It’s a question as old as diving itself—or at least as old as that first pioneering snorkeler who peered into one of the dive sites on Koh Tao and thought, “Blimey, there’s a lot of fish down there.” The answer, however, remains elusive. There are roughly 30-40 dive sites on Koh Tao (depending on who you ask, the tide, and how much Chang beer was involved in the answer). But let’s not get bogged down in exact numbers. Let’s explore the highlights of Koh Tao’s underwater kingdom in the style of an aquatic adventurer armed with a sense of humor and too much sun cream.
The THREE KINGS: The PINNACLES
1. Sail Rock
Ah, Sail Rock. This isn’t just a dive site; it’s an underwater amphitheater where fish perform choreographed dances and whale sharks occasionally crash the party like A-list celebrities. Sitting majestically in the middle of nowhere between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, this pinnacle is famed for its chimney swim-through. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like an underwater chimney sweep (and who hasn’t?), this is the spot for you.
2. Chumphon Pinnacle
If Sail Rock is the showstopper, Chumphon Pinnacle is the brooding heartthrob of Koh Tao’s dive scene. It’s deep, dramatic, and swarming with barracuda and trevally. Keep your eyes peeled for the whaleshark, probably the most frequent location for whale shark sightings.
3. Southwest Pinnacle
Southwest Pinnacle is the cool, laid-back sibling of the Big Three. The granite boulders here are draped in purple anemones, like a coral prom night, and surrounded by bustling schools of fish. As well as whakesharks, if you’re lucky, you might spot a visiting guitar shark, though locals say it only turns up when divers forget their cameras.
The Fantastic Five: Koh Tao’s Middle Children
4. Shark Island
Named for its dorsal-fin shape, not its abundance of actual sharks (sorry, thrill-seekers), this site boasts stunning coral gardens and the occasional triggerfish with an attitude problem. Keep your distance, and you’ll be fine.
5. Sattakut Wreck
The Sattakut is an ex-naval ship turned underwater playground. It’s a surreal mix of history and marine life, where schools of fusiliers glide past rusty guns, proving that fish really don’t care about human conflicts.
6. Green Rock
Green Rock is the mischievous prankster of Koh Tao’s dive sites. It’s full of swim-throughs, tunnels, and triggerfish with something to prove. Navigate with care and a good sense of humor.
7. Red Rock
Red Rock is less about the rock itself and more about the journey. The dive often starts at the pinnacle and ends with a leisurely drift through a large over head chamber then a coral garden, where you might spot turtles, blue-spotted rays, or even a napping grouper.
8. White Rock
White Rock is Koh Tao’s answer to a crowd-pleasing blockbuster. It’s big, beautiful, and teeming with marine life. By night, it turns into a neon wonderland of hunting barracuda and Spanish dancers (the nudibranchs, not actual dancers).
The East Coast Jewels
When the west coast gets a bit crowded, head east for a quieter, more contemplative underwater experience.
- Laem Thien Caves: Perfect for channeling your inner Jacques Cousteau, complete with mysterious caves and dramatic lighting.
- Aow Tanote: Known for its photogenic artificial structures and playful schools of fish.
- Hin Wong: A kaleidoscope of coral and critters, ideal for those who love the macro side of life.
- Lighthouse Bay: A charming spot where turtles frequently make an appearance. Yes, they’re cute, and no, you can’t take one home.
Training Grounds: Where the Magic Begins
For budding divers, Koh Tao has calm, shallow sites that are perfect for mastering the art of not holding your breath (rule number one, folks).
- Mango Bay: A serene bay where the water is so calm you’ll think you’re in a giant saltwater spa.
- Japanese Gardens: It’s like swimming through a zen aquarium. Expect to feel ridiculously peaceful.
- Aow Leuk: The perfect spot to practice your buoyancy while spotting parrotfish chomping on coral like underwater lawnmowers.
The Deep, Dark, and Slightly Bonkers
For tech divers, Koh Tao offers sites shrouded in mystery and murky visibility.
- The Ghost Fleet: A collection of wrecks in water so murky it’s a miracle anyone found them in the first place.
- The Unicorn: Rumored to be so deep and dark that the only thing you’re likely to see down there is a mythical creature with a horn. Bring a torch and a sense of humor.
In conclusion, Koh Tao’s dive sites offer something for everyone, whether you’re a newbie finding your fins or a seasoned diver chasing the next big thrill. There are sites for every mood, skill level, and air consumption rate. So grab your gear, your dive buddy, and your sense of adventure—there’s an ocean waiting to be explored.
Heading out To Sail Rock every 3rd day! Heading to Southwest Pinnacle the day before & Chumphon Pinnacle the day after.
Want to join us?
