Shark Island dive site – Koh Tao

Shark Island is one of the most diverse and colorful dive sites around Koh Tao. Located just under one kilometer off the island’s southeast coast, this small, uninhabited granite island is a favorite among experienced divers looking for exciting underwater topography and abundant marine life.

Despite its name, Shark Island is not named after large numbers of sharks. Instead, the rock formation resembles the dorsal fin of a shark rising from the sea. Thanks to its exposed location in the open ocean, the site offers a wide range of depths, spectacular underwater landscapes, and occasionally challenging currents that create memorable drift dives.

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Location & Diving Conditions

Location: Approximately 300–800 meters off the southeastern tip of Koh Tao, near Shark Bay (Ao Leuk).
Coordinates: 10.0596023, 99.8447002
Plus Code: 3R6V+PVX Get Directions

Conditions: As Shark Island lies fully exposed in the open sea, it is strongly influenced by tides and currents. Conditions can range from calm to moderate or even strong currents, making it particularly suitable for Advanced Open Water divers and experienced scuba divers.

Visibility: Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 20 meters (16–66 ft) and can exceed 30 meters (100 ft) on exceptional days.

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Topography

Structure: Shark Island consists of a massive collection of granite boulders that rise more than 10 meters (33 ft) above the sea surface and continue steeply below the water.

Depth: Depths range from approximately 3 meters (10 ft) in the shallow reef areas to around 28 meters (92 ft) along the sandy bottom. Below the reef, at approximately 36 meters (118 ft), technical divers can explore the wreck of the MV Trident.

Underwater Landscape: Beneath the surface, the granite formations create dramatic canyons, swim-throughs, overhangs, small caves, and narrow passages. The eastern side slopes more gently, while the western side features impressive vertical walls and deeper drop-offs, providing exciting routes for exploration.

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Marine Life

Spectacular Coral Reefs

Shark Island is famous for its vibrant purple soft corals, which cover large sections of the reef in brilliant color. Divers will also find impressive sea fans (gorgonians), whip corals, and expansive table corals, creating one of Koh Tao’s most beautiful underwater landscapes.

Reef Fish

The reef is alive with schools of batfish, butterflyfish, yellowtail barracuda, fusiliers, and countless tropical reef fish that patrol the granite pinnacles and coral gardens.

Unique Marine Creatures

The sandy bottom is often home to blue-spotted stingrays, while giant moray eels, octopuses, and colorful nudibranchs hide among the rocky crevices. During the breeding season, divers should be cautious around territorial Titan Triggerfish, which actively defend their nests.

Larger Marine Life

With a little luck, divers may encounter green sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, or even the magnificent whale shark cruising past the deeper sections of the island. Although these encounters are never guaranteed, they make every dive at Shark Island an exciting and rewarding experience.

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