Koh Tao Scuba Diving Sites

Chumphon Pinnacle

This is the best and most famous of Koh Tao's dive sites and should definitely be part of your Thailand east coast diving itinerary. It's another granite pinnacle that starts at 12 metres deep and goes down to a maximum depth of 35 metres.

There is a main pinnacle which is surrounded by numerous smaller rocks in the deeper outlying areas. The main rock is completely covered in anemones, gently swaying in the current. They are full of anemonefish such as the western clownfish or 'Nemo' as it's become better known. This is one of the best diving sites in Koh Tao to see big fish including potato grouper, longfin batfish, barracuda and many others.

Huge schools of trevally can make it difficult to even see the pinnacle as they rush around divers. Whale sharks are common visitors here too, the best time being from February to April. Other species here include lionfish, fusiliers, surgeonfish and schooling bannerfish. Leopard sharks are often seen resting on the sandy bottom at the reef's edge.

The depth and currents mean that this is not one of Koh Tao's dive sites for complete beginners. It's a good idea to have some deep dive training; at the least you should be advanced certified.

Chumphon Pinnacle Reef Basics: Great for big fish including whalesharks
Depth: 12 - 35m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Usually calm, but can be choppy
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: All year round
Distance: 10 km north west of Koh Tao, 95 km from Koh Samui (2 hours by fast speedboat)
Access: Day trips from Samui

• Samui tourist information

• Map of Koh Samui

Enquire Now

• Back to Samui diving sites index