With over 30 dive sites surrounding the island of Koh Tao, it can be really hard to decide which ones to dive while you’re here. So why not trust an expert that’s been diving these waters for years? We asked Divemaster Verena what her top Koh Tao dive sites are so that you know exactly where you should spend your time underwater.
Her top picks go to Green Rock and Southwest Pinnacle, and we couldn’t agree more! These are two underrated sites that are not visited as frequently as some of the other stunning Koh Tao sites. Both sites are suitable for newer divers certified to dive to 18 metres, and advanced divers with depths hitting 30 metres around both sites. The swim-throughs at Green Rock provide sidemount divers with a fun and challenging experience, while Southwest is a great spot to pretend to be an underwater explorer and try to find Secret Pinnacle.
Let’s see why DM Verena loves Green Rock and Southwest so much.
Green Rock
Green Rock, a hidden gem and often underrated, is one of my favourite dive sites on Koh Tao. It lies just north of Koh Nang Yuan island and consists of several interesting rock formations, creating small caves and intricate swim-throughs which are sure to excite many divers. The shallowest parts of Green Rock are only about 5 meters deep, but you can dive all the way down to 30 metres, with the visibility usually ranging between 10 and 20 metres.
Infamous for its occasional strong currents (for Koh Tao standards at least), Green Rock can make for a challenging dive. However, in the right season and at the right time of the day, it is one of the most exciting and diverse dive sites Koh Tao has to offer. You can explore the amazing swim-throughs, deep pinnacles, lots of macro life and there is an easier, shallower shore area for newer divers as well. For those seeking a bit of an adventure, you can dare to dive into the “trigger pit” – a sandy area just next to the main pinnacle, where the feisty Titan and Yellow Margin Triggerfish have their nests.
When you glide through the various swim-throughs Green Rock has to offer, you can pause to see Glass Shrimp, Janss’ Pipefish and a rare site here on Koh Tao, Stick Pipefish, which – as the name would suggest – are pipefish posing as a piece of driftwood. On some of the deeper pinnacles of the dive site, you can find Whip Coral in pristine condition, with Xeno Crabs and Commensal Shrimp clinging to them. In the cracks of the rocks, you may discover Yellow Boxfish, Durban Dancing Shrimp or Banded Boxer Shrimp. Lots of nudibranchs are all over the seafloor, including the rare and colourful specimen of the Flabellina family. Hawksbill and Green Turtles are a regular sight and the occasional Banded Sea Snake and Black Tip Reef Shark can be encountered.
Southwest Pinnacle
Everyone who has dived on Koh Tao raves about Chumphon Pinnacle. And don’t get me wrong, I am one of those people. When the sea is calm and visibility good, I would argue, however, that Southwest Pinnacle is similarly breathtaking, even though it’s a tough call.
Southwest Pinnacle is a deep dive site (30 metres maximum depth) and located a 40-minute boat ride to the southwest of Koh Tao, from where it also gets its name. It consists of many small rocks, with one larger pinnacle in the middle which reaches up to 5 metres below the surface. If you want to dive off the beaten path, you can follow your dive leader for a 5-minute swim into the blue to find another hidden rock, which we call ‘the Secret Pinnacle’.
Following a deep descent, you will usually dive around the base of the rocks and then work your way up in a slow circular motion to reach the large pinnacle in the middle. This shallow part of this pinnacle is blanketed in a garden of sea anemones, swaying back and forth in the current. What makes Southwest Pinnacle special is that you will see the underwater landscape from several angles during your dive, looking different each time.
There is a huge amount of marine life here, from large schools of Chevron Barracuda to Giant Groupers hiding away at deeper depths and tiny little boxfish weaving in and out of the crevices. White-Eyed Moray Eels and Bluespotted Ribbontailrays are a common sight here, and even the huge Green Eels have been spotted skulking in the cracks. This dive site is also known for Koh Tao’s gentle giant: the ever-elusive Whaleshark. As Southwest Pinnacle is located further from the island, you have a better chance of spotting one of these beautiful creatures. I remember a day in October where we were the only boat on Southwest Pinnacle and spent two dives with a juvenile Whaleshark all to ourselves!
Have the itch to go check out Green Rock and Southwest to see for yourself why DM Verena loves them so much? Check out our fun diving options and get in touch with us to reserve your spot on our next dive trip!
Why not check out these awesome sites as a freediver for a totally different experience? Our Freediving Instructor, Juan Pablo from Chile, can teach you how to explore the underwater world in a quieter, more natural way. Get to know him in our blog post ‘Meet Juan Pablo – Manager, Big Blue Freediving‘.
