Koh Tao — Diving & Snorkeling★★★
Koh Tao (21 km²) is the smallest of the three Gulf Islands — and the most important for divers. Nowhere else in the world are more PADI diving certificates issued than here. The combination of warm, calm water (26–30°C year-round), excellent visibility (10–40 m depending on the season), gentle currents, and extremely affordable prices makes Koh Tao the ideal place for a first dive.
★★★ The Best Dive Sites
Sail Rock — The best dive site in the entire Gulf of Thailand. A 40 m high underwater rock halfway between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Huge schools of barracudas, batfish, and with luck, whale sharks (October–March). Only for certified divers. Day trip: 3,500–4,500 ฿ including 2 dives and lunch.
Chumphon Pinnacle — Granite rocks at 12–36 m depth, covered with pink and purple anemones. The best chance for whale shark sightings. For advanced divers (from Open Water with experience). Strong currents possible.
Japanese Garden — Shallow, protected reef (5–16 m) perfect for beginners and snorkelers. Turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, and soft corals in all colors. Directly accessible from Koh Nang Yuan.
Twins — Two granite rocks at 8–18 m depth with a variety of hard corals. Frequent reef sharks, moray eels, and barracudas. Good intermediate dive site.
★★★ Koh Nang Yuan
Three tiny islands connected by a narrow sandbank — one of the most photographed motifs in Thailand. Only 15 minutes by longtail from Koh Tao. The viewpoint (20 min ascent) offers a breathtaking 360° view. Snorkeling off the east side is excellent: turtles, reef sharks, and colorful corals at 2–5 m depth.
Entrance: 100 ฿. No plastic bottles allowed (water only in reusable bottles). Longtail boat from Mae Haad: 200 ฿ round trip.
★★ Snorkeling Without a Boat
Koh Tao has some of the best shore snorkeling spots in Thailand:
- Aow Leuk — Protected bay with intact reef from 2 m depth. Entrance 50 ฿. Turtles frequent!
- Shark Bay (Haad Thian) — Blacktip reef sharks in knee-deep water (harmless). Best spot: mornings before 9 AM
- Tanote Bay — Rocky bay with rock jumping opportunities and good snorkeling. Snorkel set on site: 100 ฿/day
- Mango Bay — In the north, quiet and with large schools of fish. Only accessible by boat or scooter (steep road)
💡 Tipp
The best underwater visibility is from March to September (up to 40 m). October to December can be murkier (10–15 m), but the chance of whale sharks increases. Always book your dive school directly on site — online bookings are more expensive, and you can inspect the school beforehand.