Visit Sail Rock, Koh Tao’s Best Big Day Out!
When it comes to scuba diving in Thailand, Koh Tao is famous for its vibrant reefs, abundant marine life, and world-class dive training. But if you’re looking to explore something truly spectacular, there’s one dive site that stands out above all the rest: Sail Rock.
Located between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, Sail Rock (Hin Bai) is widely regarded as the best dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s famous for large schools of fish, incredible vertical swim-throughs, and the chance to see whale sharks. And the best part? You can visit Sail Rock with Crystal Dive Koh Tao on the 1st and 16th of every month.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about diving at Sail Rock, what makes it so special, what to expect on the day, and why Crystal Dive is your best choice for this unforgettable underwater adventure.
What Is Sail Rock?
Sail Rock (Hin Bai in Thai) is a massive granite pinnacle that rises from the seafloor to around 15 meters above the water’s surface, located roughly halfway between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. It’s an open ocean dive site, which means potentially stronger currents, deeper waters, and larger marine life than the sheltered reefs around Koh Tao.
What sets Sail Rock apart is not just its dramatic structure but the sheer density and diversity of marine life. It’s a magnet for big schools of fish, including barracuda, trevally, snapper, batfish, and even giant groupers. But the real highlight? Whale shark sightings are more frequent here than anywhere else in the region.
4 Things That Make Sail Rock So Special?
So what makes Sail Rock such an iconic dive site? It comes down to a few key features:
1. The Chimney
The most famous feature is a vertical swim-through known as “The Chimney”. Starting at around 18 meters and exiting at 5 meters, this natural tunnel is wide enough for divers to ascend through it safely, and it’s a major highlight of the dive.
2. Pelagic Sightings
Unlike Koh Tao’s shallower reefs, Sail Rock is located in open water. That means more chances to see large pelagic fish, bigger schools, and even sharks and rays. It’s one of the few places in Thailand where whale sharks are regularly sighted.
3. Year-Round Diving
Sail Rock is accessible all year round. The best visibility is typically during the dry season (March to September), but it can be stunning at any time.
4. Diverse Marine Life
From tiny nudibranchs to massive schools of trevally, the variety of marine life at Sail Rock is simply incredible. Whether you love macro photography or wide-angle shots of schooling fish, there’s something here for everyone.
Who Can Dive at Sail Rock?
Certified Divers
Sail Rock is suitable for certified divers of all levels, though we recommend you have some recent experience and comfort with deeper dives.
- Open Water Divers can join (max depth 18m)
- Advanced Adventurer or Deep Specialty divers can go deeper (up to 30–40m)
- Great for fun dives, continued education, or photography dives
Continuing Education Students
Sail Rock is the perfect setting for your Advanced Adventurer course or Deep Diving Specialty. With depths of 40 meters, dramatic topography, and excellent visibility, it’s a top choice for divers wanting to expand their limits.
Talk to our team at Crystal Dive Koh Tao about planning your certification dives to coincide with a Sail Rock trip.
Why Visit Sail Rock with Crystal Dive?
At Crystal Dive, we pride ourselves on providing safe, high-quality diving experiences for divers of all levels, and our Sail Rock trips are no exception.
Exclusive Twice-Monthly Trips
We visit Sail Rock twice a month, on the 1st and 16th, giving you the chance to dive one of Thailand’s best sites with a small, enthusiastic group. These special trips book out quickly, so early reservation is highly recommended!
Premium Dive Boat & Facilities
Our large, custom-built dive boats are equipped with plenty of space, shaded areas, and an onboard compressor. We provide lunch, and refreshments, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the journey.
Experienced Dive Professionals
Our instructors and divemasters are highly trained, familiar with the site, and passionate about marine life. Whether you’re doing your fun dives, Advanced Adventurer, or even your Deep Diving Specialty, Sail Rock is the perfect setting.
Perfect for Continuing Education
Because of its depth (up to 40m) and advanced conditions, Sail Rock is ideal for continuing your scuba education. Many of our guests use this trip to complete SSI Advanced Adventurer dives. Or Specialties such as Deep or Decompression Diving.
What to Expect on a Sail Rock Day Trip
Diving Sail Rock with Crystal Dive is not just about the diving, it’s a full-day adventure from start to finish.
📍 Early Morning Departure from Koh Tao
Our boat departs early in the morning to make the 2-hour trip to Sail Rock. We meet at Crystal Dive at 6:45, where you’ll get your equipment ready, and be briefed on the day’s plan.
⛴️ Comfortable Boat Ride
The journey across the Gulf of Thailand is scenic and smooth, with time to relax, soak up the views, or chat with fellow divers. Our crew provides refreshments, fruit, and snacks on board.
🤿 Two Dives at Sail Rock
Once we arrive at Sail Rock, you’ll complete two spectacular dives with a surface interval in between. Visibility can reach up to 30m and beyond on a good day, and the site has plenty to explore.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for:
- Whale sharks (especially common between March–October)
- Giant moray eels
- Massive schools of fusiliers and barracuda
- Lionfish, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs
🍛 Lunch and Relaxation
After the dives, enjoy a Thai-style lunch on board and rehydrate while soaking up the sun or taking in the open ocean atmosphere.
🏝️ Return to Koh Tao by Mid-Afternoon
We typically return to Mae Haad Pier between 2:30 and 3:30 PM, depending on conditions. You’ll be back with plenty of time to log your dives, share photos, and relax at Crystal Dive’s beachside bar.
What Should I Bring?
For your day trip, we recommend bringing:
- Your certification card/logbook
- Swimwear and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A hat and sunglasses for the boat
- Camera (optional but great for the site)
- A sense of adventure!
All dive gear can be provided by us and is included in the cost of your trip.
How to Book Your Trip with Crystal Dive
Because these trips only run twice a month, spaces are very limited and early booking is essential. Here’s how to reserve your spot:
- Visit us in person at Crystal Dive in Mae Haad
- Email or call our reservations team in advance
- Add the trip to your dive course (Advanced Adventurer +)
- Check our social media for announcements and availability
Combine it with Your Koh Tao Dive Holiday
If you’re planning to dive Koh Tao, why not schedule your trip around the 1st or 16th to make sure you can experience Sail Rock?
- Day 1–3: Open Water Diver Course at Crystal Dive
- Day 4: Dives 1 & 2 Advanced Adventurer, Deep Specialty or other course.
- Day 5 (1st or 16th): Sail Rock Adventure Trip
Ask our friendly staff about custom packages that include accommodation, equipment, and multiple dives, we’ll help you make the most of your time on Koh Tao.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Sail Rock with Crystal Dive
Diving Sail Rock is more than just a tick on your dive list, it’s a true big day out filled with unforgettable encounters, top-notch diving, and a great atmosphere. Whether you’re hoping to spot a whale shark, explore The Chimney, or complete your Deep Dive certification, there’s no better way to experience Sail Rock than with Crystal Dive Koh Tao.
With limited spots available, this trip is in high demand, so plan ahead, secure your place, and get ready for one of the best diving experiences Thailand has to offer.
