Koh Phangan is certainly the place to be if you are a party animal, but that’s not all the destination has in store for those hoping to visit. With warm ocean waters rich in marine life, the island is also a haven for diving enthusiasts. The west, northwest and northern coasts of the island are famous among avid divers. But the best part is that divers of any level are welcome to experience these dive sites as they offer a combination of shallow and deep waters. Here’s a comprehensive guide for all the beginner, novice, and expert divers out there who are ready to plan their expedition in Koh Phangan.
A bit about what to look forward to…
Start your adventure with snorkelling on this beautiful island of Koh Phangan. You can easily indulge in this activity by joining a snorkelling excursion by a trusted tour operator who offers snorkel equipment and mandatory safety briefings. Additionally, you can rent gear from your luxury island hotel in Koh Phangan or from local rental companies. For a personalized touch, consider purchasing your own equipment.
When it comes to diving, the dive site called Koh Ma is the island’s richest diving site. Ban Tai Reef and other parts of the waters surrounding the islands also offer a glimpse at a variety of reef fish. Many divers prefer to stay at Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas or any other hotel on the island and travel to the island of Koh Tao with tour operators to explore sites such as Sail Rock, Chumporn pinnacles and islands included in the Marine National Park.
The waters of Koh Phangan are home to both hard and soft corals and include a diverse variety of fish and sharks and you might even come across a turtle or two if you are lucky. A list of species you might encounter include; damselfish, groupers, angelfish, goatfish, wrasse, parrotfish, anemonefish, snapper, stingrays, large barracuda, tuna, cuttlefish, and mackerel.
Popular Snorkelling and Diving Spots in Koh Phangan
Learn more about the famous diving spots you ought to visit as an underwater enthusiast when in Koh Phangan. Here is a comprehensive list for you.
Koh Ma
Koh Ma, a small island linked to the northwest of Koh Phangan by a sandbar, is a hidden gem for underwater enthusiasts. While it is famous for its snorkelling opportunities, this site also holds appeal for novice scuba divers eager to explore the diverse marine life. The underwater world around Koh Ma boasts an array of colourful fish and vibrant coral formations, making it a captivating destination. Steep shelves adorned with both hard and soft corals create a fascinating underwater landscape that is as inviting to cuttlefish as it is to curious scuba divers. Schools of fish, including barracuda, bannerfish, and sizable groupers, are a common sight, adding to the allure of Koh Ma as a must-visit dive site in the region.
Mae Had
Mae Had is another highly favoured scuba diving site in Koh Phangan, known for its maximum depths reaching up to 15 meters. The site features an extensive graduated coral reef dive, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore diverse reef species thriving among the hard corals. The coral reef near Ao Chao Phao is conveniently located just 100 meters from the beach, making it easily accessible to divers. This underwater world showcases a rich variety of marine life, including some substantial species, as the drop-off creates a magnet for underwater enthusiasts.
Haad Salad
Haad Salad is a tranquil haven for coral reef diving, characterized by its serene waters and an abundance of hard corals. This dive site offers an excellent opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life up to depths of 14 meters. The hard corals here provide a thriving ecosystem for various reef fish, creating a colourful and appealing underwater landscape. Moreover, the neighbouring Haad Yao offers similar underwater terrains, making it accessible to both snorkelers and scuba divers in Koh Phangan. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful dive amidst calm waters or a chance to witness the wonders of the reef, Haad Salad and its nearby counterpart, Haad Yao, provide a delightful underwater adventure for all.
Koh Tae Nok
Koh Tae Nok, an island located just off the southern coast of Koh Phangan, near Thong Sala, is a renowned diving destination. This dive site boasts a diverse underwater world, featuring both hard and soft corals, a variety of tropical fish, and the occasional sighting of a reef shark. The coral formations provide a vivid backdrop to the thriving marine life, making it a must-visit spot for divers seeking an enchanting underwater experience in the waters of Koh Phangan.
Haad Khom
This location stands as a well-frequented Koh Phangan snorkelling site, thanks to its vast expanse of vibrant coral that acts as a natural shield against open waters, granting excellent underwater visibility. Numerous dive schools choose this location for their excursions, particularly those from nearby Chaloklum Bay. It’s considered one of the prime sites on the island for encountering a diverse range of marine life.
Sailrock
Undoubtedly the most renowned destination for marine life in the Thai Gulf, is conveniently accessible on scuba diving trips from both Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. This exceptional site offers an immersive experience for divers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. The majestic rock formation rises prominently from the water, creating a captivating diving wall with depths reaching up to 40 meters. Diving around Sailrock treats Koh Phangan divers to rich marine life, breathtaking rock formations, and the iconic ‘chimney’ swim-through tunnel. This exceptional underwater world is a must-visit, promising an unforgettable dive adventure for all.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Surrounding Koh Phangan, known as the inspiration for Alex Garland’s backpacker classic, “The Beach,” this national park comprises 42 unspoiled tropical islands. Within these pristine waters lies some of the most well-preserved coral in the entire Kingdom of Thailand. It has earned its reputation as a sanctuary for divers seeking an array of marine life and captivating underwater rock formations.
The journey to Ang Thong takes approximately two hours from Koh Phangan, with the most rewarding diving opportunities found at the park’s northernmost boundary. Here, divers have a splendid chance to encounter rare denizens of the Thai Gulf, including turtles and sea snakes. Other points of interest include towering two-meter giant hydroids and black corals, with depths reaching up to 30 meters.
Ang Thong is distinguished not by dramatic drop-offs but by gentle shelving, featuring unique elements such as swim-throughs, rocky outcroppings, and shallow caverns. What makes scuba diving in Ang Thong Marine National Park truly exceptional is its suitability for divers of all levels, from novices to experts. Moreover, it’s easily accessible for snorkelers, making it a comprehensive and accessible marine adventure.