A scuba dive tour to Sail Rock (or Hin Bai in Thai) is widely considered the premier dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. Located between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, it is an iceberg-shaped granite pinnacle that rises 15 meters above the surface and plunges to depths of over 40 meters.
Description-
The Chimney: The site’s most famous feature is a vertical swim-through. You can enter at 18–20 meters and ascend inside the rock to exit at 12 or 6 meters.
-
Marine Life: It is a hub for “fish soup”—massive schools of chevron barracuda, trevally, and queenfish. It is also the most reliable spot in the region for
Whale Shark sightings, particularly between March and May.
-
Topography: Apart from the main rock, there are several outer pinnacles (like “Secret Pinnacle”) that host giant groupers and moray eels.
Duration
-
Pick-up: Morning transfer from your accommodation. Around 7:30 am depending on your location.
-
The Dive Day: Two distinct dive sites (selected daily based on the best visibility and sea conditions).
-
Drop-off: Return to your doorstep by mid- afternoon.
-
Skill Level: While suitable for all certified levels, the depths reach 40 meters and currents can be strong. It is particularly rewarding for Advanced Open Water divers who can explore the deeper outer pinnacles.
Ready to Submerge?- The Chimney: This is the site’s most iconic feature. It is a natural vertical tunnel that you can enter at about 18 meters deep and ascend inside the rock to exit at around 6 meters. It is often filled with small glassfish and provides a unique perspective of the rock’s interior.
- The Secret Pinnacle: Advanced divers can often head slightly north of the main rock to find a submerged pinnacle that attracts larger pelagics like Spanish Mackerel, Queenfish, and occasionally Great Barracuda
- The Chimney: This is the site’s most iconic feature. It is a natural vertical tunnel that you can enter at about 18 meters deep and ascend inside the rock to exit at around 6 meters. It is often filled with small glassfish and provides a unique perspective of the rock’s interior.
-
Marine Life to Watch For
- Large Predators: Giant Groupers (often lurking in the shadows), King Mackerel, and various species of Tuna.
- Reef Residents: Look for Honeycomb Groupers, Giant Moray Eels, Lionfish, and schools of Batfish that often hang out near the surface.
- Macro Life: If you look closely at the walls, you’ll find colorful Nudibranchs, Banded Boxer Shrimp, and camouflaged Scorpionfish.
- Anemone Gardens: Large sections of the rock are covered in sea anemones, home to Pink Anemonefish (Nemo’s cousins).
-
Travel & Conditions
What’s Included
Standard day trip packages typically include:
-
-
Transport: Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off from your hotel/hostel in Koh Samui. -
Premium Equipment: Full rental of high-quality, serviced scuba gear (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, and fins). -
Meals & Refreshments: A fresh, hearty lunch served on board, plus plenty of drinking water. -
Professional Guidance: Lead by highly experienced, PADI/SSI certified Divemasters who know the local reefs like the back of their hand. Free Nitrox: Enriched Air (Nitrox) for free if you are already certified to use it.
4,650 THB per person
Transport: Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off from your hotel/hostel in Koh Samui.
Days: We go to Sail Rock Tuesday, Wednesday , Friday and Sunday.Note: This is an all-inclusive rate. No hidden “equipment fees” or “fuel surcharges” at the end of the day.
-
