The Gulf Of Thailand and the waters around Koh Tao offer more than 20 dive sites, with the majority of those close the island. The close proximity of these sites, combined with their depths, provide a broad variety of easily accessible diving. Some of the most notable dive spots are:

Chumphon Pinnacle

Northwest of Koh Tao, Chumphon Pinnacle is widely regarded as one of the Gulf's premier dive sites. The site itself is comprises of one huge main granite pinnacle and a series of smaller pinnacles rising from the bottom at 36m to within 14m of the surface. On the main part of the site divers can expect to encounter Batfish, Trevally, large Groupers, as well as huge shoals of Fusiliers and Rabbit fish. Less common, but still available to see, are the Spanish Mackerel, and some Paddlefin Trigger fish. For those with keen eyes it is also possible to see Scorpionfish lazing on the rocks. Chumphon pinnacle also plays host to seasonal visits by Whale Sharks and their attendant Cobias and Remoras, plus the occasional Manta. A memorable experience for every diver! South West Pinnacle - South-west of Koh Tao, this site is also widely acclaimed as another of the Gulf's premier diving destinations, with depths ranging from 30m upwards. The series of seven pinnacles form an underwater mountain range, with the largest peak rising to within 5m of the surface. Like Chumphon, this site features a carpet of anemones on the upper levels with an abundance of whip corals and large sea fans arrayed along the lower edges of the site. Impressive Barracuda over a meter in length can be seen patiently waiting whilst tiny Cleaning Wrasse perform their underwater valet service. To the south-east of the main site lies a smaller pinnacle, which is home to two resident, if somewhat shy Leopard sharks.

Shark Island

One of the most varied dive sites around Koh Tao in terms of marine life, Shark Island is one place that you'll definitely wish to return to. Located 300m southeast of Koh Tao this small, uninhabited, granite peak rises clear of the water from a sandy bottom at 20m. Divers can enjoy an enormous variety of hard, encrusting corals and a similar variety of sea fans and whip corals. The renowned "fish junction" off the northern end of the dive site provides excellent photographic opportunities. Shark Island occasionally plays host to visiting Reef and Leopard sharks. The more usual residents include Blue Spotted Rays, Scribbled Filefish, Starry Pufferfish, and Titan Triggerfish that sometimes like nibbling the fins of visiting divers who get a little too close to their nesting sites!White Rock - White Rock boasts a large coral garden situated between two distinct granite pinnacles to the north and south sides of the site, and a vast array of both daytime and nocturnal inhabitants. With a depth range of 26m to 5m, and an average depth of 12m, White Rock is suited to everybody's experience levels. White Eye Morays and Blue Spotted Rays are commonly sighted, as is one of Koh Tao's legends, "Trevor" the Triggerfish who has been the boss of White Rock for many years. Several species of Barracuda routinely visit here and it is particularly impressive to see them hunting on night dives, when they will actually follow divers using the torch beams to spot their dinner. Night dives also unveil many different kinds of Feather Stars, hunting Cone Shells and feeding Stingrays, in addition to sleeping Parrot fish and Rabbit fish!

Green Rock

One of the outlying dive sites to the north of Koh Nang Yuan island; Green Rock has its own special attractions for divers in the form of many varied swim throughs and the lunar like landscape created by nesting Yellow Margin Triggerfish. With a depth range of 3m to 30m most divers will find this site within their capabilities. The insides of the caverns and the undersides of outcroppings are home to many brightly colored soft corals and sponges, while the outer parts of the site play host to shoals of electric Blue Damsel fish, Tube Anemones with tiny translucent shrimps (for those with keen eyesight) Emperors, Angel fish and the occasional Turtle.Koh Nang Yuan - Nestled in a bay between the three islands of Koh Nang Yuan, Twins consists of two main pinnacles, and a smaller, deeper "little brother". A perfect site for both training activities, and a leisurely fun dive, the pinnacles range in depth from 5m to 18m, and are surrounded by soft white sand dotted with the unusual symbiotic relationships of Goby fish and their blind-shrimp housemates. Twins offers divers the chance to see the larger groupers normally only spotted at depth on the more remote dive sites. Blue-Ringed angelfish and the striking yellow Raccoon Butterfly fish are abundant, along with a host of varied Parrotfish and wrasse. Combined with green, blue, and red anemones this is one of the islands most colorful dive sites. Venture south a short distance across the sand to encounter "Mork" and "Mindy", a friendly pair of the uncommon Saddleback Clownfish, then back to the East pinnacle for the best safety stop on the island with a school of around 500 curious, small Yellowtail Barracuda.

Pattaya's main attraction is its long curving beach. At the north end, the Dusit Resort occupies a small promontory. Beyond the Dusit is a series of small bays, each with its own hotel. At the southern end, a hill rises and extends well into the sea. At the top of the hill is a temple with a large seated Buddha at the crown. There's a good view of all of Pattaya bay from the temple.

Beyond the hill, south of Pattaya, is Jomtien beach, another long stretch of beach. The beach is slightly deeper than Pattaya, and the section just south of the hill is very popular with Thais. There are many sections here where you can rent a beach chair and order food and drinks from staff serving that section. Numerous vendors also pass by offering fruit, ice cream and many other things, including massages.