Diving Tour Sail Rock
Dive Thailand's legendary Sail Rock — a granite pinnacle in the Gulf of Thailand teeming with barracuda, trevally and occasional whale sharks.
Duration
Full day (8 hours)
Max Depth
30m
Level
Beginner
Min Age
10+
Sail Rock (Hin Bai) is the Gulf of Thailand’s most celebrated dive site — and consistently ranked among the top dive sites in all of Southeast Asia. A dramatic granite pinnacle rising from 40 metres to just 4 metres below the surface, Sail Rock sits between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, roughly 50 minutes by speedboat from Chaweng Beach.
The site is famous for three things: its massive schools of chevron barracuda that circle the pinnacle in tight formation, its iconic vertical chimney that divers can swim up through from 18m to the surface, and its record-breaking whale shark encounters — Sail Rock is one of the most reliable spots in Thailand to see whale sharks.
Why Dive Sail Rock?
- Marine life density — barracuda schools, bigeye trevally, jacks, queenfish, moray eels, yellow boxfish, and batfish in extraordinary abundance
- The chimney — a unique vertical swim-through that’s one of Thailand’s most exhilarating dive features
- Whale shark encounters — regular sightings throughout the year, with peak season March–May and August–October
- Suitable for all levels — Open Water Divers explore the upper pinnacle (to 18m); Advanced and Deep certified divers access the full 30m
- Excellent visibility — typically 15–30m, often more
Dive Site Details
Sail Rock sits at a maximum depth of 30m. The pinnacle starts at around 4m below the surface and descends steeply on all sides. The chimney entrance is at approximately 18m and exits near the top of the pinnacle — an unforgettable feature on any dive.
A thermocline is common below 25m. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended — the upper reef is warm but noticeably cooler at depth.
Itinerary
- 07:45–08:30 — Hotel pickup from most areas of Koh Samui
- 08:30–09:00 — Boat departure from Silent Divers pier
- 09:00–10:00 — Boat trip to Sail Rock (~50 minutes)
- 10:00–11:30 — First dive (briefing included)
- 11:30–12:30 — Surface interval, lunch on board
- 12:30–13:30 — Second dive
- 13:30–14:30 — Return journey to Koh Samui
- 14:30–15:30 — Hotel drop-off
Safety note: Do not fly within 18 hours of your last dive. Plan travel accordingly.
Departures
This trip runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Book at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee your spot.
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup included from most areas of Koh Samui
Departure Times
07:45 hotel pickup, 09:00 boat departure
What's Included
- Free Nitrox for EANx certified divers
- Hotel transfer to and from your resort
- 2 dives
- Diving insurance
- Rental of all dive equipment
- Free soft drinks
- Lunch onboard (vegetarian and vegan options available)
Not Included
- Towels
- Swimwear
- Dive computer
FAQ
Yes — Sail Rock is perfectly suited to Open Water Divers, who explore the pinnacle to their 18m depth limit. The most spectacular marine life — barracuda schools, whale sharks — often appears in the shallower zone anyway.
Whale sharks are present at Sail Rock throughout much of the year. Sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed. Peak months are generally March–May and August–October. Your guides track real-time sightings and position the boat accordingly.
Approximately 50 minutes by speedboat from Silent Divers pier.
It's consistently ranked as one of Thailand's top 3 dive sites. The combination of large marine life, the iconic chimney, outstanding visibility, and frequent whale shark sightings make it exceptional by any measure.
Yes — this tour is for certified divers. If you're not yet certified, try our PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience, or get your Open Water certification and then join us at Sail Rock.
Yes — free Nitrox fills are included for all PADI Enriched Air Diver certified guests on this trip.
Guests
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your trip
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