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📷 Gilbert Cayamo · Pexels

Ao Kon Ka Re

3.6 — based on 18 community signals
4.2 12 species 22 contributors

Ao Kon Ka Re offers year-round diving off Ko Raya Yai with diverse marine life and accessible conditions for most divers.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
BleachingRiskPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Ao Kon Ka Re location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
18.4 kn
Wave
1.78 m
Water
29.3°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: W (22%)
Now: W (261°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.97m

Today: High 02:00 (+0.96m), Low 08:00 (+0.21m)

+1.5 m0 m-0.5 m
▲ 02:00 · +0.96m ▼ 08:00 · +0.21m ▲ 14:00 · +0.66m ▼ 20:00 · +0.26m Now +0.9m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV8.45 · very high Air PM2.511 · good 06:16 18:24
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 18.4 1.78 8 23mm
09-20 11.5 1.18 6 15mm
09-21 7.6 0.96 8 5mm
09-22 5.7 0.76 8 10mm
09-23 5.2 0.66 3 3mm
09-24 9.6 0.64 2 2mm
09-25 10 0.56 2 1mm
🚨 Coral bleaching: Alert Level 1 — active bleaching
DHW: 4.2°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Ao Kon Ka Re is a dive destination located at Ko Raya Yai in Thailand, offering opportunities to explore the waters around the island year-round. The site attracts divers seeking tropical marine encounters without the restrictions of marine protected area regulations, making it a flexible option for dive planning. The area supports 12 documented species observations, indicating a healthy variety of marine life. Community videos from three different sources provide real-world footage of the diving conditions and wildlife you can expect to encounter. These resources help divers prepare for what they'll see when they explore the reefs and underwater features. While the site is accessible throughout the year, divers should be aware of current coral bleaching alert status, which may affect the appearance and condition of coral formations. This information is valuable for setting realistic expectations about reef health during your visit. The lack of marine protected area designation means fewer regulatory restrictions, though responsible diving practices remain important for site sustainability. Divers planning a trip should research current conditions through the available community videos and recent reports, as seasonal weather patterns and water conditions may vary. Ko Raya Yai's position in Thailand's diving geography makes it reachable from major dive centers, though specific access details should be confirmed locally.

📖 Guide: Diving in Thailand: 73 Sites from Whale Sharks to Shallow Reefs

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

ReefBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B/C · 220V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 9952km · ~2289kg · €41

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 11h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 12h east · 8 days recovery

FAQ

Can I dive Ao Kon Ka Re year-round?

Yes, Ao Kon Ka Re is listed as a year-round diving destination. However, seasonal weather patterns and sea conditions may still affect visibility and comfort, so check local reports before booking.

What marine life is found at Ao Kon Ka Re?

The site has 12 documented species observations on record. Community videos from the area provide visual examples of the marine life you can encounter. Specific species lists are best confirmed with local dive operators.

Is Ao Kon Ka Re in a marine protected area?

No, Ao Kon Ka Re is not inside a designated marine protected area, so standard access regulations apply. Always follow responsible diving practices to protect the reef.

What is the coral bleaching status?

The site currently has a coral bleaching alert status, which may affect coral appearance and health during your visit. Check recent condition reports before diving.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

60 records · 50 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Jacksonaster depressus

Echinoidea · Laganidae
GBIF
Last seen:
23 Jan 2026
×1records

Sepioteuthis lessoniana

Cephalopoda · Loliginidae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Jan 2026
×1records

Phyllidiella rudmani

Gastropoda · Phyllidiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
17 Jun 2017
×1records
Depth:
10 m

Nautilus pompilius

Cephalopoda · Nautilidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Mar 2008
×1records
Depth:
172 m

Dromia

Malacostraca · Dromiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
24 Nov 1999
×1records

Izanami curtispina

Malacostraca · Matutidae
OBIS
Last seen:
24 Nov 1999
×1records

Carinosquilla

Malacostraca · Squillidae
OBIS
Last seen:
24 Nov 1999
×1records

Harpiosquilla harpax

Malacostraca · Squillidae
OBIS
Last seen:
24 Nov 1999
×1records

Pleurocope wilsoni

Malacostraca · Pleurocopidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Jan 1999
×1records
Depth:
77 m

Quadrella serenei

Malacostraca · Trapeziidae
OBIS
Last seen:
14 Dec 1998
×1records

Amaryllididae

Malacostraca · Amaryllididae
OBIS
Last seen:
22 Feb 1998
×2records

Leitoscoloplos papillatus

Polychaeta · Orbiniidae
OBIS
Last seen:
9 May 1996
×1records
Depth:
31 m

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Koh Tao BLEW My Mind! Best Beaches, Epic Food & Hidden Gems

The Country Collectors
💬 3 top comments
  • Looking for the best travel insurance? I use SafetyWing and they have never let me down! Click this link to Check it out! 👉 tinyurl.com/Nomad-Insurance-Complete 👈 Koh Tao-tally blew my mind! From turquoise bays to jaw-dropping views — this island doesn’t just wow, it WHALE-comes you with open arms. 🐋🌴 I didn’t just find pretty beaches… I found moments I’ll never forget. ❤ What would YOU d

    @TheCountryCollectors · 👍 8
  • I'm a Thai person but I never knew there was such a beautiful island. Thank you for your great video Adam.

    @bunleotsaenhong862 · 👍 6
  • Fantastic presentation. Great filming, and very informative. Having travelled in Thailand north to south (Chiang Mai - Krabi town), and am struggling to fill about 2 1/2 weeks in October. I have stayed in Surat Thani, so not nesessarily wanting to stay there again, but think I would take your option and fly down, then a taxi direct to the port, then out to Koh Tao. I think you've convinced me with

    @banfielddavid · 👍 1

KOH TAO is the Ultimate Island Escape (Luxury Stay and Best Diving in Thailand)

Flora and Note
💬 3 top comments
  • Flora and Note you both are getting so much better with your videos since 3 years. I've been watching you both for years and the editing of the videos are getting better. Much love and respect to you both Flora and Note.

    @DominicHalsey-du2cr · 👍 18
  • You guys are so kind with the cat, thank you😻

    @db15x · 👍 26
  • Here is some money to help with the stray cat you have rescued!:thanksdoc::yougotthis:

    @stessalee · 👍 22

Saigon Sam Part 41: Snorkeling at Kon Kare Bay, Koh Racha Yai, Phuket, Thailand Part 1/6

samsaigon
wind peaks Jan-Sep-Feb, calmest May-Oct-Apr, dry Jan-Apr.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jun (100/100) Worst: Feb (0/100) Now: Sep (99/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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