Lighthouse Bay
| Rating | Easy |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5-18m |
Marine life at Lighthouse Bay...
Situated on the northeast coastline of Koh Tao, Lighthouse Bay offers a gently sloping reef that begins in shallow water at around 4–6 meters and descends to approximately 18–22 meters along the outer reef edge. The gradual depth change allows for easy multi-level dive profiles, making it suitable for relaxed exploration while still offering enough depth variation to keep things interesting.
Currents & Conditions
Being on the northeast side of the island, Lighthouse Bay is typically dived during the southwest monsoon months when the island provides natural shelter. Conditions are usually calm with light to moderate currents depending on the day. Visibility commonly ranges from 10–25 meters, and water temperatures remain a comfortable 27–30°C year-round. The combination of protection and exposure makes it a dependable east coast option.
Underwater Landscape & Marine Life
Lighthouse Bay blends sandy seabed, granite rock formations, and healthy coral patches into a balanced and scenic dive. Coral bommies rise from the sand, attracting schools of fusiliers and snapper that swirl mid-water. Butterflyfish, angelfish, and wrasse move constantly across the reef, while groupers hover near rocky outcrops. Moray eels peer from crevices, and blue-spotted stingrays are often found resting on sandy patches between coral heads. The site has a relaxed, open feel underwater, with plenty of space to cruise comfortably while still offering detail for those who like to slow down and search for reef life.
Skill Level & Certification
Suitable for Open Water divers in calm conditions, with shallow sections ideal for training and refreshers. Advanced Open Water divers can explore the deeper outer reef and enjoy extended bottom time along the slope. Good buoyancy control is encouraged to protect coral growth and comfortably navigate the varying terrain.
Access & Logistics
Diving Lighthouse Bay is more of an afternoon site while we might dive Lighthouse Pinnacle in the mornings as its a little more exciting for our certified divers than the bay is. and typically begin with a short taxi transfer to the east side, where we board our shuttle boat to reach the main dive vessel. The boat journey is efficient and keeps travel time around 15–20 minutes. The site is usually paired with another nearby east coast location such as Hin Wong Pinnacle or Aow Tanote, with return to shore around 12:30pm — calm conditions, scenic reef, and an easy-going start to the day.
