Koh Tao is famous for its amazing dive sites, and two of them deserve special attention: Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle. These underwater wonders offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and divers of all levels.

Sail Rock, located about an hour by boat from Koh Tao, is a true mecca for divers. This site, rated 4.7 stars by visitors, is famous for its rich marine life and impressive rock formations. Divers have the chance to encounter huge schools of barracuda, trevallies and, if they are lucky, even whale sharks. One of Sail Rock's main attractions is the 'Chimney' - a vertical tunnel filled with corals that adds an exciting element of exploration to the dive. In the words of one diver: 'Diving at Sail Rock is an unforgettable experience. The site is teeming with life, and the vibrant corals and chance encounters with marine giants make every dive here special.

Chumphon Pinnacle, on the other hand, rated at an impressive 4.9 stars, is another must-see for lovers of the underwater world. This site, located closer to Koh Tao, offers divers the opportunity to admire incredible biodiversity. Chumphon Pinnacle is famous for its good visibility and the possibility of seeing whale sharks. As one diver notes: 'I love this dive site. Lots of fish, good visibility and whale sharks!

Comparing the two sites, it's worth noting that Sail Rock is farther from the island, which can mean a longer boat trip, but also smaller crowds of divers. Chumphon Pinnacle, being closer to Koh Tao, is more easily accessible, which can mean more divers, especially in high season. Both sites offer memorable experiences, but Sail Rock may be better for more experienced divers due to potentially stronger currents, while Chumphon Pinnacle is suitable for divers of all levels.

Whichever site you choose, remember to dive responsibly and respect the marine environment. That way, future generations will also be able to enjoy these underwater wonders.

If you're looking for a place where you can enjoy marine life without deep diving, Ao Leuk is an ideal option. This beautiful bay, rated 4.1 stars by visitors, offers an unforgettable experience for both beginners and advanced snorkeling enthusiasts.

Ao Leuk is distinguished by its crystal clear waters and rich coral reefs just offshore. This makes it an ideal place to observe colorful tropical fish and other sea creatures. In the words of one visitor: 'Beautiful beach, unfortunately chargeable (50 THB per person), but definitely worth it! Beautiful reef with masses of fish and, of course, baby sharks - don't worry, they mostly swim without paying attention to you and if you get too close they will swim off in another direction.

One of the main attractions of Ao Leuk are the small reef sharks, often seen close to shore. This is an amazing opportunity to see these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. It is worth remembering that these sharks are harmless to humans and usually ignore swimming tourists.

In addition to marine life, Ao Leuk also offers beautiful views of the coast and surrounding jungle. It's the perfect place to relax and picnic on the beach after an exciting snorkeling session. It's worth noting that there is a small fee to enter the beach (50 THB per person as of 2023), but as many visitors note, it's worth every baht spent.

Compared to dive sites like Sail Rock or Chumphon Pinnacle, Ao Leuk offers easier access to marine life for those who don't want to or can't dive. It is also a great option for families with children who want to explore the underwater world in a safe and easy environment.

Keep in mind, however, that as with any ecotourism site, it is important to be cautious and respectful of the environment. Don't touch the corals, don't feed the fish and always take all trash with you. By behaving responsibly, we can help protect this beautiful ecosystem for future generations.

Ao Leuk is not only a place to snorkel, but also a beautiful beach ideal for relaxation. As one visitor notes: 'Pictures don't do justice to the beauty of this place it simply has to be seen.' It's a good idea to plan your visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and crowds, and to have a chance to see more marine life.

For those who want to combine wildlife watching with education and active participation in conservation, Koh Tao offers two unique options: Eco Koh Tao and Unseen Tours - Koh Tao.

Eco Koh Tao is an organization that has received a maximum rating of 5 stars from participants in its programs. It offers a range of marine-related courses and internships that are ideal for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Koh Tao's ecosystem and actively contribute to its conservation. In the words of one participant: 'I completed the two-week conservation masters internship and enjoyed every second of it. From perfecting my scuba diving, learning about the amazing underwater world, looking for nudibranch snails, directly experiencing the problems with plastics and seeing turtles on the last day. I learned so much, met amazing people, and the instructors were amazing.'

Eco Koh Tao programs include courses such as coral reef monitoring, marine ecology and species identification. It's a great opportunity for people who want to not only observe nature, but also take an active role in its study and conservation. Participants praise the instructors' professionalism and hands-on approach to learning.

On the other hand, Unseen Tours - Koh Tao, also rated 5 stars, offers unique ecotourism experiences that allow you to see lesser-known but equally fascinating aspects of Koh Tao's nature. Their tours often include visits to less crowded areas where wild life can be observed away from the tourist crowds. As one participant describes: 'Julien and Wassana, our exceptional hosts, transformed the experience into something truly magical. Julien's careful navigation ensured that we were isolated from other tourist boats, creating an exclusive encounter with the national park.''

Unseen Tours offers a variety of tours, from day trips to multi-day adventures that can include scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and stargazing. This is a great option for those who want to experience Koh Tao's wildlife in a more intimate and sustainable setting.

Comparing the two options, Eco Koh Tao focuses more on education and active participation in environmental projects, which is ideal for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and looking to gain practical skills. Unseen Tours, on the other hand, offers a more diverse tourism experience, ideal for those seeking unique adventures and wanting to see a lesser-known face of Koh Tao.

Whichever option you choose, both Eco Koh Tao and Unseen Tours provide an unforgettable experience that not only allows you to enjoy the wildlife, but also contributes to its conservation and the sustainability of tourism on the island. It's a great way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Koh Tao's unique ecosystem, while contributing to its preservation for future generations.