Explore Southwest Pinnacle in Koh Tao, a diver's paradise with stunning underwater topography and vibrant marine life. Dive into the beauty today!
Diving into the Depths: The Allure of Southwest Pinnacle
Southwest Pinnacle in Koh Tao is renowned for its breathtaking underwater landscape, making it an essential dive site for enthusiasts venturing into the Gulf of Thailand. This site offers a rich tapestry of marine biodiversity and geological formations, attracting divers of every level. With its array of soft corals, sea fans, and anemones, Southwest Pinnacle is a testament to the underwater wonders of Koh Tao.
Timing Your Dive: The Best Seasons to ExploreSouthwest Pinnacle
The best time to dive at Southwest Pinnacle is from March to October when visibility is at its peak and water conditions are most favorable. During this period, water temperatures average between 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F), ensuring a comfortable diving experience
Southwest Pinnacle Diverse Marine Life
Whale shark
Anemone fish
Box fish
Nudibranch
Octopus
Shrimp
Sea anemone
Soft Coral
Hard Coral
Turtle
Barracuda
Butterflyfish
Lionfish
Parrot fish
Southwest Pinnacle 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
L
L
M
M
L
L
L
L
M
M
L
L
Box fish
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
Hard Coral
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
Lionfish
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
Parrot fish
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
The Marine Marvels of Southwest Pinnacle: Animals and Seasons
The marine life at Southwest Pinnacle is diverse and abundant. Divers can expect to encounter schools of trevallies, barracudas, and batfish. The site is also known for sightings of whale sharks, especially during the season. Macro life enthusiasts will find a variety of nudibranchs and smaller critters among the corals.
Southwest Pinnacle Diving Conditions
Recommended scuba diving level Advanced open water
Water temperature27°C - 29°C
Underwater visibility5M - 10M
Underwater currentModerate to Strong
Depth4M - 30M
WeatherTemperature: 28°C - 35°C
Monsoon season: Oct - Dec
Underwater hazardStrong current, Low visibility
Water Temperature: Warm tropical waters year-round, ideal for extended dive times without the need for thick wetsuits.
Underwater Visibility: At Southwest Pinnacle, visibility varies significantly, ranging from 2 to 20 meters. This fluctuation is due to the site's exposed location, which can affect clarity
Currents: Varying currents can be encountered, from mild to strong, making it suitable for both leisurely exploration and challenging drift dives.
Depth: The dive site ranges in depth, offering opportunities for both novice divers and those seeking deeper adventures, with areas extending beyond 30 meters (100 feet).
Weather: Conditions are generally best outside the monsoon season, with calm seas and sunny skies enhancing the diving experience.
Hazards: As with any dive site, awareness of currents and navigation around the pinnacle's topography is crucial for a safe dive.
Southwest Pinnacle is a highlight of diving in Koh Tao, offering a unique blend of stunning coral formations, diverse marine life, and challenges for divers seeking to push their limits. Whether you're floating through schools of fish in the shallows or exploring the deeper contours of the pinnacle, this site promises an unforgettable underwater adventure.