Overview
Located about 13 kilometers southwest of Koh Tao, Southwest Pinnacle is actually a series of submerged rock formations. The tops of the main pinnacles sit around 5 meters below the surface, dropping down to a sandy bottom at about 30 meters.
What you’ll see
The visual signature of Southwest Pinnacle is the dense, almost carpet-like covering of magnificent sea anemones (in pink, green, and blue) that blanket the upper sections of the rocks.
- Vast schools of Yellowtail Barracuda and Snapper circling the pinnacles.
- Massive Malabar Groupers lurking in the shadows at the base of the rocks.
- Like Sail Rock, it is an excellent site to spot passing Whale Sharks.
The Dive Experience
Because it is in open water, the site can be prone to strong currents and occasionally choppy surface conditions. The dive typically involves descending down the mooring line and circumnavigating the various rock formations, starting deep and spiraling upwards. It is highly recommended for Advanced Open Water divers.
Getting There
Accessible via daily dive boat trips from Koh Tao. The boat ride generally takes about 40 to 50 minutes.
Marine Life to Spot at Southwest Pinnacle
- Whale Sharks
- Barracuda
- Groupers
- Snapper