Koh Tao
CHUMPON PINNACLE
Starting at 14 meters underwater and dropping off to over 35 meters, consisting of one large granite rock pinnacle and a series of smaller ones, Chumphon is considered by many to be Koh Tao’s premier site and not to be missed. The top of the rock is carpeted with sea anemones and attendant Pink Anemone Fish. You’ll also find some awesome Giant Groupers amongst the rock with impressive schools of Bat Fish, Jacks, Trevally and Barracuda. Grey Reef Sharks are frequently sighted here as well as seasonal visits from Whale Sharks.
SOUTHWEST PINNACLE
The site is dominated by one imposing and very beautiful rock, the comparatively small summit of which lays just below the surface at 5 meters, from which point the rock formation then cascades down and out, joining the sea floor at about 30 meters. Smaller pinnacles and crevices spring from the main rock structure creating some stunning underwater vistas. Here you’ll find resident Giant Groupers , Blue Ringed Angelfish, Bannerfish and huge shoals of Yellow Tailed Barracuda. Grey Reef Sharks are also sometimes sighted here as are Whale Sharks in season.
TWINS
As the name suggests this site comprises of a pair of large rocks which lie just off the west side of the picturesque island of Koh Nangyuan. One rock lies nearer to the island at around 8 meters and the other further out at around 16 meters. Between the two rocks you’ll come across a lovely family of resident Clown Fish ( yes you’ve found Nemo!). Look out for White Eyed Moray Eels, Blue Spotted Rays, Bannerfish, Butterflyfish, Red Breasted Wrasse and the resident turtle.
GREEN ROCK
This site offers the diver an array of swim throughs and tunnels found amidst a myriad of boulder and rock formations stemming from the central pinnacle, which starts at only 1 meter and reaches down to 28 meters. Great opportunities to spot White Eyed Morays, Blue Spotted Rays resting under the overhangs, Angelfish, Butterflyfish and Hawksbill Turtles are often found. Near to the site is a large nesting ground for the famous Titan Triggerfish, so keep a good look out and be prepared for a close encounter with these feisty fish!
WHITE ROCK
One of Koh Tao's most popular dive sites with a depth range of 1 to 22 meters and situated a little way south of Koh Nangyuan. The site comprises of one large granite pinnacle and a smaller rock formation lying in deeper water, a short distance away to the west. Home to Rays and Moray Eels as well as the ever inquisitive Red Breasted Wrasse. Hexagon Grouper relax on the rock ledges while Longtom patrol the summit.
SHARK ISLAND
This small island lies just offshore to the southeast of Koh Tao. The northern edge is shallower (around 12 meters ) and is home to a vast array of coral fish amidst the beautiful and extensive coral gardens. The deeper side to the south ranges upwards from 27m where you might be lucky enough to find Leopard or Black Tip Reef Sharks and Chevron Barracuda. You’ll see plenty of Parrotfish feeding on the coral as are the resident Titan Triggerfish - so keep them peeled.
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Sail Rock
Lying 45km north of Samui, midwater between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, Sail Rock is acknowledged as the best dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. Quite simply Sail Rock has got the lot. A single granite rock pinnacle rising from the sea floor at 30m to stand an impressive 15m above the surface, it offers the diver stunning underwater topography in which to explore sheer vertical walls, beautiful coral gardens, a unique vertical swim-through and an extraordinarily abundant variety of marine life in all shapes and sizes.
A complete circuit of the whole rock at a relaxed pace will take around 30-40 mins depending on prevailing dive site conditions. Looking out to sea away from the rock you will see the larger fish and pelagics including Chevron Barracuda, Jacks, Big Eyed Trevally and schools of Batfish with spectacular seasonal visits from Whale Sharks.
One side of the site comprises of a sheer wall in which you will find a huge range of marine creatures including tiny Cleaner Shrimps, impressive White-Eyed Moray Eels and beautiful Cowrie shells. Patrolling the wall are Blue-ringed Angelfish and Bannerfish. The famous vertical swim-through known as the ‘chimney’ lies towards one end of this wall with an entrance at 18m and exits at 12m and 5m. The other side of the site comprises of a series of ledges and terraces at varying depths forming a series of coral gardens that cascade down the side of the rock.
Here you will find many varieties of Grouper, including the Giant Grouper up to 1.5m long, Parrotfish, Wrasse, Sweetlips, Yellowtailed Barracuda as well as a couple of feisty Titan Triggerfish which nest on the lower sand ledges and come up to munch on the coral. Anemones abound around the site with their attendant Anemonefish and you will swim through clouds of tiny Damsel and Tang. Sail Rock unquestionably deserves its 5 star status and its reputation as the King of the Gulf.
Do not miss it.
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Ang Thong Marine Park (Koh Wao / Koh Yippon)
KOH WAO
The site lies in a sheltered bay on the west side of this small uninhabited island on the extreme northern most perimeter of the Marine Park. Depths range from 1 to 20 meters and it is an ideal site for any level of diver and snorkeler. Pretty coral gardens fringe the coast and of particular note are the beautiful Table Coral formations. Turtles are frequently sighted as are Blue Spotted Rays and Banded Sea Snakes. Angel Fish, Weavers Butterflyfish and Beaked Coral Fish abound alongside schools of Squirrelfish, Sergeant-Majors and Fusiliers.
KOH YIPPON
Only a short distance by boat from Koh Wao is the even smaller Koh Yippon. Maximum depth around the island is around 20 meters rising to about 6 meters towards the rocky shore. Along with some stunning topography you’ll find beautiful Barrel Sponge formations and a huge array of soft corals forming a series of pretty coral gardens amidst the rock and boulder formations. There are a couple of impressive rock overhangs at around 6 meters and a shallow swimthrough. Turtles are sometimes sighted here as are Banded Sea Snakes. It is home to Blue Ringed and Six-Banded Angelfish, Porcupine Fish schools of Squirrelfish, Sergeant-Majors and Fusiliers.
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