Skip to content
OpenWaterAtlas
A scuba diver explores the vibrant underwater world in Thailand, capturing the moment with a monopod.
📷 Tirachard Kumtanom · Pexels

Ko Dok Mai

3.6 — based on 11 community signals
4.1 9 species 10 contributors

Ko Dok Mai is a year-round dive destination in Thailand with diverse marine life and moderate coral health concerns.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

updated 4 months ago
BleachingRiskYearRoundPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Ko Dok Mai location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
13.3 kn
Wave
1.26 m
Water
29.7°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: W (22%)
Now: WSW (254°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 2.17m

Today: High 02:00 (+0.98m), Low 08:00 (+0.17m)

+1.6 m0 m-0.5 m
▲ 02:00 · +0.98m ▼ 08:00 · +0.17m ▲ 14:00 · +0.67m ▼ 20:00 · +0.23m Now +1.0m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV4.85 · mod Air PM2.510 · good 06:15 18:23
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 16.4 1.28 5 24mm
09-20 12.7 0.82 9 20mm
09-21 6.3 0.68 8 1mm
09-22 9 0.48 9 5mm
09-23 6 0.44 6 2mm
09-24 10.1 0.42 3 1mm
09-25 11 0.42 3 1mm
🚨 Coral bleaching: Alert Level 1 — active bleaching
DHW: 4.2°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Ko Dok Mai offers diving opportunities throughout the year in Thai waters. The site has documented marine observations from nine recorded species sightings, making it a viable option for divers seeking biodiversity. Community videos are available showing the site's underwater character and conditions. The island sits outside protected marine areas, which may influence access and regulations. Divers should check local requirements before visiting. Coral bleaching monitoring shows alert level 1 status, indicating moderate concern worth noting when planning dives. Because specific depth, visibility, water temperature, and difficulty ratings are not currently documented for Ko Dok Mai, divers should contact local operators or recent visitors for current conditions before booking. This information helps set proper expectations for gear and skills needed. The site's year-round accessibility makes it flexible for travel planning. Video documentation from the diving community provides real-world references for what to expect underwater.

📖 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

Reef

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 ↔ 9945km · ~2287kg · €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

When is the best time to dive Ko Dok Mai?

Ko Dok Mai is accessible year-round, so you can plan a dive trip according to your schedule. However, you should verify seasonal weather and sea conditions with local operators before traveling, as Thailand's monsoon patterns may affect diving days.

What marine life can I expect at Ko Dok Mai?

Nine recorded species observations exist for Ko Dok Mai, confirming marine biodiversity at the site. Specific species list and sighting frequency should be confirmed with local dive operators or by reviewing community videos available online.

What are the depth, difficulty, and visibility conditions?

Detailed depth, difficulty rating, and average visibility data for Ko Dok Mai are not currently documented. Contact local dive shops or check recent community reports before your trip to understand site conditions and ensure you bring appropriate gear.

Are permits or special access required?

Ko Dok Mai is not inside a marine protected area, which may simplify access. However, Thai diving regulations and local requirements can change. Verify current permits and rules with your dive operator before arriving.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

56 records · 48 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Erugosquilla woodmasoni

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

Carinosquilla

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

Conasprella longurionis

Gastropoda · Conidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Jan 1999
×1records
Depth:
40–50 m

Ampithoe rachanoi

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

Arakawania musiva

Gastropoda · Muricidae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Aug 1995
×1records

Jacksonaster depressum

Echinoidea · Laganidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Jan 1995
×1records

Drupella rugosa

Hime-shiro-reishi-damashi
Gastropoda · Muricidae
OBIS
Last seen:
26 Apr 1994
×1records

Monetaria caputserpentis

Gastropoda · Cypraeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
25 Apr 1994
×1records

Morula spinosa

Gastropoda · Muricidae
OBIS
Last seen:
24 Apr 1994
×1records

Menathais tuberosa

Gastropoda · Muricidae
OBIS
Last seen:
7 Apr 1994
×2records

Morula spinosa

Gastropoda · Muricidae
OBIS
Last seen:
18 Nov 1993
×1records

Ischnochiton bouryi

Polyplacophora · Ischnochitonidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Jul 1993
×1records

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

If conditions don't work

Activities nearby or alternative spots — keep your trip going.

Bad viz or rough seas? Plan B: ท่าเรืออ่าวมะขาม viewpoint.

📍 Attraction · 0 km
Ko Dok Mai
View on map ↗
🏖 Beach · 6.3 km
หาดไม้ท่อน
View on map ↗
📍 Attraction · 10.6 km
Hin Mu Sang
View on map ↗
🏖 Beach · 13.3 km
Panwa Beach
View on map ↗
👁 Viewpoint · 14.3 km
ท่าเรืออ่าวมะขาม
View on map ↗
👁 Viewpoint · 14.8 km
Bouddha couché
View on map ↗

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Koh Dok Mai Underwater Dive - Thailand

PADI CHAD Scuba Instructor
💬 1 top comments
  • A beautiful video. Love a close-up fish face. Adorable!!!

    @electrolyteredcat9208 · 👍 0

Diving in Thailand KO DOK MAI 2017

chris garland

SCUBA DIVING AT KOH DOK MAI | PHUKET, THAILAND

WanderLust Explore
wind peaks Jan-Feb-Jul, calmest May-Apr-Oct, dry Jan-Dec.

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: Jul (100/100) Worst: Jun (0/100) Now: Sep (50/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

Nearby spots

Diving
🇹🇭 Thailand

Anemone Reef (Phuket)

Intermediate reef dive in Phuket featuring anemones and tropical fish across 5–24 meters. Accessible year-round with good structure for skill-building.

Intermediate 5–24m
Hin Mu Sang Thailand Diving
🇹🇭 Thailand

Hin Mu Sang

Hin Mu Sang is a year-round dive site off Thailand's coast, hosting diverse marine life and accessible diving for all levels.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Hin Jom Thailand Diving
🇹🇭 Thailand

Hin Jom

Hin Jom is a year-round Thai dive site with 12 documented species observations and active community footage. Visit now—coral bleaching watch in effect.

Intermediate Jan·Feb·Mar+

Similar spots

Same activity, shared marine species or similar profile.

Sub Aqua Thailand Diving
🇹🇭 Thailand

Sub Aqua

Sub Aqua at Karon Beach offers year-round diving on Phuket's popular shore break with easy access and diverse marine life.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Bay 1 / Ao Ter Thailand Diving
🇹🇭 Thailand

Bay 1 / Ao Ter

Bay 1 (Ao Ter) is a year-round Thai dive site with 12 recorded species observations and accessible coral ecosystems.

Jan·Feb·Mar+
Bungalow bay Thailand Diving
🇹🇭 Thailand

Bungalow bay

Bungalow Bay near Ko Raya Yai offers year-round diving with accessible reefs and tropical marine life in Thailand's Andaman Sea.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Ao Kon Ka Re Thailand Diving
🇹🇭 Thailand

Ao Kon Ka Re

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

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+

Suggest an operator

Know a great dive shop, kite school, or local guide at this spot? Tell us — we'll review and add it.

Up to 500 characters
Plan
View →