Twins is a Great Dive Spot for Beginners and Marine Lovers

If you’re new to diving or love exploring vibrant marine life, the Twins dive site near Koh Nangyuan is a must-visit. This spot gets its name from the two prominent pinnacles that rise from the ocean floor, creating a playground for divers of all levels. With depths ranging from a gentle 6 meters to a more adventurous 18 meters, it’s perfect for training while offering plenty to see. About 80% of dive schools in Koh Tao include Twins in their beginner courses because of its reliable conditions. Let’s break down what makes this site unique for first-timers and marine enthusiasts.

Perfect Conditions for Learning

Twins offers what nervous beginners need—calm waters with minimal current and excellent visibility averaging 15 meters. The eastern side stays shallow, around 6-10 meters, making it ideal for practicing skills. Many instructors use the sandy patches between rocks for buoyancy exercises. The western pinnacle drops to 18 meters for those ready to go deeper. Local dive shops report that nearly 90% of Open Water students complete their first open-water dives here, thanks to these forgiving conditions.

Underwater Playground of Rocks and Reefs

The site features three main rock formations running east to west, each covered in healthy corals. You’ll swim through valleys of boulders where orange anthias fish dart like living confetti. The rocks create natural swim-throughs that are perfect for building confidence. Small caves and overhangs host cleaner shrimp stations where fish line up for spa treatments. It’s like an underwater obstacle course designed by nature—challenging enough to be intriguing but never intimidating for new divers.

Marine Life That Feels Like a Living Aquarium

Twins punches above its weight for marine encounters. Green sea turtles graze on the coral bommies, while curious batfish will swim right up to your mask. Look closely at the reef and see clownfish guarding their anemones, butterflyfish in pairs, and the occasional moray eel peeking from crevices. About 60% of dives here encounter at least one turtle, and the site’s resident grouper—nicknamed “Bubba” by local guides—has been patrolling these rocks for years.

Great for Progression Beyond Beginners

While perfect for new divers, Twins keeps things interesting for certified divers, too. The western pinnacle’s deeper sections attract larger fish like trevally and barracuda. Night dives reveal a different cast of characters—sleeping turtles, hunting octopuses, and bioluminescent plankton that lights up when you wave your hands. Thanks to its clear landmarks, Many Advanced Open Water courses use this site for navigation training.

Easy Access with Plenty of Space

Located just south of Koh Nangyuan, Twins is a 15-minute boat ride from most Koh Tao dive shops. Despite its popularity, the site rarely feels crowded. The three distinct pinnacles naturally spread divers out. Most boats visit in the morning when conditions are calmest, with about 30-40 dive groups visiting weekly during the high season, according to local operators.

Conclusion

Twins delivers everything you could want in a beginner-friendly dive site—calm conditions, interesting topography, and guaranteed marine encounters. It’s the kind of place where new divers gain confidence and experienced divers still discover new details. Whether you’re doing your first open-water dive or your hundredth, Twins offers that perfect mix of accessibility and excitement. Remember to go slow, watch your buoyancy, and appreciate the smaller creatures. That’s where the real magic happens at this Koh Tao favorite.