| Koh Tao diving offers
a rich variety of dive sites. The name which means "Turtle
Island" is derived from the fact that the waters
of Koh Tao were rich in hawksbill and turtles but these are
not so common nowadays but can be seen occasionally. Koh Tao
is fringed by coral reefs, deeper offshore pinnacles and sheltered
bays that provide perfect conditions for novices
while the more advanced divers can visit the deeper sites. Not
to miss, the occasional whale shark visit that
happens around March and April.
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.
Diving
is possible at all times of the year, although visibility
changes depending on the season. The best season to
dive here is May to September. The water temperatures
range between a comfortable 26 and 30°C (79 - 86°F)
and the currents are generally minimal.
A
few of the dive sites of Koh Tao:
Chumphon
Pinnacle consists of a large pinnacle surrounded by
smaller ones that rise from depths of approximately 35 to 15
metres (114 - 49 feet). The underwater plateaus boasts rich
corals, barrel sponges and sea whips. Occasionally manta
rays are spotted here and seasonal whale sharks
can be seen. At Chumporn Pinnacles you can
spot huge groupers, whalelshark, graysharks, blacktip
and bullsharks, including schools of barracuda,
tuna and mackerel. The currents can be strong though.
Unicorn
Wreck lies off Mango Bay in about 50 metres (164 feet)
of water and is still pretty intact. Unicorn Wreck is home to
red snappers and groupers.
White
Rock is composed of two large granite boulders and
has an extensive coral garden teeming with butterflyfish and
angelfish. Commomny spotted here are blue spotted rays.
Hin
Wong Pinnacle is located on the eastern side of Koh
Tao and is made up of huge granite boulders blanketed in sea
fans and whip corals. Also present are shrimpfish, coral groupers
and a variety of reef fish. With some luck you may encounter
the resident green turtle.
Green
Rock is characterised by several swim throughs, crevices
and caves. Due to the strong currents here this site
is recommended for the experienced diver. Regularly seen is
the titan trigger fish and yellow margin breeding, blue-ringed
angelfish, moray eels and even the whitetip reef sharks
sometimes.
Sail
Rock is a pinnacle below the surface situated between
Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. It's known for its underwater
vertical swimthrough which can be entered at a depth of about
6 metres (19 feet) and exited at about 18 metres (59 feet).
Marine life here includes mackerel, barracuda, tuna
and trevally. Manta rays and whale sharks may also
be seen seasonally. Currents can be strong.
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