Koh Tao’s Best Dive Site, Chumphon Pinnacle, located 10km northwest of Koh Tao, is hailed as the pinnacle among the island’s dive spots, establishing itself as the ultimate choice for diving aficionados. Its appeal is rooted not just in its strategic positioning but also in the myriad marine species and enchanting underwater vistas ready for discovery.
At the heart of Chumphon Pinnacle, the main pinnacle dominates the seascape, rising majestically from depths of 35 meters to a shallower 15 meters below the surface. Surrounding it are smaller pinnacles, forming an underwater oasis teeming with vibrant marine ecosystems. Plateaus and ledges adorned with an array of hard and soft corals, sea whips, gorgonian sea fans, and barrel sponges create a mesmerizing underwater tapestry. Anemone beds, adorned with pink anemone fish, grace the southeastern side of the dive site, adding bursts of color to the underwater vista.
The marine life at Chumphon Pinnacle is as diverse as it is abundant. From elusive moray eels and sting rays nestled within rocky crevices to territorial titan triggerfish patrolling the waters, each dive offers encounters with an array of fascinating creatures. Schools of barracuda, giant trevaly, & sweet lips, and busts of Mackerel and Tuna darting past just on the borders of visibility add to the spectacle, while grey reefs sharks occasionally grace the sandy bottom with their presence. Curious batfish, with their inquisitive gaze, often accompany divers from descent creating memorable underwater moments.
The site’s layout comprises a group of massive rocks or pinnacles arranged in an oval formation, extending from north to south. With exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30 meters during the season, Chumphon Pinnacle provides an ideal environment for observing both pelagic creatures and reef fish. Giant trevally hunt fervently around the pinnacles, while great barracuda, king mackerel, grouper, and queenfish are frequent visitors year-round. Notably, Chumphon Pinnacle boasts an impressive record of whale shark sightings, with over 100 different individuals gracing the site annually, often lingering for days accompanied by a retinue of remoras and other smaller fish.
While Chumphon Pinnacle promises unparalleled underwater encounters, its popularity comes with a caveat. During peak seasons, the site experiences high volumes of divers and dive boats, detracting from the serenity of the experience. However, savvy divers can circumvent the crowds by embarking on early excursions with reputable operators like ourselves at Big Blue Diving and our Tech Divers at Big Blue Tech, ensuring an exclusive and undisturbed exploration of this aquatic wonderland on board uniquely scheduled Dive boat departure times.
As recent sightings hint at the resurgence of reef and bull sharks, Chumphon Pinnacle stands poised to reclaim its status as a haven for these apex predators. With fingers crossed, divers eagerly anticipate the prospect of encountering these magnificent creatures in greater numbers, further enhancing the allure of this exceptional dive site.
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