Top Dive Sites Near Koh Samui | Koh Samui Scuba Diving Guide

When most people think of Koh Samui, they imagine white-sand beaches, swaying coconut trees, and luxury resorts. But just beneath the surface lies a vibrant world full of color, life, and adventure. Koh Samui isn’t only known for its stunning beaches and sunsets - it’s also the gateway to some of the Gulf of Thailand’s best scuba diving sites. With crystal-clear waters and thriving coral reefs, this region offers unforgettable underwater experiences for both beginners and seasoned divers.

Best Dive Sites to Explore from Koh Samui

1. Sail Rock (Hin Bai) The crown jewel of diving near Koh Samui, Sail Rock is a towering granite pinnacle famous for its legendary vertical chimney swim-through. Expect big schools of fish, giant groupers, barracudas, and the occasional whale shark.

• Highlights: Batfish, barracudas, trevallies, chimney swim-through, pelagics, whale sharks

• Travel Time: ~50 minutes by boat

• Visibility: 10–30 meters

  
  

2. Koh Tao Dive Sites Known as the diving capital of Southeast Asia, Koh Tao features over 20 dive sites ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep pinnacles and wrecks. Just 1.5 hours from Samui, it’s perfect for divers of every level.

• Highlights: Turtles, fusiliers, nudibranchs, coral reefs, wrecks

• Travel Time: ~1.5 hours

• Visibility: 10–30 meters

  
  

3. Chumphon Pinnacle This deep-water site near Koh Tao is a favorite among experienced divers. Giant granite formations attract large pelagics like trevallies, barracudas, and whale sharks.

• Highlights: Deep dives, schooling batfish, barracudas, whale sharks

• Travel Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes from Samui

• Visibility: 10–30 meters

4. Southwest Pinnacle This dive site boasts submerged granite peaks covered in colorful soft corals. Expect encounters with snappers, batfish, and more - plus possible whale shark sightings.

• Highlights: Soft corals, pelagic life, reef diversity

• Travel Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

• Visibility: 10–30 meters

5. Koh Yippon & Koh Wao (Ang Thong Marine Park)Located within the protected Ang Thong Marine Park, these sites offer calm waters, stunning coral formations, and unique swim-throughs. Ideal for relaxed diving with plenty of marine biodiversity.

• Highlights: Banded sea snakes, parrotfish, stingrays, caves, soft and hard coral gardens

• Travel Time: ~50 minutes

• Visibility: 10–20 meters

Dive Koh Samui with Waterspeak Scuba

Ready for an unforgettable dive trip from Koh Samui? Waterspeak Scuba provides private scuba charters and Premium semi-private full-day diving trips to the Gulf of Thailand’s most breathtaking dive sites. Cruise on custom-built speedboats, use top-quality gear, and dive with expert guides who know every reef and pinnacle like the back of their hand.

Each trip is fully customized to your experience level and dive goals - chase vibrant coral reefs, explore hidden swim-throughs, or go in search of iconic marine life like whale sharks.

Book your Koh Samui scuba diving trip today and dive into the underwater magic waiting just offshore.