| Koh Samui diving
offers a number of high quality dive sites which can
be dived all year. The gulf of Thailand is surrounded
by the shores of South East Asian countries, is sheltered from
the major oceans in the region and has calm waters, mild winds
and tropical warm weather. The major dive sites
around Koh Samui are easily accessible and there are sites suitable
for all levels of diving. Many pelagic fish such as whale
sharks frequently visit the area. There are also massive
rock formations and colourful soft and hard corals.
Always
dive according to your level of training. Check with your dive
center for safety, additional information and level required
for each dive site before entering the water.
The
water temperature is between 27°C and 30°C
( 81°F and 86°F) and visibility varies
between 5-40 metres (16 - 131 feet).
Diving
around Koh Samui is possible all year but the
best period is May to August, which is when the Andaman
coast has low season. September to November come with the Northeast
monsoon winds and surface swells to the islands. This results
in a reduction of visibility by about 30%. Although it's rare
that a trip be cancelled the ride on the boat is rather bumpy.
It can also be windy and wet from November to February.
Some
dive sites of Koh Samui:
Ang
Thong Marine National Park is composed of 42 islands.
There are many limestone outcrops here with an abuncance of
Soft and black corals and you may see banded sea snakes
and turtles. The preferred two spots are at Koh Wao
and Hin Yippon where divers can enter shallow caves
and swimthroughs. Expect occasional currents.
Samran
Pinnacles has three submerged pinnacles and is close
to Sail Rock dive site which located between Koh Phangan and
Koh Tao. Beware, the currents could be strong here. Encounters
with large pelagics like barracuda and jacks
are frequent and there are anemones and soft corals
covering the pinnacles and feeding in the currents. This site
would be more suitable for the experienced diver due to the
strong currents.
Koh
Kra is a small remote island situated off the southeast
coast of Samui. It's hardly ever dived because of its remoteness.
The Island gets its name from the loggerhead turtle
and it's one of the few places left in the gulf where it can
still be spotted. Blacktip sharks are frequent
here and manta rays have been seen. Koh Kra
is usually visited only by liveaboard boats
that also proceed to Koh Losin.
Koh Losin is even further out than Koh Kra.
The coral and marine life
is more diverse here and divers visiting Koh Losin can see sharks
and mantas. Large coral bommies,
plateaus and drop offs are found here. The area probably has
the best visibility in the Gulf as the reef
edge meets the deeper waters of the South China Sea.
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