Twins — Thailand

The Layout of Twins

Twins consists of two granite formations. These rocks sit just off Nang Yuan. They create a sheltered environment for divers. I first visited this site in 2012. The geography remains mostly unchanged since then. One formation sits slightly deeper than the other. You will find narrow swim-throughs between the rocks.

Small gaps exist between the granite pillars. Most divers use these passages for buoyancy practice. It is a very common training dive. Many students complete their Open Water course here. The site feels enclosed and safe.

What you’ll see

The northern formation holds the best macro life. You should look closely at the rubble. Nudibranch species often hide in the crevices. I saw three different types in one 2018 dive. They are small but colorful.

A resident frogfish sometimes waits near the rocks. These fish stay very still to hunt. Finding them requires patience and a sharp eye. You might also see small reef fish. The biodiversity is decent for a shallow site.

Visibility usually stays between 10m and 20m. This range depends on the recent rain. Clear water makes spotting macro life easier. If the silt rises, finding nudibranch becomes difficult. Always check the local report before you descend.

Conditions and skill

The depth ranges from 5m to 18m. This makes it accessible for Open Water divers. You do not need advanced certifications here. The water is generally calm and still. There is almost no current at this site.

Buoyancy control is the main challenge. You must move carefully through the swim-throughs. Contact with the granite can damage your gear. It also harms the delicate macro organisms. Watch your fins near the sandy patches.

Low currents make it a safe choice. However, surge can occur near the rocks. This happens when waves hit Nang Yuan. A steady hand helps during these moments. Beginners often prefer this site for its predictability.

Logistics from koh-tao

Most dive boats depart from Sairee Pier. The boat ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will pass near Koh Nang Yuan. Most shops charge around 800 THB per trip. This price usually includes tank rentals.

You can reach the site easily. Many operators run trips from Cham Chon. The distance is roughly 2 km from the main hub. It is a short trip for any boat. You can fit several dives into one day.

Plan your logistics with a local shop. Check their schedule for morning departures. Most boats leave between 08:30 and 09:30. This timing ensures the best light for photos. Early trips often have fewer crowds.

When to go

The best months are March through September. This period avoids the heavy monsoon rains. You will find the most stable visibility then. The water temperature stays around 28°C. It feels very warm on your skin.

Avoid the late monsoon season in November. Rain often washes silt into the bay. Visibility can drop below 5m during this time. This makes macro diving much harder. Stick to the dry window for better results.

I prefer diving in May or June. The sea is usually very flat then. You get consistent 15m visibility on most days. It is a reliable time for beginners. The sun is also quite strong.

Honest negatives

The site can get very crowded. Many dive schools use it for training. You might share the water with 12 divers. This makes photography a bit difficult. It lacks the isolation of deeper sites.

Macro life is not guaranteed. You cannot rely on seeing a frogfish every time. Some days the rocks look quite bare. Do not expect massive pelagic species here. This is a small, shallow reef site.

Granite can be sharp and abrasive. If you bump it, you might scratch your mask. Be careful with your fins in tight spaces. It is a simple site but requires focus. Don’t let the calm water make you lazy.

If you want to practice buoyancy, start at Twins before moving to the harder currents of Cham Chon.