Cape Thian - Koh Tao

Cape Thian is one of those spots on Koh Tao we return to again and again, especially when we want a relaxed dive with plenty to see. It’s pretty shallow, topping out at 12 metres, which means we get long bottom times and the light just floods the reef. Our favourite part has to be the sprawling fields of staghorn coral. They stretch out, creating these complex mazes for all sorts of smaller fish. Look closely and you’ll find iridescent ear-muff wrasse darting between the branches, and we often spot slinky slender groupers camouflaged against the coral heads. We particularly love a morning dive here, before the boat traffic picks up. The visibility tends to be at its best then, and the light filtering through the water columns onto the coral is just mesmerising. Keep an eye out for the resident blackfin barracuda – they’re usually cruising around the edge of the reef, keeping a watchful eye on things. While it’s unlikely, we have heard whispers of whale sharks making an appearance here during migration season, a definite bonus if you’re lucky. Cape Thian is ideal for new divers, photographers, or anyone who just wants to unwind and really take their time exploring a vibrant, shallow reef.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.086653, 99.855130
Maximum Depth
12

Marine Protected Area: Suratthani Environmental Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in Koh Tao

The warmest water temperatures in Koh Tao occur in May, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.3°C
  • February: 28.6°C
  • March: 29.3°C
  • April: 30.2°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Koh Tao

Nearest Dive Centres to Cape Thian

Marine Life in Koh Tao

Home to 56 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 other, 2 hard corals, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Cape Thian

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 14 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