White Rock
| Rating | Open Water |
|---|---|
| Depth | 5-22m |
Marine life at White Rock...
Located just off the west coast of Koh Tao, White Rock is one of the island’s largest and most diverse dive sites. This sprawling reef system ranges from one large White Rock approximately 6 meters below the surface, down to shallow coral gardens at around 10-12 meters down to approximately 25–30 meters, offering long, comfortable dive profiles with plenty of variety. Its size means no two dives ever feel quite the same — even frequent visitors continue to discover new corners of the reef.
Currents & Conditions
White Rock is typically sheltered, making it reliably diveable in a wide range of weather conditions. Visibility commonly falls between 10–25 meters, and currents are usually mild, creating relaxed diving suitable for all levels. Water temperatures remain a steady 27–30°C throughout the year.
Underwater Landscape & Marine Life
White Rock perfectly balances easy diving with rewarding marine encounters — a big reason it remains a long-time favourite among dive professionals. Large granite boulders are interspersed with sandy channels and vibrant coral patches, creating ideal habitats for reef life. Giant groupers are often seen hovering calmly near the rocks, while blue-spotted stingrays rest on the sand below. The site is well known for frequent turtle sightings, particularly during quieter parts of the day when they can be found grazing or gliding effortlessly across the reef, and great Barracuda hunting especially as daylight fades. White Rock transforms into one of Koh Tao’s best night dives. Sleeping parrotfish cocoon themselves in mucus bubbles, hunting trevally move into the shallows, and elusive creatures such as cuttlefish, squid, and hunting moray eels emerge — turning a familiar reef into a completely new experience. Macro lovers will also appreciate the smaller details, with nudibranchs, shrimps, and juvenile reef fish tucked into coral heads. Simply put, White Rock delivers consistency, variety, and marine life on nearly every dive.
Skill Level & Certification
Ideal for Open Water divers thanks to its manageable depths and typically calm conditions, yet expansive enough for advanced divers to enjoy extended exploration. It is also an excellent site for refreshers, underwater photography, and night diving.
Access & Logistics
Just a short boat ride from Koh Tao, White Rock is perfectly suited for a relaxed morning schedule without compromising on reef quality or marine life.
We meet at 7:20am and typically return by 12:30pm. Each trip includes one dive at White Rock, followed by a second dive at another nearby site selected based on the day’s conditions — ensuring every trip offers something a little different.
When We Dive White Rock
We offer White Rock as a second dive site after our trips to Southwest Pinnacle meeting at 7:20am and returning by 12:30pm. We also find White Rock great for afternoon diving as well meeting at 12:15pm and returning by 5:30pm. Conditions are generally favorable year-round, outside of June to August season when the Southeast windy & wavey monsoon kicks in.
