If you’re planning a diving adventure from Koh Tao, Sail Rock is one dive site you won’t want to miss. Known for its unique rock formations and vibrant marine life, it attracts divers of all levels. Many visitors to Koh Tao make it a point to experience Sail Rock at least once, making it one of the most talked-about and exciting dive destinations on the island.
But what does a Sail Rock dive trip actually look like? What should you expect from the experience? This guide will walk you through a typical day at Sail Rock and help you know what to look forward to.
Getting to Sail Rock
Most dive boats leave early in the morning from Mae Haad Pier or Sairee Beach. You will meet your dive crew and instructors before boarding. Boats usually carry tanks, weights, and all the diving gear you need. If you are doing a guided dive, your guide will brief you before departure.
Once the boat leaves the shore, you may feel the excitement build. Sail Rock is not far, but the trip gives you time to relax, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch the beautiful views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Overview of the Dive Site
Sail Rock is very different from many other dive sites around Koh Tao. It is not attached to a big island. Instead, it sits alone in open water with a narrow pillar of rock rising toward the surface. When the tide is right, you will see a small hole, or “pink hole,” near the top where sunlight creates a glowing effect under water. This is one of the reasons divers love Sail Rock.
Expect stronger currents at Sail Rock than at many other sites around Koh Tao. Currents can be a good thing for experienced divers because they bring food and fish close to you. Beginners can still enjoy Sail Rock, especially on calmer days, but it helps to be comfortable with drift diving.
Marine Life You Might See
Sail Rock is home to a wide variety of marine life. You may see schools of barracuda moving together in tight formations. Big trevally often cruise past, and reef fish of all colours fill the coral gardens. If you are lucky, you might spot a whale shark passing by or a manta ray gliding through the water.
Smaller creatures are also abundant. Nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and moray eels hide among the rocks and crevices. Part of the fun is looking closely and spotting these tiny residents.
How the Dive Usually Goes
Most Sail Rock trips include two dives. The first dive is often at the main pinnacle, where the rock rises from deep water. Your guide will help you plan the best route based on current conditions, visibility, and your skill level.
Expect decent visibility, especially in the early morning. Water temperature is usually warm, so a 3 mm wetsuit or even a Lycra suit is fine. You will descend with your buddy and follow the guide along swim‑throughs and over rocky slopes. Currents might push you gently from one area to the next. If the current gets stronger, the guide will show you techniques to stay close and conserve energy.
Final Thoughts
A dive trip to Sail Rock is something many visitors are glad they planned while on Koh Tao. It offers open water diving that feels different from the usual island sites. The water is warm, and marine life is always exciting to see. Each dive brings new moments to enjoy and remember. For many divers, Sail Rock becomes a highlight of their trip and an experience they talk about long after leaving the island.
If you are looking for a memorable dive during your stay, a Sail Rock dive trip from Koh Tao is well worth adding to your plans.