The attractive island of Koh Tao types a part of the Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. This idyllic island is a tropical paradise with white sand seashores fringed with palm timber, rugged cliffs, and gorgeous sunsets. Koh Tao’s underwater surroundings is simply as spectacular with coral encrusted rock pinnacles, vibrant reefs, and a few nice shipwrecks. Koh Tao presents the chance to see passing pelagics together with whale sharks, leopard sharks, and manta rays. If you’re not searching to the blue you’ll be mesmerized by the plethora of vibrant reef fish throughout you.
Why Dive in Koh Tao?
Koh Tao has one thing for each degree of diver. You’ll discover calm protected bays appropriate for novices and unimaginable drifts, pinnacles, and deep dives for extra skilled divers.
Diving in Koh Tao presents heat waters (84°F/29°C), and equally wonderful visibility. When you find yourself not underwater, you’ll discover limitless alternatives on land. Take pleasure in all the pieces from trekking and exploring to chilling out in a hammock whereas watching the sundown over the ocean.
High Marine Species in Koh Tao
What are you able to see whereas diving in Koh Tao? Developing subsequent are just some of the underwater highlights of this gorgeous vacation spot.
1. Whale Sharks
That is in all probability one of the crucial iconic species that divers from world wide hope to see. Though these sleek giants could be seen all 12 months spherical, throughout the months of April and Might whale sharks are ceaselessly seen at Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, and Sail Rock. Look out for them cruising via the blue, feeding, and being cleaned by cleaner wrasse.
2. Inexperienced Sea Turtles
Inexperienced sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are a spotlight of diving at websites corresponding to Tanote Bay and Shark Bay. These stunning turtles can reside from 80 to 100 years making them one of many longest dwelling of all marine species.
3. Barracuda
There are 29 identified species of barracuda, and in Koh Tao you’ll mostly see spectacular colleges of chevron barracuda and secondly, particular person predatory large barra`cuda. Whether or not it’s a college or an enormous hungry wanting large, they by no means fail to impress.
4. Blacktip Reef Shark
Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) are a medium-sized shark that’s at present listed by the IUCN (The Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature) as weak. Nonetheless, in Koh Tao divers are lucky to see these sharks cruising across the reefs – typically in numbers. No matter their standing, blacktips are an important a part of any Koh Tao underwater journey.
5. Moray Eels
Moray eels could be noticed at virtually all Koh Tao dive websites. White eyed, white mouthed, large, and starry morays are sometimes peering out from beneath ledges and in crevices. Strive night time dives in Koh Tao and witness morays swimming freely as they hunt out prey on the reef.
Do you know that morays are sometimes misunderstood? They open and shut their mouths which could be perceived as a menace to chew, nevertheless, they’re merely respiration. The opening and shutting of their mouths forces water via their gills guaranteeing they’ve the oxygen they should survive!
6. Blue-spotted Stingrays
If diving Twins or Southwest Pinnacle there are the perfect possibilities of a blue noticed stingray sighting. Through the daytime these rays are exceptionally shy and spend their time resting on the sand – normally beneath ledges or in recesses. Regardless of their brilliant blue spots, they’re masters of camouflage that may burrow their approach beneath the sand.
7. Titan Triggerfish
Titan triggerfish are the most important species of triggerfish. They are often noticed at dive websites throughout Koh Tao and are extremely distinctive as a result of their swimming fashion. Have you ever noticed that they swim utilizing a waving movement of their dorsal and anal (tail) fins? This swimming approach means they’re one of many solely fish that may swim ahead, backward, and even hover over the reef!
You may discover the triggerfish’s territorial nature when diving in koh Tao. They nest on the reef and, throughout the breeding interval, they are going to defend their nest with verocity from something that swims over the nest, till it’s out of the neighborhood.
8. Cuttlefish
Though Koh Tao’s dive websites are house to a large number of cephalopods, the broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus) is without doubt one of the mostly noticed species that you’re more likely to encounter. Watching two cuttlefish come collectively and mating is a spotlight of diving right here. If they aren’t mating, look out for females fastidiously laying eggs among the many branching corals. You may even spot clutches of eggs whereas swimming by!
9. Nudibranch
In case you are a macro underwater photographer, then Koh Tao doesn’t disappoint. You’ll discover an array of nudibranch in a rainbow of colours. The species change seasonally all year long and it’s typically potential to see ribbons of nudibranch eggs on the reef. What number of species does Koh Tao supply? It’s unimaginable to rely!
10. Anemonefish
Whereas this may seem to be an apparent selection, there are a number of species of anemonefish to be discovered round Koh Tao. These characterful fish will defend their properties fiercely. Do you know that the most important anemonefish on any anemone is the feminine? Different anemonefish round her are males and when the feminine passes away, the most important male modifications gender to feminine and takes her place!
E-book Your Koh Tao Journey Now
In conclusion, whether or not you wish to dive with the most important fish on this planet to tiny nudibranchs, diving in Koh Tao is filled with surprises. In case you are able to ebook your journey, head over to PADI Journey now.
