Just off Koh Tao’s southeastern shoreline lies one of the island’s quirkiest and most talked-about dive sites: the Junkyard Artificial Reef on Koh Tao. Equal parts conservation project, underwater art installation, and marine life hotspot, Junkyard is a place where creativity and ecology meet beneath the surface.
Whether you’re taking your first underwater breaths or you’ve logged hundreds of dives, Junkyard artificial reef on Koh Tao offers something different every single time. It’s shallow, colourful, full of life, and constantly evolving, which is exactly why we at Crystal Dive keep coming back.
So what makes this site so special, and why has junkyard reef diving become a favourite for macro lovers and eco-minded divers alike? Let’s dive in.
What Is the Junkyard Artificial Reef on Koh Tao?
The Junkyard Artificial Reef on Koh Tao is a purpose-built dive site created using repurposed materials and man-made structures designed to support coral growth and marine life. What started as a creative conservation idea has grown into one of the island’s most vibrant artificial reefs.
Instead of sinking random objects, Junkyard was carefully planned to create stable surfaces, sheltered spaces, and long-term habitats for corals and reef creatures. Over time, these structures have transformed into coral-covered mini reefs, attracting fish, invertebrates, and some of Koh Tao’s most interesting critters.
The result is a dive site that’s fun, accessible, and genuinely beneficial to the surrounding marine environment.
The Story Behind Junkyard Reef Diving
Junkyard reef diving was born from a simple goal: reduce pressure on Koh Tao’s natural reefs while creating something divers would genuinely want to explore.
As tourism and dive activity increased around the island, the need for alternative sites became clear. Artificial reef diving offered a solution, and one that supports marine ecosystems while still delivering exciting, memorable dives.
Over the years, artificial reef diving at Junkyard has evolved through ongoing maintenance, coral planting, and creative additions. What was once bare concrete and metal is now covered in coral growth, sponges, and marine life.
This constant evolution means no two dives at Junkyard ever feel the same, making it a favourite for instructors, photographers, and fun divers alike.
Marine Life at Junkyard: Why It’s Famous for Macro Diving on Koh Tao
If you’re into small stuff, Junkyard is a dream. The site has earned a reputation as one of the best locations for macro diving on Koh Tao, thanks to its complex structures and sheltered spaces.
Some of the marine life you might encounter includes:
Nudibranchs in every colour imaginable, crawling across coral and metal alike
Seahorses blending perfectly into their surroundings
Mantis shrimp peeking from burrows with curious eyes
Moray eels tucked into pipes and holes
An octopus using camouflage to disappear in seconds
Pufferfish and porcupinefish, including a few local favourites known for following divers
The artificial structures create countless hiding places, making Junkyard ideal for slow, observant dives that focus on macro diving on Koh Tao. For underwater photographers, it’s a macro playground packed with texture, colour, and behaviour worth watching.
Underwater Art Meets Artificial Reef Diving
One of the most unique aspects of Junkyard is how it blends artificial reef diving with creativity. Sunken motorcycles, sculptures, and unexpected objects sit quietly on the seabed, now softened by coral growth and marine life.
What makes these structures special isn’t just how they look, it’s how quickly nature takes over. Corals attach, fish move in, and algae and sponges add colour and texture. Over time, these once-man-made objects become part of the reef itself.
Junkyard reef diving often feels like swimming through an underwater gallery, where every piece of “art” also serves a purpose as habitat, shelter, and coral foundation.
Eco Diving on Koh Tao: How Junkyard Supports Sustainable Diving
Junkyard is a standout example of eco diving on Koh Tao done right. By attracting divers to an artificial reef, pressure on nearby natural reefs is reduced, giving damaged areas time to recover.
The site’s shallow depth makes it ideal for:
Training dives
Buoyancy practice
Conservation-focused education
At Junkyard artificial reef on Koh Tao, divers can learn, explore, and enjoy marine life without risking fragile coral colonies. Junkyard also acts as a living classroom, helping divers understand reef ecology, coral growth, and the real-world impact of conservation efforts.
It’s proof that fun diving and sustainability don’t have to be separate ideas.
Crystal Dive, The Coral Tribe, and the Evolution of Junkyard
The Junkyard Artificial Reef on Koh Tao wouldn’t be what it is today without ongoing care. Crystal Dive works closely with our conservation partner, The Coral Tribe, to ensure the site continues to thrive, and serves as a great spot for eco diving on Koh Tao.
Behind the scenes, this includes:
Regular maintenance dives to check structures
Coral propagation and transplanting
Reef clean-ups and debris removal
Monitoring coral health and marine life populations
Junkyard isn’t a “set it and forget it” project. It’s a living reef that requires attention, care, and collaboration, and that’s what keeps it growing stronger year after year.
Why Junkyard Reef Diving Is Perfect for Training and Fun Dives
Junkyard reef diving is ideal for a wide range of experience levels.
For beginner divers, the shallow depth, calm conditions, and interesting surroundings make it a relaxed and confidence-building site. Many students complete early dives here, practising skills while surrounded by coral-covered structures instead of empty sand.
For certified divers, Junkyard offers:
Excellent buoyancy practice
Slow, exploratory dives
Endless macro opportunities’
A site that changes with every visit
It’s also a popular choice for specialties like Marine Ecology, underwater photography, and conservation-focused courses.
Why You Should Dive the Junkyard Artificial Reef on Koh Tao
The Junkyard Artificial Reef on Koh Tao is more than just a dive site; it’s a story of creativity, conservation, and community. It shows how thoughtful artificial reef diving can support marine life while still delivering unforgettable experiences.
For beginners, it’s a welcoming place to learn. For experienced divers, it’s a site full of surprises. For photographers, it’s a great place for macro diving on Koh Tao. And for eco-conscious travellers, it’s proof that diving can actively support ocean health.
If you’re visiting Koh Tao, Junkyard deserves a place on your dive list. Dive it once, and you’ll understand why we’re so obsessed.
So grab your gear, book your dive, and come explore Junkyard artificial reef on Koh Tao with us. Once you’ve been, it won’t just be another dive. It’ll be one you keep talking about long after you surface.
