The greatest dive spots in the Thai Gulf

Posted by Full mooner on October 28th, 2011 filed in activities

The seas in the Gulf of Thailand around Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao offer magical dive sites with stunning rock formations and eclectic marine species. Compared to Phuket on the opposite side of the Thai peninsula, the Samui region is sheltered and does not get the same heavy tidal movements and therefore offers diving throughout the year.

Sail Rock is arguably the cream of the crop when it comes to uniqueness and fish varieties. This pinnacle of granite rock pokes out from the sea midway between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan and is like a magnetic beacon to fish. Batfish and whale sharks are among the species that slowly swim round divers here. A chimney provides a challenging dive-through.

Chumphon Pinnacle is 10kms from Koh Tao, yet still easily dived on a daytrip from Samui. This site has one main underwater pinnacle ringed by smaller rocks. Anemones gently sway from the rocks, while barracudas, potato groupers and clownfish are the principal inhabitants. The best time to dive in the Samui region is between May and August when there are minimal undersea swells and the seas are almost translucent.