Introduction to Scuba Diving in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe’s location within Tarutao National Marine Park makes it a premier destination for scuba diving in Thailand. With visibility often exceeding 30 metres and waters teeming with marine biodiversity, divers can explore dramatic pinnacles, historic wrecks, and coral gardens. Whether you’re a novice or advanced diver, the island’s mix of calm bays and challenging drift dives offers something for everyone.

Top Dive Sites for Unforgettable Adventures

8 Mile Rock

This submerged granite pinnacle, located 13 kilometres southwest of Koh Lipe, is a magnet for pelagic species. Descend to 25 metres to spot barracuda schools, eagle rays, and occasional manta rays. Advanced divers love the strong currents that attract larger marine life.

Yong Hua Shipwreck

A haunting artificial reef, this 50 metre long cargo ship sank in 2014 and now lies at 30 metres depth. Swim through its cargo holds to find batfish, lionfish, and cryptic octopuses. Night dives here reveal bioluminescent plankton glowing around the wreck.

Stonehenge

Named for its towering boulders, this site near Koh Adang features swim throughs and crevices home to moray eels and leopard sharks. Ideal for underwater photography, with soft corals coating the rocks in hues of pink and orange.

Choosing a Responsible Dive Operator

Reputable operators like Forra Dive and Bubble Dive prioritise small group sizes and eco friendly practices. A two tank dive costs approximately 2,500 to 3,500 THB, including gear and park fees. Look for Green Fins certified operators who follow no touch, no trace principles.

Marine Life and Conservation Efforts

Koh Lipe’s waters host over 200 coral species and 1,000 fish species. Keep an eye out for:

• Macro life such as Seahorses, ghost pipefish, and nudibranchs in seagrass beds.

• Megafauna such as Whale sharks, reef sharks, and dolphins during seasonal migrations.

• Coral restoration, join eco dives with Trash Hero to help replant staghorn corals damaged by past bleaching.

Diving with Families and Beginners

Gentle sites like Koh Kra’s eastern slope cater to beginners, with depths of 8 to 15 metres and minimal currents. Resorts like Serenity and Castaway offer PADI Open Water courses (14,000 THB) over three days, combining theory sessions with shore dives.

Cultural Connections: The Urak Lawoi and the Sea

The Urak Lawoi people have free dived these waters for generations, harvesting sea cucumbers and shellfish. Some operators collaborate with local guides to share ancestral fishing techniques, such as handmade spear fishing tools. Respect their sacred sites, like spirit caves near Koh Rawi, believed to house protective sea deities.

Essential Gear and Eco Practices

Bring your certification card and logbook. Rent high quality equipment like underwater torches (200 THB) for night dives. Use reef safe sunscreen and opt for biodegradable shampoo to minimise chemical runoff.

Best Time to Dive in Koh Lipe

Prime conditions run from November to April, with calm seas and 30 metre visibility. During monsoon season (May to October), stick to sheltered sites like Sunset Beach Reef, where visibility remains around 15 metres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need advanced certification for Koh Lipe dives?

Most sites suit Open Water divers, but Advanced certification unlocks deeper sites like 8 Mile Rock.

Are there dive medical facilities on the island?

Koh Lipe has a basic clinic. For serious emergencies, divers are evacuated to Langkawi or Hat Yai.