Batfish in Thailand: A Diver’s Dream

By Sorrasek Phiboonthammasak Date 23 Jun 2025

Picture yourself gliding through Thailand’s turquoise waters, a school of batfish shimmering around you like underwater kites. These disc-shaped wonders, with their curious eyes and quirky behavior, are a highlight of any dive in the Land of Smiles. Known as batfish in Thailand, they’re a magnet for divers chasing unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, this guide spills all the secrets on spotting batfish, from their hangouts to the best times to dive. Ready to meet these underwater buddies? Let’s dive in with Giant Stride and make it happen!

What’s the Deal with Batfish?

Batfish, especially the Teira Batfish (Platax teira), are the ocean’s cool kids. Their flattened, triangular bodies, massive fins, and silver sheen make them stand out. Adults rock dark bands and yellow fins, while juveniles look like boomerang-shaped flatworms to fool predators. Growing up to 70 cm, these chill fish love hanging out in schools, often trailing divers out of curiosity. They munch on plankton, algae, and small critters, thriving around reefs, wrecks, and lagoons.

In Thailand, batfish are total crowd-pleasers, especially for underwater photographers. But they’re not invincible—overfishing and reef damage threaten their vibe. That’s why diving responsibly with pros like Giant Stride is key to keeping their world thriving.

Where to Spot Batfish in Thailand

Batfish in Thailand pop up in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, chilling around coral reefs, pinnacles, and wrecks. Here’s where to find them:

Koh Tao: This dive mecca’s got batfish galore at spots like Chumphon Pinnacle and Junkyard Reef, where schools swirl around artificial structures.

Similan Islands: A marine park bursting with life, sites like Elephant Head Rock and Christmas Point are batfish hotspots.

Surin Islands: Remote and wild, Hin Rap and Torinla Pinnacle host batfish among epic corals.

Koh Chang: Hin Luk Bat’s pinnacle is a batfish favorite, perfect for spotting schools.

Koh Phi Phi: Bida Nok and Bida Nai draw batfish to their coral gardens.

Look for them near mooring lines, under boats, or around anything offering a bit of cover—they’re nosy like that!

Best Dive Sites for Batfish

Thailand’s dive sites are batfish central. Here are the top spots to catch them in action:

Chumphon Pinnacle (Koh Tao): A granite tower where batfish schools dance over rocks. At 35 meters deep, it’s for advanced divers, with visibility hitting 30 meters.

Sail Rock (Gulf of Thailand): Between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, this site’s a batfish magnet. Swim through the “chimney” and snap pics of schools mingling with barracuda.

Elephant Head Rock (Similan Islands): Swim-throughs and boulders make this a batfish playground. Strong currents suit experienced divers.

Hin Luk Bat (Koh Chang): A 5–25-meter pinnacle buzzing with batfish, morays, and parrotfish—great for all levels.

Junkyard Reef (Koh Tao): An artificial reef where juvenile batfish hide, showing off their boomerang fins.

These sites, reachable by day trips or liveaboards, are your ticket to batfish.

When to Dive with Batfish

Batfish are around all year, but timing matters for the best encounters:

Andaman Sea (Similan & Surin Islands): October to April is prime, with November to April offering 30-meter visibility. February to April is peak for batfish schools, thanks to plankton blooms.

Gulf of Thailand (Koh Tao, Koh Chang): May to September brings calm seas and 20–30-meter visibility. Batfish move around, so check with dive shops for their latest haunts.

Hot Months: March to May and October to early December are gold for spotting big schools, especially at Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle.

With water temps at 27–30°C, you’ll be comfy diving anytime.

How to Hang with Batfish (Without Freaking Them Out)

Meeting batfish in Thailand is a vibe, but you’ve gotta play it cool:

Go Slow: Batfish are curious but skittish. Glide in gently to keep them chill.

Keep Your Distance: Stay a few meters back, especially at cleaning stations where they go dark and flip sideways.

Don’t Touch: Hands off the fish and their coral homes—touching stresses them out.

Nail Your Buoyancy: Avoid kicking up sand or bumping reefs, which batfish use for cover.

Photo Hacks: Use a wide-angle lens for school shots. Skip the flash—batfish aren’t fans.

Know Their Moves: Adults might follow you, but juveniles are shy, hiding near corals or lines.

Respect the Ocean: Overfishing and reef damage hit batfish hard. Stick to marine park rules—no feeding, no trash.

Got your PADI Open Water? You’re set for deeper sites like Chumphon. Newbies can hit shallow spots like Junkyard with a guide. Always dive with a solid operator like Giant Stride for safety and eco vibes.

Why You Gotta See Batfish with Giant Stride

Diving with batfish in Thailand is pure magic. Their shimmering schools and quirky antics make every dive a story worth telling. From Koh Tao’s bustling reefs to the Similan’s pristine pinnacles, batfish are Thailand’s underwater rockstars. Whether you’re after epic photos or just wanna vibe with nature, they’re a must-see.

Make it happen with Giant Stride, your go-to for scuba adventures in Thailand. Here’s why they’re the real deal:

Epic Trips: From Koh Tao day dives to Similan liveaboards, they’ve got options for every skill level, hitting all the batfish hot spots.

Hassle-Free Booking: Their platform’s a breeze, with clear trip details and secure payments.

Wallet-Friendly: Snag the best prices on dive packages, so you get more splash for your cash.

Eco Warriors: Giant Stride’s all about sustainable diving, protecting batfish and their reef homes.

Don’t just dream about diving with batfish—make it real! Book with Giant Stride at giantstridetravel.com and dive into Thailand’s underwater wonderland. Your batfish adventure awaits!

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