It may be a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, but Koh Tao is on the bucket list of scuba divers of all skill levels. Koh Tao is also widely considered the best place to learn to scuba dive in Thailand. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, maze-like swim-throughs, dramatic pinnacles and abundant marine life make this small island a true diver’s paradise. Let’s see the top 6 dive sites in Koh Tao for 2026.
- Chumphon Pinnacle
Chumphon Pinnacle is a massive offshore granite formation 12 kilometres from Koh Tao. This place is an underwater spectacle featuring a gargantuan pinnacle that rises from the sandy bottom at 35m–40m and reaches its plateau at about 14m below the surface. Barracuda Rock is a smaller satellite pinnacle to the southwest. It is a reliable site to encounter whale sharks during March–May and September–October.
Chumphon Pinnacle is recommended for Advanced Open Water divers.
- Sail Rock
Sail Rock is the best dive site in the entire Gulf of Thailand. It rises 15 metres out of the water. The Chimney, a natural vertical swim-through, is the most iconic feature of Sail Rock. You enter a large hole in the rock at a depth of roughly 18 meters and swim vertically up inside the rock structure. The exit is at two different levels:
- 12 metres
- 6 metres (a shallower one)
Sail Rock is a whale shark hotspot. It is also famous for “walls” of Big-eye Trevally and Chevron Barracuda. The site features a dramatic depth range, from the surface to a sandy bottom at 40 metres. You can reach Sail Rock from Koh Tao by boat in 90 minutes to 2 hours.
The minimum requirement is Open Water certification. Diving down to 30 meters requires Advanced Open Water (AOW).
- Shark Island
From the surface, the island’s rocky silhouette looks like a giant shark fin slicing through the water. You might spot Blacktip reef sharks here, but incredible colours and topography are the real attractions. The sloping reef ranges from 5 m down to about 25 m. The east side is famous for its “Purple Garden” of soft corals. The west side is a playground of massive granite boulders and hidden crevices. Keep an eye out for:
- Sea Turtle
- Banded Sea Kraits
- Tidal Triggerfish (be wary, as they are notoriously territorial)
This site is suitable for all levels. Deeper, more current-prone sections require Advanced Open Water certification.
- South West Pinnacle
It is a series of seven granite peaks that form an underwater mountain range within 5 metres of the surface. It is famous for its unique layout and vibrant soft corals. Pinnacles rise from a sandy bottom at 30 metres, making it an excellent site for multi-level diving. Prepare to be surrounded by massive clouds of yellowtail barracuda, snappers and fusiliers. Whale sharks are most frequently spotted here. The upper sections of the pinnacles require Open Water certification. If you want to see the base of the rocks, you need Advanced Open Water.
- White Rock
White Rock is a short boat ride from Sairee Beach, and it gets its name from a white-topped granite pinnacle that sits just 2 metres below the surface. The site consists of two large granite boulder formations running on a north–south axis. It features an expansive coral garden and sandy patches sandwiched in between. The depth ranges from a shallow 2 metres at the northern pinnacle to roughly 22 metres at the southern end. It is perfect for all skill levels. Prepare to see some of the largest Titan Triggerfish on the island. Green and Hawksbill turtles are often spotted here munching on soft corals.
- Hin Wong Pinnacle
Hin Wong Pinnacle is a spectacular site located on the more remote east side of Koh Tao. It is often less crowded. So, if you are looking for a peaceful, almost hauntingly beautiful experience among the rocks, head to Hin Wong Pinnacle. The site consists of several large granite boulders and pinnacles.
The tabletop rock at the southern end is at a depth of 8 metres. The rest of the site slopes down to 26 to 30 metres, with the base of the rocks reaching a depth of 40 metres. This site is famous for its incredible density of purple soft tree corals. Keep a sharp eye out for Razorfish and Clown Triggerfish. Massive Brown Marbled Groupers often hide in the shadows of the boulders. You can also spot Whale Sharks passing through the nutrient-rich waters of the area.
Koh Tao is not only famous for scuba diving but also for its affordable courses. People from all over the world join courses such as Advanced, Master Rescue, Divemaster, and Open Water Diving Course in Koh Tao. March–May and July–September are perfect for a trip to Koh Tao.
