Southwest Pinnacle

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Marine life at Southwest Pinnacle...

Rising dramatically from the seabed at around 30 meters to a shallowest point of roughly 5 meters, Southwest Pinnacle is a multi-peaked granite formation that delivers big topography and even bigger marine life. Its staggered layout of pinnacles and ridges creates natural pathways that make every dive feel exploratory — with plenty to see whether you stay shallow or venture deeper along the slopes.

Currents & Conditions

Southwest is beautifully exposed, which is exactly why it attracts such an abundance of fish. Visibility commonly ranges from 15–30 meters, and while currents can occasionally build, they often signal prime conditions for schooling fish and predator activity. Water temperatures typically hover between 27–30°C, keeping dives comfortable year-round.

Underwater Landscape & Marine Life

This is classic Gulf diving — bold structure paired with constant movement. The pinnacles are carpeted in hardy corals and anemones, many hosting lively pink anemonefish. One of the site’s standout features is the impressive population of giant groupers that patrol the rock, often unfazed by divers and fantastic to observe up close. Look into the blue and you’ll often find vast rivers of fusiliers swirling above the formation while trevally and barracuda cut through them with precision. Batfish regularly accompany divers along the ridges, and during the right season, whale sharks are known to cruise past — turning an already memorable dive into an unforgettable one. Adding to Southwest’s personality are its famous resident triggerfish. During nesting periods they can be protective of their territory, but with a good briefing and calm approach, encounters are easily managed and become part of the site’s wild charm. In short — Southwest Pinnacle is energetic, unpredictable, and very hard to beat.

Skill Level & Certification

Open Water divers can enjoy the vibrant upper sections of the reef, but Advanced Open Water certification (or higher) is strongly recommended. The site’s depth variations and potential currents mean more experienced divers will get the most from what Southwest has to offer.

Access & Logistics

Located southwest of Koh Tao, this outstanding offshore site is close enough, around 45 minutes, for a relaxed morning trip while still delivering the feeling of a true dive expedition. We meet at 7:20am and typically return by 12:30pm. Each trip includes one dive at Southwest Pinnacle, followed by a second dive at another local site chosen based on the day’s conditions — ensuring variety and the best possible underwater experience.

When We Dive Southwest Pinnacle

Trips run one day after each Chumphon Pinnacle departure, and one day before our scheduled Sail Rock trips, making it easy to stack several of Koh Tao’s premier dive sites into a single unforgettable dive itinerary. Conditions are favorable for much of the year, though—as with any offshore pinnacle—schedules remain weather dependent.

2026 Southwest Pinnacle Schedule

March: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29
April: 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28
May: 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31
June: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30
July: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30
August: 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29
September: 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28
October: 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31
November: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30
December: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30