White Rock - Koh Tao

White Rock sits between Mae Haad and Koh Nang Yuan, an easy run from most boats. It's a great spot for a relaxed dive, especially if you’re still getting comfortable in the water, with a max depth around 20 metres. We love dropping in on the north side, letting the current, if there is one, drift us gently south. You’ll find two main boulders here, close enough to swim between, acting as home base for a good spread of reef fish. Look for the Goldspeckled Shrimpgoby, always a favourite, tending its burrow. The real draw here is the sheer number of fish – schools of Blue and Gold Fusiliers often hang in the blue, sometimes so dense they dim the light. Paddling through them feels like swimming through liquid silver. The Staghorn coral patches are coming back nicely, too, offering shelter for Rivulated Parrotfish and tiny Western Gregorys. Yes, Trevor the Triggerfish is still around, patrolling his patch. He's got a reputation for a reason, so keep an eye out, but honestly, we've had more intense encounters elsewhere. It’s a pretty site, especially in the late afternoon light, a good one for practicing buoyancy and just enjoying the swim.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.109502, 99.813570

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 White Rock

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 White Rock

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