Diving in Koh Tao

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

General species description, not specific to this destination

Occasionally seen while traveling between dive sites. A real treat!

Loggerhead Turtle

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Bull Shark

Destination note

Rare seasonal visitor to offshore pinnacles; most frequently reported at Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle during dry season months Dec-Apr; solitary, typically seen cruising at depth

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Resident breeder, frequently seen year-round on shallow reefs and nesting beaches; peak nesting season Dec-Apr

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Common resident, often seen grazing on seagrass beds in shallow bays like Mango Bay and Japanese Gardens

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Occasional visitor to offshore reefs and pinnacles; solitary or in small groups, most frequently sighted at Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock, and South West Pinnacle

Crowned Jellyfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A marine species with typical characteristics for its taxonomic group. Found in various marine habitats.

Common Lionfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

The stunning Common Lionfish is immediately recognizable by its dramatic fan-like pectoral fins and bold red, white, and brown stripes. These graceful predators glide slowly through the water with their venomous spines spread wide like a feathered headdress. Despite their beauty, lionfish are aggressive hunters that use their large mouths to vacuum up small fish and crustaceans. Originally from the Indo-Pacific, they've become established invaders in Caribbean waters. Divers often spot them hovering near coral formations or rocky overhangs during the day, moving with deliberate, almost theatrical movements. Their confidence underwater is striking – they rarely flee from approaching divers, making them excellent photography subjects when observed from a respectful distance.

Great Barracuda

Destination note

Common resident at offshore pinnacles and deep reef sites; solitary or in small groups, frequently seen at Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle during Dec-Apr season

Blue-ring Angelfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

The blue-ring angelfish is a large, deep-bodied reef fish with a yellowish to brown body, vivid curved blue lines, and a prominent blue ring above the gill cover. Juveniles are dark with pale blue and white arcs, changing pattern as they mature. It grazes sponges and tunicates and is one of the more conspicuous angelfishes on Indo-Pacific reefs.

Spotted Coral Grouper

General species description, not specific to this destination

A marine species with typical characteristics for its taxonomic group. Found in various marine habitats.