Koh Tao, a popular diving destination in Thailand, boasts a vibrant marine ecosystem. When diving or snorkeling around the island, you can expect to see a variety of marine life, including:

Fish

• Butterflyfish: These colourful and graceful swimmers are a common sight.
• Barracudas: Particularly around Chumphon Pinnacle.
• Angelfish: With their striking patterns, they are a treat to observe.
• Groupers: These are larger fish, often found lurking around rock formations.
• Triggerfish: Though they're fascinating to watch, some, like the Titan Triggerfish, can be territorial.
• Nudibranchs are tiny, colourful sea slugs beloved by macro photographers.
• Batfish: These flat silverfish can often be seen in schools.

Corals and Anemones

Soft corals, hard corals, and sea fans can be found in many dive sites around Koh Tao.

Anemones, often home to the clownfish or "Nemo," are also common.

Other Marine Life

• Sea Turtles: Hawksbill and green turtles are sometimes spotted.
• Whale Sharks: Although not guaranteed, there are times, especially between March and April, when these gentle giants can be spotted around Koh Tao.
• Stingrays and Eagle Rays: While uncommon, they can sometimes be observed, especially in sandy areas.
• Moray Eels: These often hide in crevices but can be seen poking their heads out.
• Sea Snakes: Banded sea kraits are venomous but generally not aggressive.

Invertebrates

Crabs, shrimps, sea cucumbers, and urchins are among the many smaller creatures that divers and snorkelers might spot.

Sharks in Koh Tao

Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a renowned diving destination and offers the opportunity to spot a few species of sharks. While diving around Koh Tao, the following types of sharks might be observed:

• Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus): Although not seen daily, these gentle giants are the most celebrated visitors to Koh Tao's waters, especially around popular dive sites such as Chumphon Pinnacle and Southwest Pinnacle. They are typically spotted more frequently between March and April, but sightings can occur throughout the year.
• Blacktip Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus): These are one of the more common sharks spotted around Koh Tao, especially in shallower waters. They are often seen around dive sites like Shark Bay (appropriately named), Mango Bay, and Ao Leuk.
• Bamboo Sharks (Chiloscyllium spp.): Smaller, nocturnal sharks often hide in crevices during the day. Divers might occasionally find them during night dives or resting in caves and under ledges during the day.
• Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas): While they used to be more common in the waters around Koh Tao, their numbers have decreased over the years. Sightings are now rare, but they have been reported on occasion.

It's worth noting that there's no guarantee to spot sharks on every dive, as with all wildlife. However, Koh Tao's waters offer a diverse range of marine life, and every dive presents the possibility of a memorable encounter. If you're keen on seeing sharks, you can contact us and ask about recent sightings and the best times or dive sites to increase your chances. Always ensure to dive responsibly and observe sharks from a respectful distance without attempting to touch or disturb them.