Koh Samui

[orangeBloke]

Another one that impressed me was Captain Caveman's Dive Center but I didn't get to dive with them so I can't comment on that part. The guy in the shop had a very good knowledge of the dives sites and insisted on safety measures being followed - something that's not always the case.

 

[jiveturkey]

Lots of sharks? When did you dive there?

I was there in June of this year. Lots of grey reef sharks at about 30m. On one particular dive, we saw 8-10. Myself and the DM jumped in before the mass of other divers were ready. Once they hit the water, the sharks moved off the reef.

Also, I know of (although didn't see) a group of Bulls that stay just out in the blue. We had a quick look for them but with poor vis, you don't want to go too far off the reef in search of Bull sharks.

 

[gazzahawkes]

Hi
Samui is approx two hrs away by speed boatfrom tao
tao is where all the better diving is in the gulf with the exception of sail rock which is nearer samui.

My advice is to come to Tao for a few days.Your closer to the sites its cheaper to dive and easier.40 mins to chumporn pinnicles compared to 2hr40mins.
The site here has lots of info. :10:
www.kohtao-online.com

As for planet scuba ive worked in dive safety for thailand for several years based on tao.
Planet has awesome staff highly trained and dive medics working there.They also offer tec diving
and have an impeccable safety record.

The standard in the gulf is pretty good all over.im comparing to the carribean and australia where I have also worked.

On another note Tao is much smaller and has more of an island feel.so come and enjoy

all the best Gary.

 

[baragon]

I wasn't aware there were Bulls or Grey Reef Sharks in the Gulf.

Does anyone know of any decent liveaboards thAt visit Sail Rock or Chumporn Pinnacles?

 

[DORSETBOY]

loads. if you dive chumpon you will see both greys and bulls. best place to see them is around the old fish traps near barracuda rock which is just to the side of the main pinnacle at chumpon dive site. This is a fairly deepish part, you're at anywhere between 18m to 30m.

Another alternative at this site is to go directly north of the main pinnacle as a 'blue water' dive, we found them all the time here also, as mentioned before that's the only area i had prob's when a group of bull sharks came up underneath my buddy and I. Other than that tough, no probs.

 

[Louie]

Hi

I've been living and working in Koh Tao for a few months now and I can say Chumphon and Sail Rock are the premier dives around this side.

Samui is the bigger busier compared to Koh Tao but if you want to dive, most of the dives are closer to Koh Tao and you probably have to do a long speedboat ride this way from Samui. Sail Rock is closer to kT and Chumphon is north of KT. So up to you what sort of a place you want to stay at and where you want to dive.

If you wish to check out a nice little dive operator, try Aquademia Dive (offices in both Samui and Koh Tao) at
www.aquademiadive.com

Happy dives!!

Lou

 

[dmichael]

yes i can agree with the SIDS office in Chawne beach ko samui , also easy to book on line . just got back from four days diving with them . chumphon pinnacles , sail rock , and marine park area . all dives were good and the speedboat was a bonus although a little overcrowded . The dive guides were all good and I felt comfortable the whole trip .