Diving in Koh Lipe, often called the “Maldives of Thailand,” is a small island at the southern tip of the Andaman Sea that offers some of the clearest waters and most vibrant marine life in Southeast Asia. For divers, beginners and experts alike, it’s a tropical dream.
Crystal Clear Waters
One of the first things you’ll notice when arriving in Koh Lipe is how impossibly clear the water is. The visibility often exceeds 30 meters (100 feet), allowing you to see colorful corals and schools of fish from the surface. The turquoise gradient of the sea changes with depth, giving the island a surreal glow both above and below the surface.
The clarity is thanks to Koh Lipe’s location within Tarutao National Marine Park, a protected area with minimal boat traffic and strict conservation rules. The calm conditions also make it an excellent spot for underwater photography.
Top Diving Spots Around Koh Lipe
Whether you’re after gentle coral gardens or dramatic underwater rock formations, diving in Koh Lipe offers a diverse range of dive sites:
1. Stonehenge
Arguably Koh Lipe’s most famous dive site, Stonehenge features towering pinnacles covered in soft corals and sea fans. You’ll often find lionfish, scorpionfish, and even the occasional leopard shark gliding through. The site sits around 20–30 meters deep, perfect for intermediate divers.
2. Koh Taru
This site is known for its vibrant coral bommies and huge schools of fusiliers, snappers, and barracudas. It’s a great place to spot macro life—keep an eye out for nudibranchs and pipefish hiding in the coral crevices.
3. Koh Yang East
Ideal for beginners, this shallow dive (around 10–15 meters) offers excellent visibility and a relaxed environment. It’s common to see clownfish, angelfish, and colorful parrotfish darting among the coral heads.
4. 8 Mile Rock
Located further offshore, this deep dive (to 35 meters) is for advanced divers. The site is known for pelagic encounters—manta rays, trevallies, and occasionally whale sharks during the season (December to April). The strong currents bring in nutrient-rich water, attracting big marine life.
5. Honeycomb Reef
A hidden gem close to Koh Adang, Honeycomb Reef is named for its intricate coral structures that resemble a honeycomb. It’s a peaceful spot ideal for drift dives, and you’ll often find sea turtles grazing on the reef.
How to Get to Koh Lipe from Hat Yai
While diving in Koh Lipe feels remote, getting there from Hat Yai is relatively straightforward and well-organized.
- Fly or Arrive in Hat Yai
Hat Yai is a major transport hub in southern Thailand, easily accessible by air, train, or bus from Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi. The Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) is the nearest airport to Koh Lipe. - Transfer from Hat Yai to Pak Bara Pier
From Hat Yai, you’ll need to reach Pak Bara Pier in Satun Province—the main departure point for boats to Koh Lipe.- By Minivan or Taxi: The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and can be arranged directly from the airport, most hotels, or travel agents in Hat Yai. Many packages include a combined ticket with the ferry.
- Ferry from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe
Speedboats and ferries depart from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe multiple times daily (usually between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.). The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions and stops at nearby islands.- During the high season (November to April), boats run frequently. In the low season (May to October), schedules are limited but still reliable.
- You’ll arrive at Pattaya Beach, where longtail boats transfer passengers to the shore since Koh Lipe doesn’t have a deep-water pier.
- Pro Tip
Book your combined transfer (Hat Yai → Pak Bara Pier → Koh Lipe) through a reputable company for a seamless experience. Some operators even handle luggage transfers, making the journey hassle-free.
Diving Conditions
- Best Time to Dive: November to April offers calm seas and peak visibility.
- Water Temperature: Warm year-round, usually between 28–30°C (82–86°F).
- Dive Shops: There are several reputable dive centers on the island offering PADI and SSI courses, guided fun dives, and liveaboard trips.
Beyond the Bubbles
After your dives, you can relax on Sunrise Beach with a coconut in hand or watch the fiery sunsets from Pattaya Beach. Koh Lipe also has great snorkeling right off the shore—perfect for non-divers or easy recovery days between dives.
