On the border of the Tarutao National Marine Park in Thailand’s Satun province, lies the picturesque island of Koh Lipe. A small, flat island close to the Malaysian border, that’s much less crowded and off the beaten track in comparison to the likes of Koh Tao, this postcard-perfect paradise getaway is characterized by idyllic white sandy beaches, lush palm trees and warm turquoise waters that attract beach bums and divers year after year.  But it’s not just the magnificent land sights that bring tourists to Koh Lipe, the diving here is exceptional, with lots of varied dive sites suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike, all with mostly crystal clear visibility and prolific marine life, along with the added treat of diving on some of the best-preserved seabeds in Thailand. 

With around 25% of the world’s tropical fish species living in this area, in addition to special encounters with dolphins, three turtle species, dugongs, sperm and minke whales, and even whale sharks, divers are kept in a state of awe no matter the dive site.

Diving here typically includes sites in the the Adang Archipelago, which is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park. There are around 50 islands to explore within this area, with dive operators visiting at least 20 different dive sites daily. If you’re fortunate enough to go scuba diving in Koh Lipe, you’ll likely visit sites around not just Koh Lipe, but also the spectacular spots around Koh Rawi, Koh Adang, Koh Lek and Koh Tong. 

Most dive sites are very close, with journey times up around 25 minutes by boat for most spots, with the exception of the famous 8 Mile Rock dive site, which is slightly further afield. The underwater topography at Koh Lipe’s dive sites is just as diverse as the marine life, with lots of beautiful coral  reefs, rock formations, boulders and pinnacles that provide sensational backdrops to the breathtaking seascapes.

Koh Lipe is generally an excellent place to take entry-level dive courses at any of the plentiful dive centers and dive resorts on the island. Beginners can enjoy easy, shallow diving among some of the most beautiful corals in South East Asia. Experienced divers wanting to gain further advanced training will enjoy drift training at sites that experience exhilarating current, like Koh Pung, Big Rocks and Express Way. 

In terms of diving, there really isn’t a bad time to dive in Koh Lipe. The diving scene is year-round, thanks to the welcoming tropical climate providing warm waters ranging from approximately 28°C-30°C throughout the seasons. 

The high (and dry) season is from November to April when the weather and diving conditions are usually excellent and divers are more likely to spot manta rays, devil rays and whale sharks. Also, popular dive sites like Pattaya Beach, Adang Beach and Koh Yang are all visited regularly due to their protection from winds during this season. 

The monsoon season usually runs from May to October, although that doesn’t mean inferior diving. Koh Lipe tends to enjoy a drier rainy season, with downpours predominantly occurring at night, leaving the daytime mostly dry with a few clouds here and there, meaning diving isn’t too affected. Plus, some of the most notable sites such as Talang, Stonehenge, 7 rocks and Koh Taru, are all great options in this season as they’re protected from the winds.

During the full moon or dark moon period, currents can be stronger, so make sure to be aware of this if current isn’t your thing. However, dive centers have the option of diving at sites that are protected from these currents, such as at Koh Talang or Koh Yang. In any given month, for the mildest currents and best visibility, the half moon period is the best time to dive.
 

Diving is mainly by boat, but there are a few shore diving possibilities, particularly when night diving. What’s more, reef diving on Koh Lipe is mesmerizing, thanks to the sites being well-protected and very uncrowded in comparison to many of Thailand’s premier diving destinations. 

Koh Lipe also offers some exciting drift diving opportunities, such as at Koh Pung, Big Rocks or Express Way. Wreck enthusiasts will love the Yong Hua Wreck, which was 75 meter-long fish processing boat that caught fire and sank, and now serves as an artificial reef and fish magnet.

Pelagic diving is also a common favourite for visitors, especially at sites like 8 Mile Rock, which is somewhat better suited to more experienced divers, while Koh Sarang boasts fantastic topography, with pinnacles and walls where critters and corals coat the vast rocky formations.
 

The best of Indo-Pacific species can be found at Koh Lipe’s numerous dive sites, from the tiniest macro critters like nudibranch, pipefish, seahorses, shrimp and porcelain crabs, to the big boys like manta rays and whale sharks that make appearances for lucky divers at sites like 8 Mile Rock and some of the deeper sites in the area.

Of course, other highlights here include dolphins, sperm and minke whales, eagle rays, leopard sharks, devil rays and stingrays. Schools of barracuda and trevally form silver walls, while clouds of snapper block out the sun. Other reef favourites like anemonefish, batfish, lionfish, parrotfish, and triggerfish all thrive among the numerous species of colorful hard and soft corals. Camouflage kings like scorpionfish, stonefish, octopus and cuttlefish can be spotted by observant eyes.
 

Stone Henge features a number of large pinnacles that break the surface. Here there are boulders, hard coral slopes and beautiful soft coral gardens, where tons of colorful critters and fish thrive. Muck diving can also be great here for those that love treasure hunting.

8 Mile Rock, 8 miles south of Koh Lipe, is located in the open ocean and can experience energetic currents. As a result, it’s a magnet for pelagics like manta rays and whale sharks, in addition to schooling fish. One of the most popular sites in the area, it can only be dived at certain times of the month, with the best time being just after the half-moon.

Koh Taru is perfect for beginners, with lots of coral and diverse marine species. Easy conditions and shallow depths make diving here a relaxing experience for novice and experienced divers alike.

Koh Pung is said to be one of the most diverse and colourful dive sites, and suitable for all skill levels. Situated in the narrow channel between Koh Rawi and Koh Butang, anything can be seen here. Currents can bring in bigger fish, while corals and sea fans of every color cover the site and are home to reef cuties.
Koh Adang (Nursery Bay) is a sheltered bay that boasts lots of stunning marine life, and is perfect for beginners, while seasoned divers can enjoy a colorful, relaxing dive with minimal currents. The reef features tons reef critters, corals, giant clams, and is a nursery for adorable juvenile fish. 

Koh Yang South boasts excellent scenery, with granite formations reaching down to the depths. It’s good for macro life and healthy hard corals which are home to reef fish, while the granite rocks form plunging walls covered with soft corals, where deep cracks shelter shy creatures.