Shark Island - Koh Tao

Shark Island, or Koh Tao’s Hin Fai, depending on who you ask, is one of those places we always find ourselves returning to. It’s an island, yes, but the real action is in the rocky outcrops and deep gutters below. We love dropping in on the east side first thing in the morning when the sun is just hitting the water, pushing along the current towards the south. Keep an eye out for blennies popping their heads from every crevice, and those striking blue-spotted wrasse flashing by. It’s a riot of small reef fish, from herring scad to banded blue sprats, all darting amongst the boulders. The currents here can be a bit frisky, particularly around the southern tip, so it’s not really a spot for your very first ocean dive. But for anyone comfortable with a drift, the rewards are pretty sweet. We've often found ourselves hovering, watching huge schools of yellowstriped cardinalfish move as one, a shimmering curtain. Don't forget to peer under ledges; you might just spot a grumpy grouper or a curious longface emperor eyeing you back. It’s a site that always feels alive, a dynamic place where something new always seems to catch your eye.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.062369, 99.845665

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 Shark Island

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 Shark Island

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