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Koh Tao is a beautiful island and one of the best places for divers in the Gulf of Thailand. With options of more than 20 diving sites, Koh Tao scuba diving is every diver’s dream. It is a paradise for divers because of the crystal water, colour-popping coral reefs, and the vast number of sea creatures. Koh Tao has calm and bright waters along with 300 days of sun and water temperatures never dropping below 29°C. Explore the underwater world on Koh Tao Island while enjoying different levels of scuba diving.
Factors That Affect Scuba Diving
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When you are seeking a destination for scuba diving in Koh Tao, ensure these important steps which are
- Physical fitness
- Buoyancy control
- Water temperature on Koh Tao island
- Underwater comfort
- Dive equipment
Suggested Read: Top Best Islands In Thailand For An Amazing Experience
Popular Koh Tao Scuba Diving Destinations
Scuba diving in Koh Tao offers some of the best experiences in Thailand. Some of the popular destinations are:
1. Sail Rock
Photo: Alf Birnecker / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sail Rock, known as the “best site in the Gulf of Thailand,” is the open ocean home to some of the greatest marine life biodiversity around Koh Tao. With currents swirling around the rock that drops down to 40 metres and extends down dozens of metres, it is appropriate for all levels of scuba diving. Sail rock is very easy to navigate underwater, where you can just circle around the rock slowly, making your way up.
Minimum Depth Level: 2 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 40 metres
2. Chumphon Pinnacle
Photo: Ashwini Shinde / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand is Chumphon Pinnacle. It is 12 km north west of Koh Tao. The average visibility of Chumphon Pinnacle is 10-40 metres, which offers a variety of interesting activities. Maybe you’ll get lucky and see a whale shark at Chumphon Pinnacle, but if not, there will be plenty of other underwater critters to leave you mesmerised.
Minimum Depth Level: 12 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 35 metres
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3. HTMS Sattakut
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
HTMS Sattakut is the biggest and most successful artificial diving site project on Koh Tao. It is situated thirty metres southeast of Hin Pee Wee. The top of the HTMS Sattakut wreck is 18 metres below the seafloor, where it is submerged in 30 metres of water. If you have a really good day, you can see Whales and Sharks by the wreck. The HTMS Sattakut is certainly a dive that should not be missed when going scuba diving in Koh Tao.
Minimum Depth Level: 18 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 30 metres
4. Southwest Pinnacle
Photo: yeowatzup / Wikimedia Commons
South West Pinnacle is one of the best deeper dive site locations for scuba diving in Koh Tao, offering advanced divers an ample view of marine life and biodiversity. This is 4 nautical miles southwest of Koh Tao and has an average of 2–20 metres of visibility. South West Pinnacles offer abundant marine life with One Spot and yellow Lined Snappers, Rabbitfish and huge numbers of Yellowtail Barracuda. South West Pinnacle is a great option for advanced divers, rated as one of the popular dive sites on Koh Tao.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 30 metres
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5. Laem Thien
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Laem Thien Bay is a rocky outcrop with a small beach in the south. On the rocky outcroppings around the headland, jumping directly into the ocean from a few large boulders is possible. This spot is very popular for rock jumping from three different heights at 3,9,12 metres. You will also see several species of Groupers at Laem Thian, Harlequin Sweetlips, Batfish, Cobia, Titan Triggerfish and Black Tip Reef Sharks as they pass by. Stunning rock formations create swim-throughs and tunnels for scuba diving, which are adventurous and perfect for divers wanting to discover and explore the underwater world.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 24 metres
Best Time For Scuba Diving In Koh Tao
Photo: Franz Winter / Wikimedia Commons
The best time for scuba diving in Koh Tao is between January to March. Divers may enjoy the island’s perfect underwater visibility, pleasant temperatures, and calm seas in the spring. The whole range of dive sites provides opportunities for spotting an array of marine life available from Sail Rock, Chumphon Pinnacle, and HTMS Sattakut.
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Price For Scuba Diving In Koh Tao
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The price of scuba diving in Koh Tao varies, with the minimum estimate being 4,500 Thai Baht and a maximum estimate of 50,500 Thai Baht.
The diving experience in Koh Tao is a must-enjoy activity for tourists. The swarming marine life and crystal-clear underwater terrain on the island make Koh Tao scuba diving one of the most attractive locations. Here, you can witness the smallest critters and biggest fishes, as well as various species of turtles, which will guarantee an extraordinary diving adventure. plan your trip with TripXL to witness the beauty of Koh Tao!
Cover Photo: Visions of Domino / Wikimedia Commons
