The best diving spots in Thailand
More than ever, Thailand fascinates tourists from around the world. It must be said that the country has no shortage of attractions. But this time, we're taking you to discover the underwater world. From the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand, discover the best diving spots to explore during a trip to Thailand. So, are you ready for the big dive?
1. Koh Tao
Famous for its multiple diving spots, Koh Tao is the smallest island in the Gulf of Thailand. With its translucent water and incredibly diverse marine life, it's practically an island dedicated to diving. Moreover, it's renowned for its numerous schools and training centers, making it the perfect place to learn diving. As for the more experienced divers, they won't be disappointed! From the anemone-covered peaks of Chumphon Pinnacle and the pinnacles of South West Rock to the wreck of the military ship (HTMS Sattakut) at 29 meters deep, there's plenty to explore!
In any case, if you dive in Koh Tao, you can observe numerous fish species (giant groupers, barracudas, trevallies, jacks, triggerfish, remoras, clownfish, etc.), colorful corals, nudibranchs, or even whale sharks for the lucky!
2. Sail Rock
Accessible from the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, or Koh Samui, Sail Rock is one of the most beautiful diving spots in the Gulf of Thailand. And its topography plays a significant role. Consisting of a hollow pinnacle whose emerged part rises to about 7 meters above sea level, Sail Rock descends to nearly 30 meters in depth. Divers can then explore this immense vertical chimney. But what makes Sail Rock famous is its abundance of fish schools. Barracudas, jacks, batfish, fusiliers… The fish schools are so impressive that they form clouds underwater.
As for the rest, you can observe groupers, angelfish, triggerfish, moray eels, shrimps, sea slugs, and many types of soft or hard corals. And if you're lucky, you might encounter the whale shark…
3. The Similan Islands
The Similan archipelago is a group of islands located in the Andaman Sea. It is accessible from Phuket or Khao Lak. It's one of the most famous marine reserves in the world for diving. And for good reason, these wild islands are almost uninhabited, which helps preserve marine fauna and flora. In this sense, the variety of species that evolve there is rich and varied. You can spot turtles, leopard sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, barracudas, trevallies, and many more. Not to mention the 200 species of soft corals…
Experienced divers will find happiness on sites like Elephant Head, Christmas Point, or on local wrecks (Boosung, Premchai, and MV Sea Chart). As for the sites more accessible to beginners, we think of Anita's Reef, West of Eden, Turtle Rock, Breakfast Bend, etc. In any case, to fully enjoy it, it's ideal to plan a multi-day diving cruise.
4. The Surin Islands
Located north of the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea, the Surin Islands are an isolated and protected archipelago. Divers particularly go there to discover the Richelieu Rock spot, one of the most beautiful diving sites in the world. This rock lost in the middle of the sea is particularly known for its high concentration (depending on the season) of whale sharks. Among the other diving sites in the Surin Islands, there are Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Koh Chi, Ao Phak Kat, Hin Kong, and Koh Torinla. In any area, you can see manta rays, seahorses, reef sharks, turtles, barracudas, and many more.
Florine Dergelet