teeming with a rich variety of soft and hard corals, along with an abundance of small marine life. It's also a frequent sighting spot for Hawksbill and Green turtles.
Shark Island Depth: Max 0 - 24m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	Nestled just southeast of Koh Tao, Shark Island stands out as one of the most diverse dive sites on the island. With a gentle slope from the surface down to 24 meters, this site offers a continuous array of underwater wonders, showcasing some of the Gulf of Thailand's most stunning soft corals. Divers can encounter white-eyed moral eels, blue-spotted blue spotted stingrays, porcupine fish, pufferfish, and a vibrant array of reef fish in the beautiful and shallow coral garden. The deeper side may reveal whale sharks and other pelagic wonders for fortunate divers. Titan triggerfish bring an exciting element to each dive, and encounters with sea turtles and cuttlefish are not uncommon.
MV Trident Wreck Depth: 37m Level of Diving: Deep Divers to tech Divers	In September 2011, the Trident was intentionally sunk to create a new artificial reef near Shark Island, south of Koh Tao. Positioned at approximately 36 meters, this challenging shipwreck is best suited for Tech Divers, especially considering the strong currents in the area. The intentional sinking was aimed at transforming the Trident into a safe and environmentally friendly artificial reef.
Aow Leuk and Hin Ngam Depth: Max 0 - 15m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	Aow Leuk, on Koh Tao's southeast side, is a picturesque bay popular for snorkeling and diving. The site features diverse marine life, boulders, and sandy bottoms. Split into two dives, the north side leads to Aow Leuk point, while the south side is known as Hin Ngan, it offers stunning hard and soft corals, including Christmas tree worms and vibrant soft corals like Toadstool and mushroom. Marine residents include Juvenile Yellow Boxfish, rays, Bearded Scorpionfish, Bar-Tailed Goatfish, Peacock Sole, and more. For snorkelers and divers, there's a chance to spot Juvenile Black Tip Reef sharks. Towards the southeast lies Suan Olan (Olan’s Garden), an artificial dive site with structures like a Reef Pyramid, Mini Cooper, concrete tubes, a reef house, and cement blocks. This site, starting at 10m and reaching 18m, offers ample bottom time to explore marine life!
King Kong Depth: 6-15 m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	King Kong, located north of Aow Leuk Bay, boasts a unique topography with rocky boulders and overhangs. The site's distinctive features make it an excellent spot to encounter stingrays, pufferfish, and moray eels. Along the reef wall, diverse hard and soft corals create ideal habitats for groupers, parrotfish, and rabbitfish. Due to its infrequent exploration, King Kong is a prime location for spotting uncommon fish species, including unicornfish and singular bannerfish.
Tanote Bay Depth: 5m-18m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	Tanote Bay stretches along the entire coastline, offering depths from 8m to 18m and blending artificial reef structures with natural coral reefs. This underwater sanctuary is bustling with marine life, featuring brain corals, staghorn corals, barrel sponges, and anemones that provide a secure habitat for a diverse community of reef fish. Sea Turtles are often spotted, along with Anemone fish, Longfin Bannerfish, Blue Ringed Angelfish, Parrotfish, Yellow Tail Barracuda, Trevally, the infamous titan triggerfish, and the elusive Sea Krait. An artificial reef project with a coral nursery near the main reef supports marine conservation, and on the southern flank, an old motorbike guarded by an assertive Damselfish adds a unique touch. Venturing southeast reveals a sunken catamaran. For macro enthusiasts, the site offers sightings of pipefishes, cleaner shrimps, nudibranchs, spider crabs, and the chance encounter of a Jenkins Whipray resting on the sandy seabed beneath the catamaran.
Laem Thian Depth: 3m – 35 meters Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	Laem Thian is a dive site with a dual personality, catering to divers of all levels. The southern part, near the beach, is ideal for training new divers with shallow depths perfect for Discover Scuba Diving. Experienced divers can explore depths of 18-20 meters, encountering massive boulders forming intriguing cave-like swim-throughs. The underwater playground features caves starting at 20 meters, including the thrilling 'Boom Boom Room' swim-through with energetic water surges. Deep dive training is possible down to +35 meters on the sandy bottom. Amidst shallow waters and granite boulders, diverse hard corals shelter reef fish and unique marine life like the Orange-Spine Unicornfish and Bumphead Parrotfish. Encounter Groupers, Jacks, blue Spotted Stingrays, moray eels, Harlequin Sweetlips, Batfish, Cobia, Banded Sea Krait, Scribbled fish, the infamous Titan Triggerfish, and occasionally a Black Tip Reef Shark. Keep an eye out for the Green Turtles and enjoy Laem Thian's macro paradise with high-density critters!
Mao Bay "Aow Mao" Depth 2- 13 m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	Aow Mao, an uninhabited bay at the South-East of Koh Tao, is distinctively separated from Laem Tian Bay by a rocky strip of land to the South. This spot often surprises divers with sightings of Jenkin's Whiptail Ray, Pipefish, Seahorses, and occasional rarities like the Humphead Parrotfish. It's also an excellent spot for snorkelers.
HTMS Hanhak Sattru wreck Depth: 13m – 24 meters Level of Diving: Intermediate to advanced	Strategically placed beneath the ocean's surface in September 2023, HTMS Hanhak Sattru wreck is located in Aow Mao, on the east coast of Koh Tao, this wreck lies around 22-24 meters/72-79 feet with the top of the wreck currently at 13 meters/43 feet. It belonged to the Gulf Patrol Fleet of the Royal Thai Navy and was constructed by the Singapore Ship Building and Engineering Company Limited.
Hin Wong Bay Depth: 2m – 14 m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	Hin Wong Bay is a sprawling horseshoe-shaped haven with natural protection. This spot offers an abundance of discoveries for both snorkelers and scuba divers. You will encounter Rabbitfish, Angelfish, various species of Parrotfish, and Sergeant Majors. Be on the lookout for other captivating inhabitants, including Green and Hawksbill turtles, Sea Kraits, Yellow Boxfish, white eyed moray eels but the real star of the show at this dive site is the impressive school of Fusiliers, orchestrating a fishtastic show! And who knows, you might just run into some Black Tip Reef Sharks!
Hin Wong Pinnacle Depth: 10m – 36 m Level of Diving: Intermediate to advanced	Hin Wong Pinnacles is an incredible dive site, offering not only depths and stunning corals but also a vibrant marine ecosystem, teeming with small invertebrates to larger predators! While the currents and visibility can be unpredictable, adding an element of challenge, it remains an exceptional choice for those seeking a deep diving adventure. The vibrant colors of Hin Wong, including purple soft tree corals, Sea Whip, Sea Fans, and Toadstool Corals, create a captivating underwater landscape.
Lighthouse Bay Depth: 3m – 14 m Level of Diving: Beginner to Experienced Divers	The bay features a shallow dive area with vibrant coral displays, attracting both novice and experienced divers. Northern rocks boast extensive boulder formations for seasoned divers. The rock wall at Lighthouse, 5 to 14 meters deep, showcases diverse hard and soft corals, creating a lively ecosystem with marine life like Damsel fish, Sergeant Majors, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, and more. Shallower waters host smaller coral fish, occasional turtles, and the possibility of Black Tip Reef Sharks. Rock crevices harbor crabs, moray eels, and shrimps, while schools of mackerel, fusiliers, king mackerels, and yellowtail barracudas add excitement.
Unicorn Wreck Depth 37-50 m Level of Diving: Tech Divers	The Unicorn Wreck, a Japanese refrigerated cargo vessel, lies nearly upright just 30 minutes north of Koh Tao. With the top of the bow at 37 meters and a maximum depth of 50 meters, it's an ideal site for technical diver training, or a tech day trip. Arriving in Koh Tao in 1989, the Unicorn mysteriously sank after anchoring for a few days. Formerly known as the Unicorn, recent findings indicate its name as Hishi-Daiya Maru, marked on medical items. Regardless of its name, a visit to this wreck during your tech training is a must.