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Close-up shot of a colorful nudibranch on a coral reef, highlighting underwater macro photography.
📷 ocean video mauritius · Pexels

Southwest Pinnackle

3.3 — based on 9 community signals
4.1 7 species 7 contributors

Southwest Pinnacle is a year-round dive site in Thailand with documented marine life and accessible conditions for exploration.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers chasing chasing pelagics.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
BleachingRiskPhotoFriendlyPelagic hotspot

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round

Map

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

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
10.3 kn
Wave
0.26 m
Water
29.6°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WNW (27%)
Now: SW (219°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.29m

Next: Low at 05:00 (+0.28m)

+1.5 m+0.2 m
▼ 05:00 · +0.28m ▲ 15:00 · +1.49m ▼ 06:00 · +0.3m ▲ 16:00 · +1.46m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.15 · mod Air PM2.52 · good 06:10 18:19
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 12.9 0.46 5 9mm
09-20 8.9 0.32 4 9mm
09-21 8.3 0.06 4 3mm
09-22 6.2 0.06 8 5mm
09-23 10.5 0.18 7 6mm
09-24 11.9 0.3 4 1mm
09-25 11.9 0.58 5 6mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 1.2°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Southwest Pinnacle sits outside marine protected areas in Thailand, making it accessible to divers seeking varied underwater terrain. The site has drawn attention from the dive community, with multiple species observations logged and several community videos documenting conditions and marine encounters. While specific depth and visibility data aren't established, the site's year-round viability suggests relatively stable seasonal conditions. The pinnacle formation typically attracts reef fish and pelagic species common to Thai waters. Seven documented species observations provide baseline knowledge of what to expect, though conditions can vary with season and weather. Community-contributed videos offer real-world insight into site conditions and wildlife behavior, helping divers prepare for their visit. Access and logistics depend on your departure point in Thailand. The site's non-protected status means standard diving regulations apply. Coral bleaching warrants monitoring, as thermal stress affects reef health and marine populations seasonally. Divers should check current conditions with local operators before booking and plan dives with awareness of water temperature and visibility ranges typical to the region.

📖 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

ReefPelagic / blue waterBoat

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 · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 9833km · ~2262kg · €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 Southwest Pinnacle?

Southwest Pinnacle is diveable year-round, though Thailand's season runs best during dry months (November–April). Water conditions vary regionally, so check local forecasts and operator reports before committing.

What depth and difficulty should I expect?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings aren't currently documented for this site. Contact local dive operators in Thailand for accurate depth profiles and skill-level recommendations based on current conditions.

What marine life is found here?

Seven species observations are logged for Southwest Pinnacle, including reef and pelagic fish typical to Thai waters. Community videos show real encounters; review these to set realistic wildlife expectations before diving.

Do I need permits or special access?

Southwest Pinnacle lies outside marine protected areas, so standard Thailand diving permits apply. Arrange dives through local operators who handle logistics and ensure compliance with current regulations.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

18 records · 13 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Clibanarius infraspinatus

Malacostraca · Diogenidae
GBIF
Last seen:
30 Jan 2026
×1records

Octopodidae

Cephalopoda · Octopodidae
OBIS
Last seen:
25 Feb 1993
×1records

Uroteuthis edulis

Swordtip Squid
Cephalopoda · Loliginidae
OBIS
Last seen:
22 Feb 1990
×2records

Sepiolidae

Cephalopoda · Sepiolidae
OBIS
Last seen:
14 Jan 1990
×1records

Sculpsitechinus tenuissimus

Echinoidea · Astriclypeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
16 Apr 1980
×1records

Narke dipterygia

Elasmobranchii · Narkidae
OBIS
Last seen:
7 Aug 1961
×1records

Gymnura poecilura

Elasmobranchii · Gymnuridae
OBIS
Last seen:
25 Jun 1960
×1records

Flabellifera

Malacostraca
OBIS
Last seen:
14 Jun 1960
×1records

Octopus

Cephalopoda · Octopodidae
OBIS
Last seen:
19 May 1960
×2records
Depth:
0–1 m

Scyphozoa

Scyphozoa
OBIS
Last seen:
18 May 1960
×1records

Jorunna funebris

Gastropoda · Discodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
18 May 1960
×1records

Phyllidiidae

Gastropoda · Phyllidiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
18 May 1960
×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 in Thailand | Koh Tao Dive Site Preview - Southwest Pinnacle

Fat Fish Movies
💬 2 top comments
  • Great filming!I'm a new subscriber here so can i ask what camera gear?thanks

    @andrei13_todea47 · 👍 2
  • In numele a 2300 de oameni pe care reprezin prin clubul STIINTE SI NATURA

    @KrammerAntoniu · 👍 0

Southwest Pinnacle, Koh Tao, Scuba diving/Thailand 2016

Tommy’s Wild Adventures

South West Pinnacle Dive Site Koh Tao in Thailand

Black Turtle Dive
wind peaks Jul-Dec-Jun, calmest Oct-Mar-Apr, 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: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (100/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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