Teeming with magnificent marine life, Koh Samui’s unrivalled underworld offers some of the best diving in the world. Many people head to picturesque Koh Tao, otherwise known as Turtle Island, but there are plenty of underwater sites waiting to be explored. Prepare to encounter sea turtles gliding through the water, marvel at the majestic rays and if you’re lucky, witness the awe-inspiring whale sharks!
When to Go
Dive sites can generally be enjoyed all year round, however peak season runs from March to September, with underwater visibility reaching up to 30-35m.
Popular Dive Sites
Explore 42 tropical islands of Angthong Marine Park
This archipelago – the inspiration for Alex Garland’s cult classic, The Beach, boasts some of the best dive sites in Koh Samui. Home to a mesmerizing blend of thriving coral gardens, unique rock formations and a plethora of diverse marine life, the exquisite marine park is suitable for divers of all skill levels. From shallow, easy dives suitable for beginners to exhilarating underwater caves and challenging deep dives for the more advanced, exploring this hidden gem is something not to be missed.
Deep Dive Thrills at Chumphon Pinnacle
Considered one of Koh Tao’s most popular locations, this underwater wonderland is the deepest and largest dive site around the island, consisting of one large pinnacle blanketed in bright pink anemones. Reaching depths of up to 30 metres, divers can explore crystal-clear waters and mountainous rock formations teeming with an abundance of rich marine life, including the spectacular grey reef sharks that patrol its edges.
Discover Koh Samui’s Most Famous Dive Site: Sail Rock
Koh Samui diving is not complete without a trip to Sail Rock; a site renowned for spotting the majestic white shark. Its dramatic underwater topography and incredible marine life have helped this unique pinnacle earn a reputation as one of the best dive sites in the region. One of Sail Rock’s highlights is the famous chimney, an underwater vertical swim-through with vibrant corals that cover the rock all the way down to around 18 metres.
Explore Shark Island, Koh Tao’s most varied site
Located approximately 800 meters southeast of Koh Tao, Shark Island offers an unparalleled diving experience. The island is named after its unique shape, which resembles a dorsal fin, and is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. While the dive site may be less frequently visited due to its challenging conditions and remote location, it boasts a stunning wall, pinnacles, and a beautiful coral garden that are well worth the effort to explore. Divers can expect to encounter a wide range of marine life, including moray eels, angelfish, scorpionfish, pipefish, nudibranch, crustaceans, and an abundance of macro critters. And if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of passing whale sharks, reef sharks, and leopard sharks at the drop-offs.
Diving Schools
With its tranquil coastlines and warm waters, Koh Samui is the perfect spot to earn your dive certification and master essential skills before embarking on your undersea adventures. Dive operators at all the main beach resorts offer a variety of courses, ranging from one-day courses to instructor level training. PADI is the most commonly recognized diving certification agency on the island, but you can also find dive centres offering certifications from other agencies like CMAS, SSI, and NAUI.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, exploring the thrilling underworld in Koh Samui is a real must-do activity. If you’re interested in organising a scuba diving trip or snorkelling tour, please get in touch with the team at limesamui@reservations.com and we’ll gladly assist you.