Chumphon Pinnacle — Thailand

The Site Profile

Chumphon Pinnacle sits 11 km NW of Koh Tao. It is a massive submerged rock formation. The top starts at 14 m. The base reaches down to 35 m. This site is not for beginners.

I first visited this spot in 2014. I remember the sudden drop-off. The current pushed us hard toward the reef edge. You must manage your buoyancy well here.

What you’ll see

Large schools of chevron barracuda often circle the peak. They move in tight, silver groups. You might also spot reef shark sightings near the deeper walls. These predators stay close to the rock structure.

Whale shark encounters happen here. They are not guaranteed on every trip. However, the nutrient-rich water attracts them frequently. I saw a 7 m whale shark during a March 2019 dive.

Bull shark sightings are also possible. They prefer the deeper, cooler sections of the pinnacle. Keep your eyes on the blue. Large pelagics move through this channel often.

Conditions and skill

This is an advanced site. You should have your Advanced Open Water Diver license. The depth hits 35 m easily. This requires careful gas management.

Moderate currents are common here. You will need a reef hook for stability. An SMB is mandatory for safety. Most boats require you to signal before ascending.

Visibility ranges from 15 m to 30 m. It changes based on the season. Low visibility makes navigation harder near the pinnacle edges. Watch your depth gauge closely.

Logistics from Koh Tao

Most dive centers depart from Sairee Pier. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes. You will travel 11 km to reach the site. This is a standard day trip.

Prices vary by agency. A typical two-tank boat trip costs 1,200 THB to 1,600 THB. This usually includes lunch and gear rental. Check if your shop includes weights in the price.

Many divers stay at Koh Tao for weeks. They use the island as a base. You can find many shops near Tanote Bay. Some specialize in technical training or deep dives.

When to go

The best months are March through September. This window offers the most stable weather. Water temperatures stay around 28°C during this time. The currents remain predictable.

Avoid the monsoon season if possible. Rain can reduce visibility significantly. High swells make the boat ride uncomfortable. I stayed away in November 2021 because of the storms.

Visibility is highest in the dry months. You might see up to 30 m of water. This makes spotting sharks much easier. Plan your trip for the summer months.

Honest negatives

The crowds can be intense. Many boats arrive at the same time. This makes it hard to find a quiet spot. You might feel like you are diving in a parking lot.

Strong currents can be exhausting. If you lack fitness, you will struggle. The surge near the pinnacle top is also tricky. It requires constant finning work.

Some days the visibility drops to 15 m. This happens when plankton levels rise. While good for sharks, it ruins the view. You must accept this trade-off.

Preparation tips

Check your air consumption before you go. Deep dives at 35 m use gas quickly. Carry a spare dive computer if possible. This helps if your primary unit fails.

Practice your buoyancy in shallower sites first. Visit /dive-sites/crystal-bay/ to warm up. Mastery of neutral buoyancy is vital here. It prevents accidental contact with the reef.

If you have never dived current, start at Crystal Bay before Chumphon Pinnacle.