Koh Samui Diving Information and Dive Sites

The waters around Koh Samui are warm, clear and full of interesting sea life. This makes the area ideal for diving and snorkelling trips, and in recent years the small islands scattered in the sea around Koh Tao have become increasingly popular with underwater adventurers from all over the world. There are several Dive Schools based on Samui and below is a list of the sites they regularly visit on dive expeditions.

Probably the most famous dive site in the region, Sail Rock is a forty metre pinnacle that rising fifteen metres above the surface of the sea. The rock plays host to literally thousands of fish as well as other vibrant marine species such a Sea Anemones, and during certain seasons it may even be possible to spot Whale Sharks and Manta Rays in the vicinity. There is also a spectacular 'chimney' rock formation that is big enough to swim through from eighteen metres up to six where the light entering the tunnel makes for some impressive underwater views. Sail rock is located forty-five kilometres from Koh Samui half way between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Another impressive location situated eleven kilometres northwest of Koh Tao. The one large, and several smaller rocky outcroppings attract Pink Anemone fish, Batfish, and large shoals of larger fish like Barracuda and Jacks. The main pinnacle starts fourteen metres below the surface and drops to a depth of 36 metres. It may also be possible to see large Grouper at Chumhpon pinnacles as well as the other pelagic species like the Sharks and Rays that also seasonally visit sail rock.

As the name suggests, this series of steep, rocky towers that start at thirty metres and rise to five are situated in the open sea to the South West of Koh Too. Sea life here includes spectacular Leopard Sharks resting in the sandy seabed, plus more shoals of Barracuda and the occasional Blue Spotted ray, as well as a host of smaller but equally fascinating marine species.

So named due to populations of Reef and Leopard Sharks that frequent the deeper waters around a small island. This is another very popular site situated very close to Koh Too with a gentle slope down to twenty-eight metres making it excellent for novice divers and divers in training. The colourful coral gardens and large numbers of reef fish such as Angel and Banner fish make this an enjoyable multi-level dive. Keep an eye out for resident Hawksbill Turtles

Situated to the north of Koh Nangyuan, near Koh Too the large boulder formations at Green Rock have created a series of spectacular swim-throughs that provide a haven for a range of fabulous creatures. like the white-eyed Moray eel, the blue spotted ray and some lively but aggressive Pink Triggerfish that hide in the sand. Closer to the surface brightly coloured Parrot fish feed from the rock and you may also spot a Hawksbill turtle as it glides gracefully by.

The popular day trip and snorkelling island of Koh Nangyuan also offers good diving opportunities with three dive sites located in its immediate vicinity. Nangyuan pinnacle is a short swim from the main island and starts a metre below the surface, and the Twins are just off the west coast of Koh Nangyuan and consist of two rock formations from six metres down to eighteen metres. Both sites are frequented by large numbers of tropical reef fish. You can see Clown fish, Pink Anemone fish and black and white Sergeant Major fish at these sites, and also look out for some large Grouper and colourful Wrasse at the Twins site.

This is another popular dive site from Koh Too as it is only twenty two metres deep and therefore good both for beginners and night dives. There are some beautiful Angel, Parrot and Butterfly fish at this site, but watch out for some angry Titan Trigger fish that will dart out to defend their nest if you get too close. At night you can see colourful shellfish including lobster, as well some sleeping Parrotfish and less docile Barracuda that follow the divers lights to feed.