Diving and Snorkeling spot - Koh Tao

Okay, so "Diving and Snorkeling spot" is a placeholder name for what’s effectively a string of shallow reefs around Koh Tao, often visited by day boats. We know, generic name, but bear with us. What we love about these spots, specifically the ones just north of Shark Island or tucked into the bays on the east side, is the sheer ease of the diving. It’s rarely deep, maybe 12-15 metres at most, making it perfect for newer divers or those who just want a long, relaxed bottom time without any deco worries. You’re not here for dramatic drop-offs or big pelagics, though a great barracuda might cruise by. We come for the smaller things, the ones that make you slow right down. Think Goldspeckled Shrimpgobies diligently tending their burrows with a Nocturn Goby perched nearby, or a Blue-spotted Stingray half-buried in the sand. The Longfin Bannerfish schools are always a pretty sight, and we’ve spotted more than a few Dragonfish tucked away in the rocky outcrops. Our favourite time to hit these spots is early morning before the crowds, or late afternoon when the light gets that golden glow, really bringing out the colours in the Green Wrasse and Golden Rabbitfish. Visibility can be a bit variable, especially if there’s been some rain or a lot of boat traffic, but on a good day, it’s a calm, easy dive where you can just potter about, enjoying the gentle sway of the water.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.787615, 102.396000
Difficulty
beginner

Marine Protected Area: Mu ko Chang

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 Diving and Snorkeling spot

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 Diving and Snorkeling spot

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