Phoenix Diver - Koh Tao

The Phoenix Diver, sunk just off Koh Tao, is one of our absolute favourite wreck dives in the Gulf. Forget what you think you know about Thai wrecks; this one has some real character. We usually drop onto the bow, which sits in about 18 metres, and start our swim towards the stern. Along the way, you’ll spot a parade of local residents. Schools of big-eye trevally often circle the main mast, their silver scales flashing as they catch the light. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of smaller critters too: high hat triplefins darting in and out of the crevices, and we’ve even seen a few pale-spotted combtooth blennies peeking out from barnacle-covered beams. The real joy of the Phoenix Diver is its approachability. It’s a great introduction to wreck diving for those who might be a little nervous, with plenty of open sections and ambient light. But even experienced divers will find things to love, especially if you take your time. We’d suggest a nitrox tank to really extend your bottom time and soak it all in. Keep an eye out for the resident groupers lurking inside the deeper sections, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a pink anemonefish or two making a home on the scattered branch corals now growing on the deck. It’s a dive that offers something new every time we visit.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.091897, 99.827480

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 Phoenix Diver

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 Phoenix Diver

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