Scuba diving around Angthong National Marine Park is a serene and visually captivating experience.
The marine park is designated as a protected area, which preserves its coral reefs and marine life, thus providing divers with an unspoiled environment. The underwater landscape includes colourful coral gardens, sea caves, and swim-throughs with dramatic rock formations, making it a playground for underwater photographers and nature lovers.
Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, just northwest of Koh Samui, Angthong National Marine Park is a protected archipelago of 42 lush islands known for their dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Although the park is popular for kayaking and hiking, scuba diving offers a more immersive way to explore its vibrant underwater world.
A Unique Scuba Diving Experience from Koh Samui
Marine Life and Coral Reefs
Angthong National Marine Park is teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to encounter anemonefish, barracuda, batfish, groupers, and various species of wrasse and parrotfish. Divers often spot blue-spotted stingrays, cuttlefish, moray eels, and sea turtles gliding through the coral gardens or hiding in the park’s crevices.
Dive Sites
While Ang Thong is not known for deep diving or strong currents, it’s perfect for beginner to intermediate divers. Depths generally range from 5 to 25 metres, providing ample bottom time and gentle conditions. Notable dive spots include:
Recently, my partner and I dived at Koh Yippon and Koh Yippon Yai, using the services of our partner dive centre located in Koh Samui. It was an enjoyable dive trip. Visibility was limited, but it followed 4 to 5 days of stormy weather, so we expected it not to be perfect.
- Koh Yippon — a rocky site with large boulders and swim-throughs, suitable for more experienced divers.
- Koh Yippon Lek – known for its abundant soft coral and excellent visibility.
Visibility ranges from 10 to 20 meters, depending on the season and weather conditions, with the best diving typically taking place from March to October.
Getting There with a Koh Samui Dive Centre
Most scuba diving excursions to Angthong depart from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Day trips are generally private diving trips. The most common dive trips involve licensed operators visiting Koh Tao, Sail Rock, or Chumphon Pinnacle. You find more information about Koh Samui Diving Courses and Diving Trips here.
For more information regarding private dive trips to Angthong National Marine Park, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, or Sail Rock, contact us directly. Alternatively, click the link here for more awesome dive sites and dive centres around Southern Thailand. Allow Samui Explorer to design the perfect diving trip, Island hopping around Southern Thailand to the best dive sites.
Conservation and Sustainability
As a protected area, Angthong is subject to strict conservation regulations. Anchoring on coral reefs is prohibited, and the number of daily visitors is limited to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Divers are encouraged to follow responsible diving practices, such as maintaining buoyancy control and avoiding contact with marine life.
The marine park is closed annually from November 1st until December 15th; therefore, prepare your dive trip well.
In summary, scuba diving in Angthong National Marine Park is a peaceful, scenic alternative to the busier dive spots around Thailand.
