Chumphon Pinnacle
Chumphon Pinnacle · 11 km NW of Koh Tao
Eleven kilometres off the north-west tip of Koh Tao, a single granite tower climbs out of the blue to within fourteen metres of the surface. This is Chumphon Pinnacle - the most celebrated dive in the Gulf of Thailand, and on its day, one of the most alive.
The main pinnacle is ringed by a scatter of smaller satellite rocks, their ledges and grooves upholstered in soft coral, sea whips, gorgonian fans and barrel sponges. Anemone gardens glow on the south-eastern side, home to pink anemonefish. Groupers hang in the current shadows while batfish and trevally patrol the open water. From March to May, and again from September to October, the site draws the visitor every diver hopes for - the whale shark, the largest fish in the sea, cruising slow circles around the rock.
Things to see
Getting there
A 45-minute boat ride north-west of the island. Current can be strong - a good buoyancy level and an Advanced certification are recommended.
*Whale sharks are seasonal and never guaranteed - best chances are March-May and September-October.
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Hand-picked PADI courses based on this article.
Advanced Open Water
Advance to 30m depth with the PADI Advanced Open Water course in Koh Tao. 2 days, 5 adventure dives, deep diving and navigation. ฿10,000 with Siam Scuba.
View courseDeep Diving
Dive deeper safely in Koh Tao with the PADI Deep Diver specialty. 4 dives down to 40m, including Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock with Siam Scuba.
View courseDive Chumphon Pinnacle with Siam Scuba
Small groups, private dive boats, and instructors who know every metre of this site.
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