Chumphon Pinnacle
is widely considered the “King” of Koh Tao’s dive sites. Located about 11km northwest of the island, this massive offshore granite seamount is where you go for deep-water drama, huge schools of fish, and the highest probability of encountering the ocean’s giants.
Key Details
- Depth: 14 to 40 meters. The top of the main pinnacle sits at 14m, while the sandy bottom reaches 36–40m.
- Skill Level: Advanced Open Water (due to the depth and potential for surface swells and currents).
- Visibility: 10 to 30+ meters. Being far offshore, it often enjoys the clearest water in the Gulf of Thailand.
- Topography: One enormous central pinnacle surrounded by several smaller clusters of rocks (satellites). The rocks are covered in a carpet of sea anemones.
Marine Life
- The “Whale Shark Magnet”: This is arguably the most famous spot in Thailand for Whale Shark sightings. It is common for these gentle giants to hang around the pinnacle for days at a time.
- Schools of Pelagics: Expect to be surrounded by massive, swirling “tornadoes” of Chevron Barracuda, Big-eye Trevally, and Queenfish.
- Predators: Large Giant Groupers (some the size of a small car) lurk in the deeper crevices. You may also see hunting King Mackerel and Rainbow Runners darting through the baitfish.
- Barracuda Rock: To the southwest of the main pinnacle lies a smaller cluster where you can almost always find a resident school of Great Barracuda.
- Anemone City: The upper plateaus of the pinnacle are entirely covered in thousands of pink and purple magnificent sea anemones, home to countless Pink Skunk Clownfish.
Barracuda Rock & Beyond For those with good air consumption, a short navigation off the main pinnacle leads to Barracuda Rock. It is a slightly deeper patch that acts as a haven for larger predators and offers a break from the main crowd if the site is busy.
Location
10°10’17.8″N 99°46’48.8″E, 5QCH+XF, Ko Tao, Get Directions
