Diving at Shark Island, Koh Tao

Explore the beauty of Shark Island in Koh Tao. This dive site is an underwater paradise for divers at every skill level, housing vibrant reefs and various marine creatures awaiting your exploration.

Diving into the Depths: The Allure of Shark Island

Shark Island is a well-known diving destination near Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. While the island gets its name from its shark-fin-shaped rock formations, it is also a well-known spot for spotting blacktip reef sharks, turtles, and schools of tropical fish. It is popular for its mesmerizing underwater scenery and plentiful marine life diversity. It attracts beginner and experienced divers who want to explore its vibrant coral reefs and deep underwater cliffs and admire fascinating marine creatures in a stunning natural setting. With ideal diving conditions throughout the year, Koh Tao’s Shark Island offers an underwater world for ocean enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.

Timing Your Dive: The Best Seasons to ExploreShark Island

The prime months for diving around Shark Island are from March through October, when the seas are tranquil and visibility is excellent. Koh Tao’s prime dive site offers divers an ideal setting to explore the underwater landscapes and come across a variety of marine life, in the warmer waters. While diving is possible year-round, the monsoon season (November to February) may bring stronger currents and reduced visibility, making the site more suitable for experienced divers.

Shark Island Diverse Marine Life

Whale shark

Whale shark

Anemone fish

Anemone fish

Box fish

Box fish

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

Sea anemone

Sea anemone

Hard Coral

Hard Coral

Turtle

Turtle

Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish

Lionfish

Lionfish

Parrot fish

Parrot fish

Shark Island Marine Life Sighting Calendar

HHigh chance
MMedium chance
LLow chance
-No sighting
ANIMAL
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Whale shark

Whale shark

LLMMLLLLMMLL
Box fish

Box fish

MMMMMMMMMMMM
Hard Coral

Hard Coral

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Lionfish

Lionfish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Parrot fish

Parrot fish

HHHHHHHHHHHH

The Marine Marvels of Shark Island: Animals and Seasons

Shark Island truly lives up to its reputation as a hotspot for divers seeking the thrill of getting close to blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and barracudas alongside schools of tropical fish. The waters surrounding the island housed a vibrant ecosystem teeming with a variety of marine creatures, ranging from the colorful nudibranchs to the breathtaking sightings of majestic manta rays.

Shark Island Diving Conditions

Recommended scuba diving level
Beginner and above

Water temperature25°C - 29°C
Underwater visibility5M - 20M
Underwater currentModerate
Depth5M - 25M
WeatherTemperature: 28°C - 35°C Monsoon season: Oct - Dec
Underwater hazardNone

Scuba diving at Shark Island in Koh Tao

Find out all about how the Shark Island dive site in Koh Tao offers the ideal diving conditions for a memorable experience:

Water Temperature: The water around Shark Island stays pleasantly warm all year round. It usually ranges from 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F) allowing divers to enjoy their dives without the chill of cold water.

Underwater Visibility: Visibility and clarity usually reach about 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet), allowing for views of coral reefs and diverse sea creatures.

Currents: Shark Island in Koh Tao encounters ocean currents ranging from gentle to strong, providing a thrilling opportunity for drift dives and allowing skilled divers to test their abilities in challenging conditions.

Depth: The diving location provides depths for beginners in shallow waters and experienced divers who want to go deeper, with sections extending to 25 meters (82 feet).

Weather: The best time for diving is between March and October, usually after the monsoon season has passed, when sea conditions are calm, visibility is high, and water temperatures are warm.

Hazards: Be cautious of conditions that may cause safety risks when diving at Shark Island, such as strong currents and sharp coral. Remember to dive within your capabilities and follow safety protocols.

Visiting Shark Island near Koh Tao is a must for diving enthusiasts exploring the Gulf of Thailand. The combination of depths, clear waters, and diverse marine life makes it an ideal spot to witness the beauty beneath the waves. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, diving at Shark Island guarantees a journey filled with marvels and exciting underwater experiences.

Plan Your Dive Trip with Giant Stride

Giant Stride offers stress-free dive bookings with trusted, certified dive operators to ensure an unforgettable diving experience at Shark Island in Koh Tao. We partner with established operators and experienced dive instructors to provide a fun and safe dive. We offer liveaboards, dive trips, and dive courses to cater to beginners, intermediate, and advanced divers.