Sail Rock (Hin Bai)
The best dive site in the Gulf of Thailand — a pinnacle rising from 40 m depth with a vertical chimney, strong current feeding large schools of fish, and frequent whale shark sightings.
Only accessible by boat (45 minutes from Koh Tao). Go with a dive school rather than independently. Best between April and June for whale sharks.
Chumphon Pinnacle
Four large underwater rock pinnacles around 40 m deep — excellent for seeing whale sharks, grouper, barracuda, and giant trevally.
An advanced dive due to depth and current. Maximum depth around 36 m. Book a dedicated trip rather than combining with shallower dives.
Shark Island
A large granite boulder field starting at 5 m depth — great for snorkelling as well as diving. Known for leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom.
Excellent for Open Water training dives. The shallow sections are good for snorkellers.
Southwest Pinnacle
A stunning pinnacle with colourful soft corals, blue-spotted rays, and regular whale shark encounters. One of Koh Tao's most photogenic sites.
Best with a knowledgeable local divemaster who knows where to find the sharks. Moderate current — suitable for Advanced Open Water divers.
Japanese Garden
A shallow, protected site between Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan — perfect for beginner divers and snorkellers. High coral coverage and good fish diversity.
The best place to do your Open Water checkout dives. Visibility is usually 10–15 m.
Koh Nang Yuan
The three interconnected islets next to Koh Tao offer excellent snorkelling and easy dives with clear visibility and good hard coral formations.
A 10-minute longtail ride from Koh Tao. Entry fee (100 THB) is charged. No plastic bottles permitted on the island.
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Senior Travel Writer · Bangkok · 12+ years in Thailand
James has lived in Bangkok since 2014 and has visited all 77 Thai provinces. He specialises in destination guides, itinerary planning, and transport logistics. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a travel journalist in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks conversational Thai and is a certified PADI divemaster.
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