Diving Thailand

Caves and Healthy Reefs at Koh Ha - Koh Rok

Koh Ha is agroup of small islets, named Five Islands in Thai, 25 km west of Koh Lanta Island and separated by channels over 50 metres deep. Ordinarily the water is quite clear here and visibility often exceeds 20 or so metres.

Koh Rok, 25 kilometres south of Koh Ha are 2 sister-islands separated by a narrow channel about 15 metres deep, known as Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok. The islands lie within the protective boundaries of the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park. The islands have some of the prettiest beaches in Thailand and are devoid of inhabitants. The diving here is on one of Thailand's most pristine coral reefs.

Highlights

The highlight of diving in Thailand at Koh Ha is a series of caverns at the largest of the islands, Koh Ha Yai. The emerald light filtering through the cave entrance at sunrise creates a quite magical scene. The caves are safe to enter, even without a light, due to the large entrances. You can surface inside and view the stalactites hanging down from the ceiling.

If you enjoy diving in swim-throughs then try the one in the wall slightly to the right of the main cave entrance on the right-hand side. Pass through the small entranceway, then move vertically downwards. Make a sharp left, squeeze out the exit point and, hey presto, you're back in the chamber of the main cave!

The western side of Koh Rok has a gently sloping reef, made from packed hard corals. All the usual small tropical reef fish can be seen here, along with moray eels, octopus, nudibranchs and many others. At dusk and dawn, the reef top is a good place to spot small blacktip reef sharks. Down on the sand bottom, Kuhl's blue-spotted stingrays are common.

The east tip of Koh Rok is mainly soft coral trees with big Gorgonian sea fans and sponges. Here is where turtles are common. They are not shy at all and it is easy to get a close look when they are feeding. The island's point is more exposed to current and so has the possibility for some pelagic fish action such as cobias and mackerels.

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How to Dive Koh Rok - Koh Ha

Koh Ha is sometimes visited by Thailand liveaboards on safaris enroute to Hin Daeng. Daily speedboat trips from Phi Phi can also speed you down the 80 km to visit these islands.

Koh Rok is even rarely visited and only by liveaboard boat.

Diving Season

Both Koh Rok and Koh Ha have identical dive seasons of between November and April when the weather is at its most stable.

Reef Summary

Great for: Reef life and health, underwater photography and advanced divers
Not so great for: Wrecks, drift dives, snorkelling and non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - 20m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Gentle
Surface conditions: Can be choppy
Water temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience level: Beginner - intermediate
Number of dive sites: 6
Distance: ~80-110 km southeast of Phuket (4-6 hours), 35-65 km southeast of Phi Phi (1-2 hours)
Access: Thailand liveaboards or day trips from Phi Phi
Recommended length of stay: 2 days

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