Welcome to Davy Jones Locker’ Diving on Koh Lipe

 

 

Diving Around Koh Lipe and Tarutao National Park

Koh Lipe, located in the Andaman Sea, near the Malaysian border, and Tarutao National Park offer some of Thailand’s most pristine and diverse diving experiences. The marine life, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for divers of all levels.

 

 

 

Top 10 Dive Sites

 

1.Stonehenge

• Famous for its massive underwater pinnacles resembling Stonehenge.
• Known for colorful soft corals, schools of barracuda, and occasional manta ray sightings.

2. 8 Mile Rock

• Deep dive site with pinnacles starting at 18 meters and descending beyond 50 meters.
• Pelagic species like whale sharks, manta rays, and large schools of trevally.

3. Koh Salam

• Known for vibrant coral fields and clear waters.
• Rich with small reef fish, nudibranchs, and occasional sightings of turtles and stingrays.

4. Koh Taru

• Shallow site with stunning coral gardens and rock formations.
• Common sightings of leopard sharks, sea turtles, and rays.

5. Adang Corner

• Located near Koh Adang, this site offers incredible drift diving.
• Eagle rays, reef sharks, and colorful reef fish are often seen here.

6. Koh Yang

• Known for its beautilluf walls on one side and forest of green- tube coral on the other.
• Beautiful gorgonian sea fans, moray eels, and batfish.
  

7. Ko Ra Ba

• Small and remote island, dive site with healthy coral gardens and abundant marine life.
• Ideal for spotting lionfish, cuttlefish, and various crustaceans in its rocky formations.

8.  Pattaya Corner

• A lesser-known site with stunning corals, rock formation and rich marine biodiversity.
• Seahose, turtles, scorpion fish, puffish and box fish.

9. Koh Kra

• Shallow dive site perfect for beginners and snorkelers.
• Teeming with parrotfish, clownfish, and colorful coral formations.

10. Koh Hin Ngam

• Famous for its black stones above the surface, but below, it offers rich coral gardens.
• A great spot for macro photography with various species of nudibranchs.

 

Marine Life

Koh Lipe and Tarutao National Park are home to an impressive range of marine species. You can expect to encounter:

• Pelagic species like whale sharks, manta rays, and barracuda.
• Reef dwellers including lionfish, groupers, and moray eels.
• Macro life such as seahorses, nudibranchs, and octopuses.
• Turtles (hawksbill and green sea turtles) are common sightings.
• Sharks including reef sharks and the occasional leopard shark.

 

Coral Reefs

The area boasts some of Thailand’s healthiest coral reefs, with a mix of soft and hard corals. Soft corals, in particular, are abundant at deeper sites like Stonehenge, creating a stunning backdrop for diving. The coral gardens are vibrant with species such as:

• Staghorn and brain corals
• Gorgonian sea fans
• Massive sponges

 

 

Diving Conditions

• Visibility: Generally excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters, depending on the time of year.
• Water Temperature: Warm throughout the year, typically between 27°C and 30°C.
• Currents: Moderate to strong at deeper sites like 8 Mile Rock and Adang Corner, perfect for drift dives.
• Difficulty: A variety of dive sites suitable for all levels, from shallow coral reefs to deep, advanced sites for technical divers.

 

 

Best Seasons for Diving

• High Season: November to April. The weather is dry, the seas are calm, and visibility is at its peak.
• Low Season: May to October. While the monsoon season brings stronger winds and rain, it’s still possible to dive, but conditions may be more challenging.

 

Koh Lipe and Tarutao National Park offer a perfect mix of marine diversity, vibrant coral reefs, and unique underwater topography. Whether you’re exploring deep pinnacles or shallow coral gardens, this region promises an unforgettable diving experience.