Best Dive Sites in Koh Tao: A Complete Guide for Divers

Koh Tao, Thailand, is a diver’s paradise, offering some of the best underwater experiences in Southeast Asia. Whether you're a beginner, an advanced diver, or a wreck diving enthusiast, Koh Tao has a dive site for you. Here’s a guide to the best dive sites around the island.

✅ Chumphon Pinnacle – The Deepwater Adventure

Best for: Experienced divers Depth: 14m – 35m Highlights: whale shark, barracudas, giant groupers

Chumphon Pinnacle is one of Koh Tao’s most famous dive sites, known for its deep pinnacles teeming with marine life. Expect to see schools of barracudas, giant groupers, and, if you're lucky, whale shark patrolling the waters.

✅ Shark Bay – Snorkeling & Scuba with Blacktip Reef Sharks

Best for: Beginner divers & snorkelers Depth: 5m – 18m Highlights: Blacktip reef sharks, turtles, vibrant corals

Shark Bay is perfect for those who want to spot blacktip reef sharks in their natural habitat. With shallow depths and calm waters, it's ideal for beginner divers and snorkelers alike.

✅ Sail Rock – The Best Wall Dive Near Koh Tao

Best for: Advanced divers Depth: 5m – 40m Highlights: Whale sharks, vertical chimney swim-through

Located between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, Sail Rock is widely regarded as one of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. The site features a vertical swim-through known as "The Chimney" and is a hotspot for whale shark sightings.

✅ Hin Wong Pinnacle – A Macro Photographer’s Dream

Best for: Intermediate & advanced divers Depth: 10m – 30m Highlights: Nudibranchs, seahorses, soft corals

This dive site is covered in stunning purple and pink corals and is home to some of Koh Tao’s most fascinating macro life, including nudibranchs, pipefish, and seahorses.

✅ HTMS Sattakut – Wreck Diving in Koh Tao

Best for: Advanced divers & wreck diving enthusiasts Depth: 18m – 30m Highlights: Sunken naval ship, barracudas, moray eels

For those interested in wreck diving, HTMS Sattakut is a must-visit. This former Thai Navy vessel was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef, now home to moray eels, scorpionfish, and batfish.

✅ Japanese Gardens – A Coral Wonderland

Best for: Beginner divers & snorkelers Depth: 2m – 15m Highlights: Colorful coral reefs, butterflyfish, parrotfish

This shallow dive site is perfect for first-time divers, offering breathtaking coral formations and an abundance of tropical fish. It’s also a great spot for underwater photography.

No matter your level of experience, Koh Tao has something to offer every diver. Whether you're drawn to deep pinnacles, coral gardens, or historic wrecks, these dive sites provide unforgettable underwater experiences.

Ready to explore Koh Tao’s underwater world? Book your dive today and discover why this island is a top diving destination in Thailand!