Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(36m maximum depth) 13km west of Ko Tao; has a colourful assortment of sea
anemones along the four interconnected pinnacles. The site plays host to
schools of giant trevally, tuna and large grey reef sharks.
2 JAPANESE GARDENS
(12m maximum depth) Between Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan. A low-stress dive
site perfect for beginners.
3 SAIL ROCK
(34m maximum depth) Best accessed from Ko Pha-Ngan; features a massive
rock chimney with a vertical swim-through, and large pelagics like barracuda and
kingfish. This is one of the top spots in southeast Asia to see whale sharks.
4 SOUTHWEST PINNACLE
(33m maximum depth) Offers divers a small collection of pinnacles that are
home to giant groupers and barracudas.
5 WHITE ROCK
(29m maximum depth) Home to colourful corals, angelfish, clown fish and territ-
orial triggerfish.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a popular alternative to diving, although scuba snobs will tell you that
strapping on a snorkel instead of an air tank is like eating spray cheese when
there's Camembert on the table.
Most snorkel enthusiasts opt for the do-it-yourself approach on Ko Tao, which in-
volves swimming out into the offshore bays or hiring a long-tail boat to putter
around further out. Guided tours are also available and can be booked at any local
travel agency. Tours range from 500B to 700B (usually including gear, lunch and a
guide/captain) and stop at various snorkelling hotspots around the island.
Freediving
Over the last couple of years, freediving (exploring the sea using breath-holding
techniques rather than scuba gear) has grown rapidly in popularity. Several small
