KOH TAO DIVE SITES

Depth: 5–40m | Experience Level: Intermediate–Advanced

One of Thailand’s most famous dive sites, Sail Rock rises dramatically from the ocean between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Known for its stunning vertical walls, swim-through “chimney,” and huge schools of fish, this is where divers come for excitement. You’ll often see barracuda, batfish, trevally, groupers, and on lucky days, even a whale shark. With excellent visibility and vibrant marine life, Sail Rock is a must-dive for anyone visiting Koh Tao.

Depth: 5–30m | Experience Level: Intermediate

A cluster of granite pinnacles covered in anemones and soft corals, Southwest attracts a lot of marine life. Expect schools of fusiliers, snapper, and batfish, along with moray eels and scorpionfish hiding among the rocks. Keep an eye out for pelagic visitors — whale sharks appear here throughout the year, especially from April to October.

Depth: 14–40m | Experience Level: Intermediate–Advanced

The ultimate deep dive in Koh Tao. Chumphon Pinnacle features a granite ridge starting at 14m and dropping to 40m, blanketed in pink anemones and full of marine life. You’ll see giant groupers, barracuda, batfish, and during the right season, whale sharks. It’s a fantastic spot for fun divers and those training in deep diving or advanced courses.

Depth: 18–30m | Experience Level: Advanced

A 49-meter-long Thai Navy ship, HTMS Sattakut was intentionally sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Now, it’s full of marine life — from snappers and groupers to nudibranchs and lionfish. Penetration dives are available for those with the right training, making it a highlight for wreck and advanced divers.

Depth: 18–30m | Experience Level: Advanced

These two wrecks were sunk as part of Koh Tao’s artificial reef project and are already home to abundant marine life. They offer exciting exploration dives for certified wreck or deep divers — perfect for photography and buoyancy control practice.

Depth: 5–22m | Experience Level: All levels 

A classic dive site in Koh Tao, White Rock features large coral boulders, sandy areas, and lively reef life. It’s ideal for both training and fun dives, and is popular among locals for night dives as well. You’ll often spot blue-spotted stingrays, angelfish, butterflyfish, porcupinefish, and occasionally turtles.

Depth: 5–18m | Experience Level: Beginner–Intermediate

Located near Koh Nang Yuan, Twins is perfect for new divers and training courses. With calm conditions, shallow sandy areas, and vibrant coral bommies, it’s a gentle introduction to Koh Tao’s underwater world. Look out for the friendly clownfish family that resides here — and if you’re lucky, you might spot a blue-spotted ray.

Depth: 5–20m | Experience Level: Intermediate

Located near Koh Nang Yuan, Twins is perfect for new divers and training courses. With calm conditions, shallow sandy areas, and vibrant coral bommies, it’s a gentle introduction to Koh Tao’s underwater world. Look out for the friendly clownfish family that resides here — and if you’re lucky, you might spot a blue-spotted ray.

Depth: 5–28m | Experience Level: Intermediate–Advanced

Known for its caves, tunnels, and swim-throughs, Green Rock offers an adventurous dive for those comfortable in overhead environments. You’ll find triggerfish, trevally, and scorpionfish, and sometimes even hawkbill turtles.

Depth: 10–16m | Experience Level: All levels

Koh Tao’s most famous artificial reef, Junkyard is a unique dive site made of sunken gym equipment, cars, and sculptures now covered in coral and home to various reef fish. It’s a fantastic training location and a unique way to witness sustainable reef building and marine conservation in action.

Depth: 3–16m | Experience Level: Beginner

Tucked around the island of Koh Nang Yuan, Japanese Gardens is a paradise for beginners and snorkelers. Its shallow coral reef hosts butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and countless colorful corals, making it one of the most photographed dive sites in Thailand.

Depth: 5–28m | Experience Level: Intermediate

Named for its rock shaped like a shark fin, not its inhabitants, Shark Island offers a mix of soft and hard corals, gentle currents, and diverse marine life. You might see turtles, barracuda, nudibranchs, and even reef sharks on a lucky day. The light and coral contrast here make it a favorite for underwater photography.

Koh Tao’s reefs are home to an incredible variety of tropical marine life, making each dive unique. Expect to see:

• Turtles (green and hawksbill)
• Blue-spotted stingrays
• Moray eels
• Angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish
• Groupers and snappers
• Barracuda, trevally, and batfish
• Scorpionfish, lionfish, and nudibranchs
• Occasional whale sharks from March to May and September to October

From colorful small creatures to breathtaking large fish, Koh Tao offers an underwater paradise for divers of all levels.