DIVE SITES
Sail Rock
Sail Rock (Hin Bai)
This 30 metre / 100 foot submerged rock pinnacle is often regarded as the best dive site in the Gulf of Thailand and one of the best sites for whale shark sightings. With few other pinnacles nearby, Sail Rock is a magnet for fish. On sunny days the suns’ ray filters down below the surface and the coral encrusted pinnacle is a breathtaking sight. It’s not just a site for big fish though, you’ll find a plethora of colourful smaller fish darting in and out of the reef and the currents bring in hunting trevallies and barracuda. Sail Rock is always alive with action both around the pinnacle and in the blue.
Located between the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao, Koh Phangan is an iconic Thai diving destination renowned for whale shark sightings and access to some of the best dive sites in the region. Underwater you’ll find yourself immersed in colours and life while on the island itself there are numerous stunning white sand beaches fringed with coconut trees, incredible sunsets and friendly locals. Koh Phangan is somewhere you can choose to relax and unwind or party until the sun comes up.
Local Dive Sites
Koh Ma
This gently sloping reef dive site offers a great mix of hard and soft corals and a huge diversity of marine life. Expect to see all of the “Usual Suspects” such as lionfish, angelfish, butterfly fish and clownfish but the real highlight is the unusual. You’ll see schools of razorfish, hermit crabs, cuttlefish, stingrays hiding out under the sand, sea horses and some incredible macro life. When the currents are running look out for barracuda in the blue.
Mae Haad
A nice, fringing reef in a sandy bay. If you are hoping to see diverse reefs and marine life, Mae Haad should not be overlooked. Here you will find everything from unique nudibranch species, seahorse, cuttlefish, and sting rays through to groupers. Mae Haad offers easy diving conditions but no matter what your experience level, there’s always a highlight.
Other Trips
Angthong Marine Park
Made up of 42 limestones islands, Angthong offers a number of caves, swim throughs, overhangs and sloping reefs. Angthong has incredible diversity of coral including abundant soft corals, barrel sponges and anemones as well several types of black corals and sea fans. Marine life here is equally diverse and you’ll find numerous species among the reef. In deeper sections you can spot large snappers, blue-spotted sting rays, schools of fusiliers and yellowtail barracuda.
Aow Leuk Bay
Situated in a sheltered bay at the south of Koh Tao, Aow Leuk bay features a healthy coral reef which fringes the coast-line. On the outer side of the reef is a sandy bottom with scattered rocks, on which you can find numerous species of Goby, and occasionally Barracuda, Mackerels and Trevallies. As with most inshore reefs, there are countless species of marine life to be found here, ranging from the common species of Wrasses, Parrotfish, Butterflyfish and Damselfish. In addition to these common inhabitants of the reef, there's also the possibility of an encounter with less common species such as Turtles and Pipefish and Seahorses. Although it is considered an ideal site for student divers, Aow Leuk also makes for an interesting and relaxing dive for more experienced divers seeking to maximize their dive time.
Snorkelling Note: Due to the sheltered and shallow nature of this site, it is perfect for snorkellingand swimming at most times of year.
Aow Mao Bay
This uninhabited bay at the South-East of Koh Tao is separated from the neighbouring Laem Tien Bay by a narrow, rocky strip of land to the South. Being uninhabited and rarely visited by the local dive operators, Aow Mao has a habit of throwing up a few surprises such as the Jenkin's Whiptail Ray, Pipefish, Seahorses and on one occasion, a Humphead Parrotfish, which is virtually unknown in the area, was seen here. Aow Mao is suitable for divers of all experience levels and is also a good area for snorkellers and swimmers.
Laem Tien Bay
Situated on Koh Tao's west coast, Laem Tien Bay is another site ideally suited for snorkelling and swimming. Laem Tien Bay offers shallow, sheltered areas which are excellent for the non-divers, whilst divers of all experience levels can explore the huge submerged bolder formations. In keeping with the contrasting topography of this site, there is also an excellent diversity of marine life to be found such as Pipefish and Sea-Horses, Unicornfish, Sweet-Lips and even a possible encounter with the resident Turtle.
Depth ranges from 5m - 20m+
Tanote Bay
Situated on Koh Tao's east coast, between Laem Tien to the north and Aow Leuk to the south, Tanote Bay is a picturesque location which is ideally suited to snorkellers and swimmers. Although this is a typical shallow, inshore site, it also doubles as an excellent training site for student divers, as well as an interesting site for more experienced divers who often welcome the opportunity of a longer, more relaxed dive. Viewed from offshore, the bay is divided in two by a large rock formation. Close to shore are large areas of Staghorn Corals which provide a perfect nursery area for the juveniles of countless fish species such as Butterflyfish, Damselfish and Wrasse. A little further out onto the sandy areas you will encounter large numbers of Benthic (bottom dwelling) species such as Gobies, Nudibranchs, Flatworms and Goatfish.
Shark Island
Red Rock, more commonly known as Shark Island, is a large rock formation off Koh Tao's south east coast. Named after its "shark fin" shape, rather than any resident shark population, Shark Island offers an excellent location for both beginners and more experienced divers, as well as non-divers, when conditions are favourable. Trips to Shark Island are most often to the south side, which features some huge rock formations and overhangs. Ranging in depth from the surface to around 20m, you can find a large variety of local marine life such as Titan Triggerfish, Scribbled Filefish and Batfish (often juveniles) in addition to the more common species of Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Wrasses and Damselfish.
Snorkelling Note: Due to its slightly exposed location, weather conditions make it susceptible to variations in visibility, currents and surface calmness. Please ask a member of staff for information regarding snorkelling conditions.
