If diving in Koh Tao, White Rock should be on your must-visit list. This massive dive site, just 2km off the west coast, is famous for its easy conditions and incredible marine encounters. With depths ranging from 1 to 22 meters, it’s perfect for beginners but still exciting for experienced divers. The site gets its name from the white granite pinnacle near the surface, which acts like a beacon for divers. Whether you’re exploring by day or night, White Rock delivers. Let’s dive into what makes this spot so special and what creatures you might meet.
A Massive Underwater Playground
White Rock isn’t just one rock—it’s a sprawling collection of granite boulders and pinnacles surrounded by sandy patches and coral gardens. The northern section stays shallow, around 12 meters, while the southern pinnacle drops to 22 meters. This variety means you can spend an entire dive exploring without running out of things to see. The site stretches north-south, making navigation straightforward even for newer divers. Local dive shops report that about 70% of their open-water students do at least one dive here because conditions are reliable.
Daytime Marine Life Galore
During daylight hours, White Rock comes alive with color and movement. Blue-spotted ribbon tail rays hide under ledges while white-eyed moray eels peek out from crevices. Schools of yellowtail barracuda circle the southern buoy line, and titan triggerfish patrol the area—they’re especially feisty during breeding season. Six-banded angelfish, butterflyfish, and bannerfish add splashes of color as they dart around the corals. About one in three dives here encounters a sea turtle munching on soft corals. The sandy patches between rocks often reveal hidden surprises like garden eels or the occasional stingray.
Night Diving Magic
White Rock transforms into one of Koh Tao’s best night dive sites when the sun sets. Your torchlight reveals an entirely different cast of characters. Giant barracuda hunt along the edges, their silver sides flashing in your beam. Cuttlefish change colors as they float by, while pufferfish inflate defensively when approached. Sleeping triggerfish wedge into cracks, and you might even spot a sea turtle dozing under a ledge. Night dives here have about a 20% higher chance of encountering octopuses than daytime dives, as these clever cephalopods become more active after dark.
Whale Shark Surprises
While not as common as at other Koh Tao sites, White Rock gets occasional whale shark visits—especially between March and June. These gentle giants sometimes cruise through the deeper sections, drawn by the same rich marine life that attracts divers. Local dive masters estimate you have a 10% chance of seeing one here during peak season. Even without whale sharks, the sheer variety of marine life makes every dive at White Rock feel like a treasure hunt.
Perfect for All Skill Levels
What makes White Rock truly special is its accessibility. The mild currents and gradual depth changes make it ideal for open-water students, while the nooks and crannies entertain advanced divers. Many instructors use the sandy patches at 9 meters for skill practice, while experienced divers can explore the deeper walls and swim-throughs. About 50 dive boats visit weekly during high season—proof of its popularity across all diver levels.
Conclusion
White Rock offers everything you could want in a dive site: easy conditions, incredible marine life, and surprises around every corner. Whether you’re watching turtles by day or marveling at cuttlefish by night, this spot showcases Koh Tao’s underwater diversity at its best. It’s no wonder many divers—from first-timers to locals—keep returning. Remember to move slowly, watch where you kick, and keep your eyes peeled. You never know what might swim into view next.