Located within Tarutao National Marine Park, Koh Lipe offers some of Thailand’s best diving conditions. Visibility can reach over 30 metres, and the mix of coral gardens, pinnacles, and wrecks means there is something for both beginners and advanced divers.

Dive Sites You Shouldn’t Miss

The highlight for experienced divers is 8 Mile Rock, a deep-water pinnacle that attracts barracuda, eagle rays, and sometimes manta rays. The Yong Hua Shipwreck, sunk in 2014, is now home to lionfish, batfish, and bioluminescent plankton during night dives. For underwater photography, Stonehenge near Koh Adang is famous for coral-covered boulders and leopard sharks.

Best Time to Visit

The prime dive season runs from November to April, when seas are calm and visibility is at its best. During the monsoon months from May to October, sheltered sites such as Sunset Beach Reef remain diveable, though visibility averages 10–15 metres.

Eco-Tips

Choose Green Fins-certified operators who follow no-touch diving practices. Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid standing on corals, and dive in small groups whenever possible. Conservation-focused dives with local groups like Trash Hero allow visitors to join coral restoration efforts.

Costs and Tours

A standard two-tank dive costs between THB 2,500 and 3,500, including equipment and park fees. Beginners can join a Discover Scuba experience for about THB 4,000, while a full PADI Open Water course typically costs around THB 14,000.

Quick Guide

• Top site for advanced divers: 8 Mile Rock

• Best wreck: Yong Hua Shipwreck

• Family-friendly spot: Koh Kra’s eastern slope

• Seasonal highlight: Whale sharks from November to April

• Emergency info: Basic clinic on Koh Lipe, evacuations to Langkawi or Hat Yai for serious cases