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A diver explores underwater depths with bubbles rising in the turquoise ocean water.
📷 Kindel Media · Pexels

South Tip

3.5 — based on 16 community signals
4.1 12 species 16 contributors

South Tip is a year-round dive destination in Thailand with 12 recorded species observations and accessible coral ecosystems.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
BleachingRiskPhotoFriendlyMacroFocus

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
South Tip location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
17.2 kn
Wave
1.38 m
Water
29.3°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: W (18%)
Now: W (264°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.9m

Today: High 02:00 (+0.96m), Low 08:00 (+0.23m)

+1.5 m0 m-0.4 m
▲ 02:00 · +0.96m ▼ 08:00 · +0.23m ▲ 14:00 · +0.66m ▼ 20:00 · +0.27m Now +0.8m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV8.55 · very high Air PM2.512 · good 06:16 18:24
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 17 1.48 9 23mm
09-20 12 1.42 7 17mm
09-21 7 1.04 8 4mm
09-22 6.6 0.78 8 8mm
09-23 4.7 0.64 6 1mm
09-24 7.6 0.66 1 2mm
09-25 9.1 0.62 2 1mm
🚨 Coral bleaching: Alert Level 1 — active bleaching
DHW: 4.2°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

South Tip offers consistent diving opportunities throughout the year in Thailand's waters. The site draws interest from divers exploring coral-rich environments, with documented observations of 12 distinct marine species in the area. Community videos provide real-world footage of conditions and marine life encounters. The dive site sits outside a marine protected area, which shapes access and regulations compared to MPA sites. Recent coral bleaching alerts indicate the ecosystem warrants attention, making visits important for understanding current reef health. Local dive operations can advise on seasonal patterns and specific site conditions. With multiple species documented and video records available, South Tip supports both recreational and observational diving. The consistent year-round access makes planning flexible. Divers should verify current reef conditions and water quality with local operators before booking.

📖 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 ↔ 9960km · ~2291kg · €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 South Tip year-round?

Yes, South Tip is diveable year-round. Contact local dive operators for current seasonal water conditions and any weather-related restrictions.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species have been documented at South Tip. Local dive shops and community videos provide details on common sightings. Marine life varies seasonally.

Do I need permits or certifications?

South Tip is outside a marine protected area. Check Thailand's current diving regulations and verify any local requirements with your dive operator.

What's the current reef condition?

Coral bleaching alerts are in effect for the area. Ask your dive operator about current reef health and seasonal recovery before your visit.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

51 records · 47 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Culcita schmideliana

Asteroidea · Oreasteridae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Feb 2026
×1records

Echinothrix calamaris

Echinoidea · Diadematidae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Feb 2026
×1records

Carcharhinus melanopterus

Elasmobranchii · Carcharhinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
15 Feb 2026
×1records

Mauritia arabica

Gastropoda · Cypraeidae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Feb 2026
×1records

Linckia laevigata

Asteroidea · Ophidiasteridae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Feb 2026
×1records

Comaster schlegelii

Crinoidea · Comatulidae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Feb 2026
×1records

Pearsonothuria graeffei

Holothuroidea · Holothuriidae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Feb 2026
×1records

Longchaeus acus

Gastropoda · Pyramidellidae
GBIF
Last seen:
4 Feb 2026
×1records

Diadema setosum

Echinoidea · Diadematidae
GBIF
Last seen:
4 Feb 2026
×1records

Vasum turbinellus

Gastropoda · Turbinellidae
GBIF
Last seen:
4 Feb 2026
×1records

Acanthaster planci

Asteroidea · Acanthasteridae
GBIF
Last seen:
3 Feb 2026
×1records

Archaster typicus

Asteroidea · Archasteridae
GBIF
Last seen:
2 Feb 2026
×1records

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.

Scuba Diving Phuket: South Tip - Racha Noi

Super Divers Phuket - Scuba Diving Centre Thailand

CHECK DIVE : SOUTH TIP - KOH RACHA NOI

Check Dive
💬 1 top comments
  • Were those dogtooth tuna at the end?

    @twizzler3b · 👍 0

The ONLY Koh Tao Itinerary You Will EVER Need!

Bangkok Jack
💬 3 top comments
  • Andy is a perfect example of someone who’s living in a bubble and not in touch with reality.

    @will_274 · 👍 0
  • learned how to dive in Koh Tao in 2023, came back for the Advanced in 2024. Love the island 🥰

    @twowheelsanddiving · 👍 0
  • Amazing video Jack! Thank you.

    @ImaginationBlue · 👍 0
wind peaks Jan-Feb-Dec, 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: Aug (100/100) Worst: Feb (0/100) Now: Sep (76/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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