In the easternmost area in the Gulf of Thailand, is Koh Kood (AKA Ko Kut). It’s Thailand’s fourth-largest island, though, despite its size, it’s relatively quiet, meaning divers can relish uncrowded dive sites.

The diving here is excellent, with around ten dive sites suitable for divers of all skill levels. Sites are close to the island, with travel times normally ranging between 5-20 minutes by boat. Many dive operators venture to nearby islands, which allows even more variety. Some travel to the National Park Koh Rang, the islands Koh Chang and Koh Mak, where even more dive sites await. What’s more, new dive sites are always being discovered, allowing repeat visitors to experience unseen spots.

Scuba diving here is typically easy, with depths ranging from 8 meters to 18 meters on average, meaning sites are suitable for advanced divers and beginners, and with shallower depths comes longer dives. Sites are uncrowded and mostly untouched, which has allowed the coral and fish to thrive. 

There are reputable dive centers on the island, along with resorts that cater to all budgets. As for dive courses, it’s a great place to obtain an open water certification due to calm seas, good visibility, and shallow depths.

Koh Kood offers excellent diving all year round as a result of its warm tropical climate. Air and sea temperatures fluctuate minimally year-round. The three main seasons are the dry, cool season, which is from November to February, the hot season from March to the end of May, and the rainy season, which normally starts around the end of May and continues until the end of October. The best time to dive is the dry, cool season, which runs from November until April when visibility is normally the clearest. The sea is warm at around 28°C-30°C (82°F-86°F), while air temperatures are about 27°C-30°C (80°F-86°F).

The majority of diving in Koh Kood is what you’d expect from a tropical paradise. Stunning coral reefs teeming with colorful reef fish and a multitude of tropical species. Shallow reef diving is common, which is perfect for beginners and seasoned divers alike. Boat diving is common practice, though shore dives are offered depending on location.

Many dive operators offer wreck diving, particularly at the HTMS Chang, which is located nearer to the neighbouring Koh Chang island. It’s the largest shipwreck in Thailand at around 100 meters in length and is an unmissable site for wreck enthusiasts.

Like much of Thailand, you’ll find a plethora of tropical marine life in Koh Kood. Macro fanatics will love the multi-colored nudibranchs and shrimp, while vibrant hard and soft corals and sponges show off their bursting colors under the penetrating sunlight. Swaying anemones shelter lively clownfish, while rocks and reef structures provide hiding places for moray eels and lobster. Other colorful species to marvel at include parrotfish, triggerfish, batfish, sea snakes, snapper, damselfish, octopus, cuttlefish, lionfish, scorpionfish, starfish and so much more. Turtles, barracuda and reef sharks also make appearances at dive sites, and lucky divers may even spot a whale shark.

There are many unforgettable sites around Koh Kood, but to only mention a few favourites, we’ll start with Tui Reef, which is a stunning site offering interesting topography and a ton of vibrant coral and tropical life. Schooling fish are common in this spot, topping off the magnificent scenery to be enjoyed here.

Koh Raet, a small island west of Koh Kood has two main dive sites. The North end boasts shallow sandy patches and beautiful hard corals, perfect for novices. The South features boulder formations overflowing with fish, while the sandy parts are home to a number of stingrays.

Bang Bao Reef also boasts rock formations where a wealth of coral thrives and plenty of pretty fish are sheltered, including schools of parrotfish. It’s an easy, shallow site perfect for beginners, or advanced divers looking for a relaxing time underwater.

Ao Tum is a large site consisting of coral gardens and hosts an array of diverse life, such as stingrays, cobia, batfish, reef sharks and even hawksbill and green sea turtles.

Hin Ao Salad, a shallow spot on the East side of the island, is also home to beautiful corals and lots of species, including the big sea star, which can only be seen on this side of Koh Kood.

Hin Ao Yai is a pinnacle covered in soft coral that houses pipefish, anemonefish, and much more colorful species. In sandy areas, common brown seahorses can be spotted.