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Scuba Diving at Losin, Thailand

Losin is the deepest dive site in the Gulf of Thailand, where staghorn coral fields converge with frequent whale shark sightings. This exceptionally remote location boasts crystal-clear waters and serene diving conditions, offering an unparalleled underwater adventure.

Losin Gallery

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Scuba Diving in Losin

Koh Losin, Thailand's smallest island, is marked by a lighthouse that shines brightly, guiding boats to avoid collisions. This lighthouse gives the island its distinctive appearance. Beneath the surface, the underwater world is even more spectacular. Divers encounter vast fields of staghorn coral stretching to the horizon, along with a prominent pinnacle rising from the island's base. The marine life is a major highlight, with frequent whale shark sightings making Koh Losin a renowned destination for liveaboard diving trips, especially in July, August, and September.

Diving Season in Losin

The diving season at Koh Losin aligns with the prime diving period in the Gulf of Thailand, from June to September. During these months, mild currents, low surface winds, and high underwater visibility create ideal scuba diving conditions. Divers should avoid October to January, when the monsoon season brings harsh weather. Given Koh Losin's exposed location in the open ocean, diving conditions can change rapidly during this period, posing potential dangers.

Top Dive Sites in Losin

Koh Losin stands out from other diving areas in Thailand. While many dive destinations offer multiple sites for varied scuba experiences, Koh Losin is unique in having just one dive site. Despite this, divers are drawn to it for multiple dives, hoping to witness spectacular sightings of whale sharks and manta rays. The dive site features two rock pinnacles: one in the north, which surfaces and supports the iconic lighthouse, and another in the south, submerged at 5–10 meters depending on the tide. A channel between the pinnacles offers an exciting area for divers to explore. However, most diving focuses on the area around the Losin pinnacle and its base, where an extensive field of staghorn coral thrives.

Losin Diverse Marine Life

Whale shark

Manta ray

Guitar shark

Blacktip reef shark

Eagle ray

Anemone fish

Box fish

Nudibranch

Octopus

Shrimp

Sea anemone

Soft Coral

Hard Coral

Turtle

Barracuda

Butterflyfish

Lionfish

Parrot fish

Losin Marine Life Sighting Calendar

HHigh chance

MMedium chance

LLow chance

-No sighting

At Koh Losin, scuba divers are primarily drawn by the chance to encounter whale sharks. These gentle giants use the isolated pinnacle as a navigational guide during their migration and feed on the abundant marine life around the reef, making sightings at Koh Losin relatively common. Manta rays, another impressive species, can also be spotted, though less frequently than whale sharks. For the exceptionally lucky diver, guitar sharks—rare and elusive—may be seen lingering near the ocean floor. Even without these spectacular sightings, Koh Losin delivers a vibrant underwater spectacle. Turtles frequent the reef, schools of fish and colorful reef species thrive in abundance, and the expansive staghorn coral field, a rare sight globally, remains a breathtaking highlight of the dive site.

Losin Diving Conditions

Recommended scuba diving level
Advanced Open Water

Water temperature

28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F)

Underwater visibility

10 - 30 meters

Underwater current

Medium to strong - sometime unpredictable

Depth

5 to 40 meters - but usually dive at 15-25 meters

Weather

Warm and breezy during the dry season - avoid monsoon season

Underwater hazard

Strong current

Divers can expect water temperatures in the region to be warm, typically ranging from 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F). Underwater visibility is generally good, often ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), though this can be affected by weather conditions.

Dive Site Specifics:

Recommended Scuba Diving Level: While some sources suggest that Koh Losin can be suitable for all levels, from novice to experienced, the potential for strong and unpredictable underwater currents makes it more appropriate for advanced divers or experienced intermediate divers. A high degree of buoyancy control and comfort in drift diving are highly recommended. Liveaboard trips, the primary way to access this remote site, often cater to a more experienced clientele.

Depth: The dive sites around Koh Losin offer a varied topography with depths ranging from approximately 5 meters (16 feet) to over 40 meters (131 feet). The main pinnacle itself drops to considerable depths, providing opportunities for deep diving enthusiasts.

Underwater Current: The currents at Koh Losin can be moderate to strong and are often unpredictable. This is a key factor to consider when planning a dive here. These currents are also what contribute to the nutrient-rich waters that attract a high diversity of marine life.

Underwater Hazards: The primary underwater hazard at Koh Losin is the strong and potentially shifting currents. Its remote location also means that access to emergency medical services is limited. Divers should be self-sufficient and comfortable with their equipment and skills. As with any reef, it is important to be mindful of marine life and avoid contact with fragile corals.