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The Gulf of Thailand is very rich in its bio-diversity and Koh Samui is no exception.
There are more than twenty great diving sites around the island, with its various reefs, fantastic vegetation and dozens of marine life species.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience these creatures in their own environment. Many of these sights can be reached by swimming from the shore, others by boat.
The diving spots around Koh Samui, such as Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan, Sailrock or Angthong Marine National Park are some of the best in the Gulf of Siam and South of the China Sea !!!
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KOH TAO
This small island counts not less than 20 breathtaking diving sites. Some of these spots like Chumpon & the South West Pinnacles are among the most amazing. Other sites like "Shark Island",
"White Rock" and "Green Rock" host many colourful corals, fishes and turtles. Whether you are an experienced diver or just a beginner, Koh Tao is an excellent choice and
you’ll soon find a programme suited to your needs.
You will see details from some of these spots below.
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KOH NANG YUAN
Just a few minutes from Koh Tao, this small island is made up with three tiny islands linked together with a white sand rope. There, you'll find 3 bays with reefs plunging as deep as 14 metres under
the sea, which makes it the perfect place for beginners. You will enjoy the corals as well as the beautiful fish (parrot, butterfly, fusilier, clowns, barracudas and groupers).
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ANGTHONG NATIONAL MARINE PARK
Made famous by the movie "The Beach", this group of island proudly displays some of the most beautiful landscapes in Thailand. These islands are well known for their huge variety of soft corals and for their caves, which are open to visitors.
And for those who simply fancy a bit of snorkelling, the place is just heavenly.
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SAIL ROCK
Located between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, this spectacular rock formation allows you to dive as far as 40 metres deep. The walls of the rock underwater are covered in natural sponge, oysters and other molluscs and if you look through the deep blue water. This spot is famous for the numerous whale sharks that come gliding through the surrounding waters and many a visitor goes there with the secret hope to get to swim alongside this fabulous selachian. In the event that they do not show up, the shoals of pelagian fish alone are enough to make your
experience an unforgettable memory. Another of this site’s interesting features is the naturally formed chimney which you can enter 18 metres below water level and exit just below the surface.
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KOH WAO
This shallow bay – only 8 to 14 metres deep is perfect for inexperienced divers as well as total novices.
The site presents a fantastic display of corals, hard and soft, together with fabulous acroporas and very impressive coral plates. You will marvel at the beauty of the sight of the huge range of
coral fishes in their habitat: angel fish, butterfly fish, groupers, to name but a few... This spot is also recommended to snorkel lovers.
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HIN YIPPON
Located in the very North part of the marine park, this spot is well worth the trip. It consists of a sizeable rock formation which you can swim around and explore during your dive. Some enormous
groupers like to lie about the many rubbles at the bottom of the sea. You can also stop to admire the spongy basins and the coral trees which will make impressive photos. The deepest point is 25
metres deep, with an average depth of 18 metres overall, which makes this place accessible to experienced divers and novices alike.
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SHARK ISLAND
South of Koh Tao, this double boulder is formed in a reef that gradually slopes downwards between 4 and 20 metres below the surface. On the East side of the rock, the reef is covered in corals, pink anemones and amphora shaped sponges.
Amidst this vegetation, you’ll encounter some pagres, angel fish and blue spotted skates. At the right season, whale sharks can be spotted there, as well as turtles and black pointed sharks.
This place is accessible to all, whatever the level of training.
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CHUMPORN PINNACLES
North West of Koh Tao, this group of rocks is totally submerged and is without a doubt one of the Gulf of Thailand’s most beautiful sites – not to be missed. This giant stone mass takes
its roots 35 metres below sea level and rises up to 14 metres below the surface. Its top is covered in pink anemones and one might catch a glimpse of some of the enormous groupers flickering in the
numerous cracks in the rock. This is the place where you are most likely to encounter the famous whale sharks that often come floating in these parts. You’ll be amazed by the enchanting vision
of the tuna and barracuda shoals..
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SAMRAN PINNACLES
These three totally immersed boulders are in the vicinity of Sail Rock between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. It’s only possible to dive there between May and September. The bottom is 30 metres deep
and the rock rises up to 13 metres below the surface. This site is easily accessible to all. The surface of the rock is almost completely covered with soft corals and spongy anemones. And if you gaze
through the blue waters, you are likely to get a glimpse of some barracuda’s shoals patrolling around the area.
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SOUTH WEST PINNACLES
North West of Koh Tao, this impressive rock formation takes its roots 28 metres deep and rises up to 10 metres below sea level. A wide variety of soft corals, giant amphora shaped sponges, massive
acrophoras and anemones colonise the rock and many different fishes swim about – groupers, angel fish, and barracudas. One may even get a peak at some leopard sharks patrolling around behind
the various shapes formed in the rock.
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Well, you just have to go see all these fishes by yourself now !!
Find a boat or the right diving school, take your snorkel and fin or try the scuba diving and experiment the deep blue !
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