Quick answer: Koh Tao’s best dive sites

Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, Shark Island, Sail Rock, and the HTMS Sattakut wreck are among the island’s most rewarding dives. However the best choice would depend on your certification, experience, conditions and what you would like to see.

1. Chumphon Pinnacle

Best for experienced divers, big-fish encounters and underwater photography. At approximately 14–35 metres, this offshore granite pinnacle attracts barracuda, trevally, fusiliers, snapper, giant groupers and batfish. Whale sharks are occasionally spotted. Stronger currents and deeper sections mean appropriate experience is recommended.

2. Sail Rock

Best for experienced divers, schooling fish and dramatic underwater scenery. Sail Rock rises above the surface between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, with colourful marine life, huge fish schools and its famous vertical Chimney swim-through. It reaches approximately 5–40 metres and is well worth considering for certified divers.

3. Southwest Pinnacle

Best for schooling fish, pinnacles and underwater photography. This series of granite pinnacles southwest of Koh Tao combines walls, sandy areas and coral-covered rocks. Schools of snapper, trevally and barracuda are common, while conditions and currents determine the ideal plan for the day.

More sites to explore

Shark Island offers varied marine life and rocky topography. Twins and Japanese Gardens are excellent beginner-friendly sites near Koh Nang Yuan. White Rock combines reef diving and abundant marine life, while Green Rock is known for swim-throughs and boulder formations. For an advanced wreck experience, the HTMS Sattakut is a former Thai Navy vessel that has become an artificial reef.