Overview
Sail Rock (Hin Bai) is an iconic granite pinnacle that rises 8 meters out of the water between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Because it stands alone in the open ocean, it acts as a massive magnet for marine life in the Gulf of Thailand.
What you’ll see
The site is famous for dense, swirling schools of fish and spectacular topography:
- Enormous schools of Chevron Barracuda and Bigeye Trevally.
- Friendly Batfish that often follow divers.
- The famous ‘Chimney’, a vertical swim-through starting at 18m and exiting at 6m.
- Frequent, highly-anticipated visits from Whale Sharks during the season.
The Dive Experience
While beginners can dive the shallower sections, Sail Rock is best appreciated by Advanced divers who can navigate the deeper sections (down to 40m) and safely execute the Chimney swim-through. Currents can be strong, but the pinnacle provides shelter on its lee side.
Getting There
Sail Rock is a full-day trip from Koh Tao, involving a 1.5 to 2-hour boat ride. It is also accessible from Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.
Marine Life to Spot at Sail Rock
- Whale Sharks
- Barracuda
- Batfish
- Trevally