Scuba Diving in Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is the largest island in the Samui archipelago and apart from having some of the best scuba diving in Thailand and offers diving from world famous spots.
Sail Rock
Described by some as world class, Sail Rock is the best known of the Koh Samui dive sites. The rock is actually a large granite pinnacle that starts from a sandy base at a depth of around 30m and pops out of the surface for another 10m or so. It's best known its "the chimney", a sizeable swim-through that starts at around 20m down, exiting first at around 10m, then again, closer to the surface, at around 5m. On a clear day, with light filtering down, it is a stunning dive.
A fine range of fish swim here, including shoals of barracuda, batfish, trevally, mackerel and occasional whale sharks. Considered an all-round good site, Sail Rock is suitable for all levels of divers from beginner through to advanced. Nearby lies the Samran Pinnacles with ample soft and hard coral and a good range of fish, in particular keep an eye out for the large groupers. Both Sail Rock and Samran Pinnacles are roughly half way between Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao.
hark Island
So named due to its resident population of leopard and reef sharks, the Ko Tao dive site of Shark Island is a two-stone outcrop running from a depth of about 25m to the surface, just off the southeast coast of Koh Tao. Although for some the sharks are the main drawcard, the real attraction here is the abundant soft and hard corals, in particular the plentiful anemones. Other attractions include snapper, sting rays and angel fish -- whale sharks are also quite frequently seen here. Turtles have been reported, but sightings are increasingly rare. Shark Island is suitable for all levels of divers from beginner through to advanced.
Chumphon Pinnacle
Considered by many to be the best dive site in the region, Chumphon Pinnacle is a must-see if you're thinking of diving on Koh Samui, Ko Pha Ngan or Koh Tao. Unsurprisingly a granite pinnacle, Chumphon Pinnacle commences at a depth of around 35m before petering out at around 14m. The base of the main pinnacle is layered in a tremendous blanket of anemones and is surrounded by at least half a dozen smaller outcrops. Expect to see large groupers, whale sharks, barracuda and shoals of bat fish, among plenty of others. Chumphon Pinnacle isn't a beginner's dive, but if your ability is up to it, don't miss it. It's located around 10km to the northwest of Koh Tao.
Koh Ma
This small island sits just off the north coast of Koh Pha Ngan and is Koh Pha Ngan's best dive site. Although at low tide, Koh Ma is actually connected to Ko Pha Ngan by a short strip of sand, both the diving and snorkelling around here remain very good. Divers can expect to see sting rays, barracuda, grouper, anemones and clownfish and occasionally small sharks in the mostly calm waters. An advantage here is that it's easy to stagger ashore for a few cold drinks as the beach has a range of guesthouses stretching along it. Koh Ma is a good allround site, particularly suited to beginners.
Koh Nang Yuan
The much-photographed and well known Koh Tao dive site of Koh Nang Yuan is comprised of three small islets connected by slivers of white sand. The island itself is popular with day-tripping snorkellers, but the immediate surrounds have a number of fine diving locations. The dive site of Nang Yuan Pinnacle, lying between Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao, is small compared to Chumphon and Sail Rock, though is still a worthwhile diving spot. It doesn't break the surface, stopping at around two metres below, but is a fine spot for watching larger fish, in particular groupers. From here you can swim over to Koh Tao and explore the eastern boulder-strewn coastline. White Rock and the Twins lay straight south of Koh Nang Yuan, offshore from the popular Haad Sai Ree on Koh Tao. Of the two, White Rock is the more interesting, with a good selection of fish including feisty trigger fish. The Rock runs from a depth of 20m to within a metre of the surface. The Twins doesn't come nearly that close to the surface, peaking at a depth of about 8m, but it's a decent spot with some good anemone and clown fish-laden sections along with bigger fish in the deeper areas. Both White Rock and the Twins are particularly popular with night divers.
Dive The World Thailand - diving Phuket liveaboards to Similan Islands
Phuket scuba diving in Thailand to Similan Islands, Hin Daeng, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, Khao Lak, Koh Samui and Burma including dive cruise liveaboards, liveaboard safari charters, and PADI courses.
