Hin Pee Wee — Thailand

The Pinnacle Profile

Hin Pee Wee is a rocky pinnacle. It sits east of Koh Tao at coordinates 10.0500, 99.8639. The structure rises from the seabed. Most dives happen between 6m and 24m. This depth range makes it accessible for many.

I first visited this site in 2014. The topography is quite rugged. It offers more vertical interest than the sandy flats near Sairee. You will find hard corals on the rock faces. Some areas have better coverage than others.

What you’ll see

The main draw is the barracuda. Large schools often hang in the water column. They stay near the edges of the pinnacle. You can also spot a turtle or two. These animals often graze on the reef slopes.

Whale sharks appear here sometimes. They are not a daily occurrence. I saw one in May 2018 while drifting past the ledge. This happened because the plankton levels were high that month. It was a lucky moment for our group.

Visibility varies widely. You can expect 10m to 25m of clarity. Some days are much clearer. Other days have more suspended particles. This depends on the local weather and currents.

Conditions and skill

The current is usually mild. This makes it a good spot for open-water divers. You do not need advanced buoyancy skills here. However, you should watch your depth. The drop-offs can happen quite suddenly.

Stay close to the reef. It is easy to drift away if you lose focus. I saw a student drift 15m past the site in 2016. They were fine but it was unnecessary. Always keep an eye on your buddy.

Logistics from /destinations/koh-tao/

Most boats leave from Tanote Bay or Sairee. The boat ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Prices for a two-tank boat trip are roughly 1,200 THB. This is standard for local dive centers.

You can find many shops in Koh Tao. Some focus on courses while others focus on fun dives. Check the boat size before you pay. Smaller boats handle the swell better at Hin Pee Wee. Large boats can feel quite bumpy in open water.

When to go

The best months are March through September. This period offers the most stable weather. The water temperature stays around 28°C. You will find the clearest water during these months.

Avoid the monsoon season if possible. Rain can decrease visibility significantly. It also makes the boat rides much rougher. I prefer diving in April or May. The conditions are usually very predictable then.

Honest negatives

It is not a quiet site. You will share the water with other boats. Sometimes there are 4 or 5 boats at once. This can feel crowded during peak season. It happens most often in April.

The rock can be sharp. Be careful with your fins and gear. I have seen divers scrape their tanks on the edges. It is a rugged environment. Do not try to swim through tight cracks unless you are experienced.

Comparing the sites

Hin Pee Wee is quieter than Chumphon Pinnacle. Chumphon gets much larger crowds of divers. However, Chumphon often has stronger currents. Hin Pee Wee offers a more relaxed experience for many. It is a solid middle ground.

Some people prefer the macro life at Anilao. This site is about big features and schools. If you want tiny nudibranchs, look elsewhere. This is a place for seeing larger pelagics. It serves a different purpose in your dive log.

Check your air consumption carefully. The mild current can still pull you away from the reef. If you are a new diver, practice your buoyancy at /dive-sites/crystal-bay/ first.