Surat Thani Province dive sites
Thailand · Browse dive locations by depth, type and conditions.
Best Season
March to May, September to October, March-September, February to September, March to September, March to October
Skill Levels
advanced, intermediate, beginner
Nearby Cities
Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
All dive sites
Chumphon Pinnacle
Koh Tao · Surat Thani Province · Thailand
Koh Tao's most famous deep dive site, a massive granite pinnacle rising from 40 meters with giant barracuda schools, whale shark sightings, and dense anemone gardens.
Green Rock
Koh Tao · Surat Thani Province · Thailand
A boulder-strewn pinnacle off Koh Nang Yuan famous for swim-throughs, caverns, and a diverse population of reef sharks and turtles.
HTMS Sattakut Wreck
Koh Tao · Surat Thani Province · Thailand
A purposely sunk Thai Navy vessel off Koh Tao offering penetration opportunities and an expanding artificial reef in the Gulf of Thailand.
Haad Yao Reef
Koh Phangan · Surat Thani Province · Thailand
A gently sloping fringing reef off Koh Phangan's western coast where shallow coral gardens, resident blacktip reef sharks, and dense schools of fusiliers make it an ideal site for new divers and underwater photographers seeking relaxed, marine-rich conditions.
Japanese Garden
Koh Tao · Surat Thani Province · Thailand
Koh Tao's most beginner-friendly dive site, a sheltered bay off Koh Nang Yuan with the island's widest coral diversity and calm, crystal-clear water.
Sail Rock
Koh Phangan · Surat Thani Province · Thailand
A massive granite pinnacle jutting above the Gulf of Thailand between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, renowned as the region's premier site for whale shark encounters and featuring a dramatic vertical chimney swim-through teeming with glassfish.
Diving in Surat Thani Province
Surat Thani Province offers reef, pinnacle, wreck dive sites across 2 locations. Browse dive locations by depth, type and conditions before planning your dive.
FAQ
When is the best time to see whale sharks at Chumphon Pinnacle?
Whale shark sightings peak from March to May and again from September to October, coinciding with plankton blooms that attract these gentle giants. Sightings are never guaranteed, but these months offer the highest probability. The whale sharks tend to appear near the surface above the pinnacles.
Is Chumphon Pinnacle suitable for Open Water divers?
No. The pinnacle's shallowest point is at 14 meters, and the most rewarding diving is at 22 to 35 meters. Advanced Open Water certification is the minimum requirement. Variable currents and no shallow reef for safety stops in emergencies make this site genuinely advanced. Deep diving and Nitrox specialties are strongly recommended.
How far is Chumphon Pinnacle from Koh Tao?
The pinnacle is located approximately 11 km northwest of Koh Tao, requiring a 30 to 45 minute boat ride. Most dive schools on Koh Tao include Chumphon Pinnacle in their fun dive and advanced course schedules, with trips departing early morning for the best conditions.
What makes Green Rock different from other Koh Tao dive sites?
Green Rock stands out for its complex topography. The site is essentially a large pile of granite boulders that have tumbled together over millennia, creating a network of swim-throughs, tunnels, and small caverns that you can explore throughout the dive. This three-dimensional structure is unique among Koh Tao's dive sites and makes Green Rock feel more like exploring an underwater maze than a typical reef dive. The boulders also create sheltered habitats that attract turtles, sharks, and large groupers.
Are the swim-throughs at Green Rock safe for less experienced divers?
Most of the swim-throughs at Green Rock are wide and short, with visible exits at both ends, making them accessible to Open Water certified divers under guide supervision. A few of the deeper passages are tighter and darker, better suited to divers with Advanced certification and some experience in overhead environments. Your dive guide will choose routes appropriate for the group's experience level. Carrying a small torch enhances the experience and helps you spot creatures hiding in the darker recesses.