Diving in Koh Samui
The Best Sites in the Gulf of Thailand
Samui Island has been welcoming visitors since the early 1970's and has developed into the most popular tourist destination on the east coast of Thailand.
The Gulf of Thailand is somewhat sheltered from the major oceans in the region and that protection gives the Gulf a number of high quality dive sites which can be dived all year round. Most of the dives sites are close to Koh Tao and can be dived on full day trips out of Koh Samui.
Many pelagic fish such as whale sharks are frequent visitors to the area. There are towering pinnacles, huge rock formations, colourful soft & hard corals and sloping reefs. Although most people would agree that the diving is better on Thailand’s west coast, Koh Samui Island diving on the east coast still has some world class sites.
Samui will always be one of Thailand's favourite tourist destinations. With some excellent hotels and resorts, great beaches, the spectacular Ang Thong National Marine Park, and a mix of nightlife and quiet retreats, the island makes a fine place for a dive holiday, especially during the summer months when Phuket and the Similans are in low season.
• Koh Samui tourist information
• Map of Samui Island
Diving Season
You can dive all the Koh Samui and Koh Tao diving spots year round, but the very best conditions exist from May to August, which is when the Andaman coast has low season.
September to November brings the Northeast monsoon winds and surface swells to the islands, reducing visibility by about 30%. It's pretty rare that diving trips are cancelled due to bad weather, but speedboat rides can be somewhat bouncy. It can also be windy and wet from November to February so it may be better to go diving in Phuket, Phi Phi or the Similan Islands then.
Reef Basics
Great for: Small animals, beginner divers, value-for-money, snorkelling and non-diving activities
Not so Great for: Wrecks and drift dives
Depth: 5 - 40m
Visibility: 5 - 40m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Calm to moderate
Water Temperature: 27 - 29°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: ~10
Access: Day trips from Koh Samui by speedboat
Recommended length of stay: 1 week
Dive Sites
More detailed information on some of the best Koh Samui diving sites:
Dive The World Recommendations: Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock
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• Thailand scuba diving enquiries
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