Diving on Koh Phangan isn’t for First Timers
Home of the world renowned Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan is well known for its party atmosphere the whole year long. But that isn’t all. Diving on Koh Phangan is amongst some of the best in the world.
Koh Phangan is perfectly located between the larger and more developed Koh Samui, and what some refer to as a ‘diving mecca’ at Koh Tao. This makes it either a great standalone diving spot or a stop on an extended diving adventure. The island makes for a perfect launch spot as well as a great place to rest and relax after dives.
What makes Koh Phangan so great?
Whilst there isn’t much actual diving off the coast of Koh Phangan itself, its location is perfect to visit sites near Koh Tao. That said, the main draw is that the incredible Sail Rock is a mere 15-minute speed boat ride from the coast of Koh Phangan. Sail Rock is undoubtedly the jewel in the Andaman sea. Plus, as we mentioned above, the island is a great spot to relax and meet other tourists and divers with a plethora of accommodation as well as some great nightlife.
The Best Diving Spots of Koh Phangan
Sail Rock – This stands out from the crowd as the best of the best. A 100-foot submerged rock formation that plays host to some of the most frequent whale shark sightings. Thanks to its relatively isolated location from other formations, the rock becomes a beacon to nearby marine life and you’re sure to be surrounded by fish and other animals. You’ll never be short of action with a Sail Rock dive.
Angthong Marine Park – This is a much larger area made up of over 40 small limestone islands. Think cave exploration, swim throughs, slopes and drop offs. The coral here is widespread and varied with sponge varieties as well as various black corals and sea fans. Once you get down deeper you’ll be able to spot the likes of sting rays, fusiliers and barracuda.
Mae Haad – A fringing reef just off the coast of Koh Phangan in the north west. This is a great spot for nudibranch spotting, sea horse watching and everything from sting rays to groupers. This is a great spot for divers of any level.
The Best Time of Year to Dive Koh Phangan
If you’re looking for the very best sightings in the best conditions then the ideal time to visit is between March and August. March is the best month with likely sightings of sharks, whale sharks and sea horses along with the chance of seeing whales, turtles and dolphins too. By November, when the rainy season has really set in, most trips won’t even leave due to worsening conditions and very poor visibility.
#BodegaHostels Insider Tip
There are many, many different dive schools on Koh Phangan. We can’t recommend a particular one over another so it’s over to you to conduct your own research. If you’re an experienced diver then you already know what to look for. As a beginner, we’d suggest reading up on what each provider offers as well as knowing whether or not you should be booking in advance.
