|
The primary reason for
its popularity is the fact that it is so easily accessible
from Bangkok by bus and by train, and the area's popularity
will continue to grow
Ko
Samui
Samui's popularity as a backpacker's
paradise has caused more than a few diving operations
to open up here. Specializing mostly in instruction,
Ko Samui's range of dive sites is small. However, Sail
Rock or Hin Bai is one of the best dive sites in the
Gulf and is well worth a visit.
This rock jutting out
of the sea like a sail—features a vertical underwater
chimney that divers can swim through, and an abundance
of schooling fish and colorful coral.
Ko
Tao
Over the past several years, this
sleepy little island has been transformed into the most
popular diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand and
over 10 diving operators . have setup shop here. Samui's
dive operators take over-night trips to the islands,
and the dive centers on the island make half-day and
full-day trips to various spots including Chumporn
Pinnacle, White Rock, Green Rock and Southwest Pinnacle.
Depths vary from 30 meters and visibility averages
around 10-15 meters most of the year. The most popular
site, Chumporn Pinnacle is always a very colorful and
interesting dive, but occasionally it can be quite spectacular,
exciting, and invigorating. Fin back whales and whale
sharks have been spotted in the area and there are almost
always huge schools of jacks are yellow tailed barracudas
circling the rock.
Bungalows and other types of basic yet comfortable accommodation
is available on the island.
General
Information
Diving is popular all-year around
at all diving areas around Thailand. The best time of
year for the Andaman Sea and most other areas, however,
is between October and June when the seas are flat and
the traveling range of dive boats is increased dramatically.
Thailand's dive centers are all very concerned about
environmental protection of our coral reefs. When diving
here, please keep this in mind and do your best to help
all of us to make the diving in Thailand better and
better.
Thailand's reefs are some of the most beautiful in the
world and its astonishing marine life keeps divers coming
back again and again.
|
