Southwest Pinnacle is one of Koh Tao’s most visually stunning dive sites and a firm favourite among underwater photographers. This cluster of submerged granite pinnacles hosts one of the most spectacular anemone fields in the Gulf of Thailand. We find covering the main pinnacle in a riot of colour from top to bottom. Giant groupers patrol the walls, barracuda schools drift past in formation, and on lucky days, a whale shark makes a surprise appearance. A must-dive on every Koh Tao fun dive programme.

Southwest Pinnacle dive site Koh Tao: what makes it special?

Southwest Pinnacle is a cluster of submerged granite pinnacles located on the southwest side of Koh Tao, roughly 45 minutes by boat from Mae Haad pier. The main pinnacle rises to just 7 metres below the surface, while the surrounding structures extend down to 30 metres. Unlike open-water blue water sites such as Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest offers a more sheltered configuration. It have with walls blanketed in extraordinarily dense marine life.

Above all, what sets Southwest Pinnacle apart from every other dive site on Koh Tao (Thailand’s diving island) is its exceptional anemone field. The top and flanks of the main pinnacle are quite literally carpeted with anemones of every colour. It is precisely this sight, unique in the Gulf of Thailand, that has made Southwest Pinnacle a favourite among divers and underwater photographers alike.

The anemone field at Southwest Pinnacle — the signature of the site

From the moment you descend, the anemone field at Southwest Pinnacle announces itself as one of the most visually arresting sights in all of Koh Tao. Hundreds of anemones sway gently in the current, each sheltering its own clownfish colony. It’s on terms of colour, density and sheer visual impact. Very few dive sites around Koh Tao can match what Southwest delivers within the first few metres.

Beyond this visual spectacle, the pinnacle walls also hide moray eels, cleaner shrimps and a remarkable variety of nudibranchs for macro enthusiasts. As a result, Southwest Pinnacle satisfies both divers drawn by large animals and those. Who prefer to hunt for the smaller, hidden life tucked into every crack in the reef.

Marine life at Southwest Pinnacle Koh Tao: what you’ll encounter

In addition to its iconic anemone field, Southwest Pinnacle attracts a wide and varied range of marine species. Along the walls and in the deeper zones, encounters follow one another throughout every dive.

What level do you need to dive Southwest Pinnacle Koh Tao?

The minimum certification required is Open Water (OW): the top of the main pinnacle at 7 metres is perfectly suited to newly certified divers. And the anemone field is already in full display at these shallow depths. However, to explore the deeper zones, down to 30 metres. And experience the full diversity the site has to offer, an Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification is recommended.

Furthermore, Southwest Pinnacle is an outstanding setting for an Underwater Photography specialty course: the anemone field, clownfish, nudibranchs and varied reef life provide exceptional shooting conditions at every depth. Talk to The Divers Boat team to plan your perfect dive day.

Dive Southwest Pinnacle with The Divers Boat, Koh Tao

The Divers Boat organises fun dive trips to Southwest Pinnacle from Koh Tao, departing from Mae Haad — the main pier on Thailand’s diving island. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes by boat. Our blue boat is exclusively dedicated to certified divers: small groups, attentive multilingual dive guides and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere far removed from the island’s larger, busier dive operations.

In practice, Southwest Pinnacle pairs naturally with other nearby sites around Koh Tao for a full and varied day of diving. Contact us to check availability and build your ideal dive day on the water.