Koh Torinla - Mergui Archipelago

Koh Torinla, on the eastern side, often offers a gentle introduction to the Mergui Archipelago. We usually drop onto a wide coral plateau, sometimes so shallow it breaks the surface at low tide. It's a busy spot, often thick with cardinalfish, humpnose bigeye bream, and schools of twin-spot and five-lined snappers weaving through the staghorn and massive porites corals. Head a little deeper, to around 30 metres, and you'll find a rocky ridge drawing in larger visitors like batfish and pickhandle barracuda. It’s a good site for an easy dive, especially if you enjoy watching dense schools of fish.

Location
Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.440000, 97.880000

Best Time to Dive in Mergui Archipelago

The warmest water temperatures in Mergui Archipelago occur in May, averaging 30.8°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.9°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.7°C
  • May: 30.8°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.5°C
  • August: 29.2°C
  • September: 28.9°C
  • October: 29.0°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Mergui Archipelago

Nearest Dive Centres to Koh Torinla

Marine Life in Mergui Archipelago

Home to 173 recorded species including 106 reef fish, 49 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 3 sharks & rays, 2 other, 2 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Koh Torinla

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths and maximum depths at Koh Torinla dive sites?
While the typical and maximum depths for Koh Torinla are not explicitly stated, divers can expect to encounter marine life like batfish and pickhandle barracuda in depths of 30 meters. The site features a large coral plateau and a long rocky ridge, suggesting varied topography for exploration.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see when diving at Koh Torinla?
At Koh Torinla, divers will discover a vibrant reef featuring staghorn corals and massive porites corals. The site is home to a proliferation of cardinalfish, humpnose bigeye bream, twin-spot and 5-lined snappers, with batfish and pickhandle barracuda common at deeper levels. Keep an eye out for fleeting visits from Spanish mackerel, grey reef sharks, and white tip reef sharks, all detailed in our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites at Koh Torinla, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The dive sites at Koh Torinla are rated as intermediate difficulty. This means the site is well-suited for divers with some experience, offering engaging conditions that might be too challenging for absolute beginners but are not typically considered advanced. Divers should possess good buoyancy control and comfort in varying conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at Koh Torinla for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at Koh Torinla for optimal conditions and marine life sightings is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, please consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required for diving at Koh Torinla, especially for deeper or more challenging areas?
Given the intermediate difficulty and potential depths of 30 meters at Koh Torinla, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper dives and varying conditions. While not explicitly stated as required, it will enhance your safety and enjoyment.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Koh Torinla dive sites?
The provided data does not contain specific information about the typical current conditions or visibility at Koh Torinla dive sites. Divers should always consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before planning their dives.