Chumphon Pinnacle Koh Tao’s Premier Dive Site
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure beneath the surface as we explore Chumphon Pinnacle Koh Tao, one of the most stunning dive sites near Koh Tao. Just a short boat trip from the island, this granite pinnacle rises from the ocean floor like a cathedral of stone, teeming with vibrant marine life, breathtaking underwater landscapes, and some of the best diving conditions in the Gulf of Thailand.
Whether you’re just starting out with an introductory dive, looking for a day of fun diving, or have your Advanced Open Water certification and want to test your diving skills, Chumphon Pinnacle is a must-dive destination. At Chalok Reef Divers, we run regular trips to this incredible site and would love to take you there!
Location & Access – A Quick Journey from Koh Tao
Located roughly 11km northwest of Koh Tao, Chumphon Pinnacle is easily accessible via dive boats. It takes just 30–45 minutes to reach the site, depending on sea conditions. Many dive shops on the island, including ours, offer daily morning trips to this spectacular location.
If you’re coming from Koh Samui or Ko Samui, you can combine a diving visit with other local favourites like Sail Rock, South West Pinnacles, White Rock, and Shark Island for an exciting multi-dive day.
Dive Site Topography – Pinnacles, Caves & Anemone Beds
Chumphon Pinnacle features a large granite pinnacle starting at around 14 meters and dropping to over 40 meters in some places. Surrounding this central structure are smaller pinnacles, ridges, and hidden crevices that shelter an astounding variety of marine creatures.
The site is best known for the famous Anemone Wall—a vertical section completely carpeted in colorful anemones and home to pink anemone fish, clownfish, and anemone fish of all kinds. These anemone beds are a true underwater wonder, making for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Visibility usually ranges from 20 to 30 meters, offering exceptional visibility for exploring the coral reefs and intricate rock structures. However, weather and ocean conditions can affect clarity, so we always monitor weather challenges closely.
Marine Life – A Veritable Feast for the Eyes
The real magic of Chumphon Pinnacle lies in its abundant marine life. This dive site is one of the richest ecosystems near Koh Tao and a favourite of dive masters, underwater photographers, and Discovery Dive participants alike.
Regular Sightings
On any given dive, you’re likely to encounter a huge array of reef fish, including:
- Juvenile Yellow-Tailed Barracuda
- Yellowtail Barracuda
- Schools of barracuda
- Puffer fish
- King Mackerel
- Reef sharks
- Green turtles
- Cartilaginous fish
- Predatory fish
- Ancient ocean fish
These species are often seen darting between vibrant soft coral gardens or cruising over massive Barrel Sponges. And let’s not forget the regular appearance of macro life, perfect for divers with an eye for detail.
Seasonal Highlights
From March to May, the site becomes one of the best places in Thailand to dive with whale sharks—an absolute favourite sighting for divers. These gentle giants are frequent visitors to the pinnacle, and seeing one glide by is a moment you’ll remember forever.
February through April also marks the spawning season for many reef species, transforming the site into a swirling spectacle of life. Massive gatherings of snappers and fusiliers perform their synchronized dance in a dazzling display of natural rhythm.
Dive Levels, Safety & Conditions
The dive site ranges from 10–40 meters in depth, with some areas reaching 40–45 metres. While the shallower parts can be enjoyed by nervous divers or those doing a dive for beginners, stronger currents and deeper sections make this site most suitable for Advanced level divers or those with experience.
We always provide proper safety instructions, adequate safety equipment, and drinking water on board. At Chalok Reef Divers, we operate under high safety standards, ensuring a comfortable and secure dive for all experience levels.
If you’re feeling a bit of anxiety about diving, our patient dive team is trained to support divers with varying physical fitness levels and confidence levels—no one is left behind.
Notable Dive Features
Here are a few more highlights that make Chumphon Pinnacle stand out:
- Barracuda Rock: A hotspot for schools of barracuda, particularly around 20–30m.
- Hidden caves and crevices where moray eels, shrimps, and crabs shelter.
- Towering rock walls covered in soft coral, anemone fish, and sponges.
- Diverse reef fish that make this one of the most colorful dive spots near Koh Tao.
Plan Your Dive with Chalok Reef Divers
We run regular dive trips to Chumphon Pinnacle as part of our daily schedule. Whether you’re joining a Full-Day Diving package or just want to explore one of the most amazing dive sites in Thailand, our experienced team will guide you safely and ensure you have a memorable experience.
Before booking, we recommend checking out our online reviews to see what others have said about diving with us. We’re proud of our track record and always strive to deliver exceptional service and value.
Other Popular Koh Tao Dive Sites We Visit:
- Green Rock
- Japanese Gardens
- Shark Island
- Aow Leuk
- White Rock
- Mango Bay
- Hin Wong Bay
- Sail Rock
- Southwest Pinnacle
Whether you’re spending a few days of diving or just one special day of diving, don’t miss the opportunity to dive at Chumphon Pinnacle—an underwater landscape so extraordinary it draws divers from all over the world.
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