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Diving in Koh Tao

Explore diving in Koh Tao

This compact 21 km² island forms part of the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Though small, Koh Tao offers world-class scuba diving with coral-encrusted pinnacles, vibrant reefs, and fascinating shipwrecks. Stingrays and groupers patrol the depths, while lucky divers may spot whale sharks or eagle rays. Cruise along schools of chevron barracuda, yellow snapper, and big-eyed trevally, or explore the wreck of a military vessel. Top dive sites like Chumphon Pinnacle feature granite towers covered in anemones and teeming with pelagic life. With calm waters, 20–30 m visibility, and thriving marine biodiversity, scuba diving in Koh Tao promises unforgettable underwater adventures.

When to dive in Koh Tao

Koh Tao’s calm, bright blue waters offer ideal scuba diving conditions year-round. With 300 days of sunshine and water temperatures around 84°F (29°C), it’s easy to see why diving in Koh Tao is a favorite among divers. Explore stunning rock and coral formations, and encounter titan triggerfish, sea snakes, and graceful hawksbill and green turtles. Whale sharks often cruise the deeper pinnacles, most commonly spotted in April and May. From July to September, visibility reaches up to 30 meters. Macro enthusiasts can discover nudibranchs, shrimps, and other fascinating critters hiding in crevices and artificial reefs.

Book your diving in Koh Tao

Common marine life sightings for Koh Tao

More Information

Koh Tao, a small island in the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is a tropical gem that’s easy to reach despite its remote charm. Mae Haad Pier serves as the main gateway, with daily ferries from Chumphon, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan. The Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran gets you from Koh Samui to Koh Tao in under an hour, perfect for maximizing your time scuba diving in Koh Tao. For a more relaxed journey, travelers can take the six-hour sleeper ferry from Chumphon. Just two miles wide and five miles long, the island is best explored by motorbike. Ride south to discover secluded beaches and spot blacktip reef sharks gliding through the shallow waters near shore — a must-see for marine life enthusiasts.

Time Zone

UTC+07:00

Phone

+66

Currency

THB

Voltage

220-240 V

Pressure

Bar (bar)

Plug

A, B, C

Languages

English

1st Stage

INT / Yoke / K

Domestic airports

Chumphon Airport (CJM)

International airports

Samui Airport (USM)

Thanks, from PADI.

This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Master Divers, Assava Dive Resort. Disclaimer

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