Diving in Koh Tao

Chumphon Pinnacle

This is possibly Koh Tao's best and most famous dive site and should definitely be part of your east coast Thailand diving itinerary. It's another granite pinnacle that starts 12 metres under the surface and goes down to a maximum depth of 35 metres. There is one main pinnacle which is surrounded by a dozen or so smaller rocks in the deeper areas.

The base of the main rock is completely covered in anemones which gently sway back and forth in the current. They are full of anemonefish of several varieties including the western clownfish or 'Nemo' as it’s become better known. This is a good Koh Tao dive site to see big fish including grouper, batfish, yellowtail barracuda and many others.

Huge schools of jacks can make it difficult to even see the dive site as they rush around divers. Whale sharks are a common visitor here, the best time being from February to April, and even whales have been spotted. Leopard sharks are often seen resting on the sandy bottom at the reef edge. Other species here include lionfish, fusiliers, rabbitfish and schooling bannerfish to name a few.

The depth and currents mean that this is not a dive site for complete beginners. It's a good idea to have some deep dive training before you visit Koh Tao - at the least you should be PADI Advanced Open Water certified.

Chumphon Pinnacle Reef Basics: Great for big fish including whale sharks
Depth: 12 - 40m
Visibility: 10 - 25m
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 south east of Koh Tao, 80 km north of Koh Samui (1¾ hours by speedboat)
Access: Scuba diving day trips

• Koh Samui tourist information

View a map of:
• Samui Island  -  Thailand

• Scuba diving vacation enquiries

Back to diving in Samui index