Shark Island
is one of Koh Tao’s most diverse and high-energy dive sites. Located off the southeast coast, this uninhabited granite island gets its name from its silhouette, which resembles a shark’s dorsal fin breaking the surface. It is often considered the “fish capital” of the island due to the sheer variety of marine life found there.
Key Details
- Depth: 5 to 25 meters.
- Skill Level: Open Water to Advanced. While parts are shallow, the site is prone to strong currents, making it an excellent place to practice drift diving.
- Visibility: 5 to 20 meters (can be affected by the currents that bring in nutrient-rich water).
- Topography: A massive, sloping reef made of granite boulders. The north side is shallower and more protected, while the south side drops deeper into the sand.
Marine Life
- The “Purple Forest”: Like Hin Wong, the deeper boulders here are covered in stunning soft purple tree corals and gorgonian sea fans.
- Unique Sightings: Shark Island is famous for being one of the few places on Koh Tao where you can regularly see Titan Triggerfish in large numbers (be cautious during nesting season!). It’s also a hotspot for Orange-spine Unicornfish and Longfin Bannerfish.
- The Giants: Whale Sharks are frequent visitors here. You will also see large Hawksbill Turtles, Blue-spotted Stingrays, and occasionally Banded Sea Kraits.
- Reef Schools: Massive schools of Yellowtail Barracuda, Trevally, and Batfish often congregate in the current-swept areas.
Location
10.06198, 99.84476 Get Directions
