Explore Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe, nestled at the edge of Thailand's Tarutao National Marine Park, offers divers an exceptional underwater experience. With its idyllic beaches and clear turquoise waters, this hidden gem is far less crowded than other popular Thai islands. The diving scene in Koh Lipe is spectacular, catering to both beginners and seasoned divers. The area boasts crystal-clear visibility and is home to a myriad of dive sites, featuring pristine coral reefs, dramatic pinnacles, and vibrant rock formations.

One of the most intriguing aspects of diving in Koh Lipe is the abundant marine life. With around 25% of the world's tropical fish species residing here, divers can witness a stunning array of creatures, from colorful reef fish to majestic whale sharks and graceful manta rays. The waters are also frequented by playful dolphins and elusive dugongs. Dive sites like Stone Henge and 8 Mile Rock are must-sees, each offering unique topographies and thrilling encounters. Whether diving from shore, boat, or liveaboard, Koh Lipe promises an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.

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    • Dive Activity

    Diving in Koh Lipe

    Diving is mainly by boat, but there are a few shore diving possibilities, particularly when night diving. What’s more, reef diving on Koh Lipe is mesmerizing, thanks to the sites being well-protected and very uncrowded in comparison to many of Thailand’s premier diving destinations.

    Koh Lipe also offers some exciting drift diving opportunities, such as at Koh Pung, Big Rocks or Express Way. Wreck enthusiasts will love the Yong Hua Wreck, which was 75 meter-long fish processing boat that caught fire and sank, and now serves as an artificial reef and fish magnet.

    Pelagic diving is also a common favourite for visitors, especially at sites like 8 Mile Rock, which is somewhat better suited to more experienced divers, while Koh Sarang boasts fantastic topography, with pinnacles and walls where critters and corals coat the vast rocky formations.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Koh Lipe

    The best of Indo-Pacific species can be found at Koh Lipe’s numerous dive sites, from the tiniest macro critters like nudibranch, pipefish, seahorses, shrimp and porcelain crabs, to the big boys like manta rays and whale sharks that make appearances for lucky divers at sites like 8 Mile Rock and some of the deeper sites in the area.

    Of course, other highlights here include dolphins, sperm and minke whales, eagle rays, leopard sharks, devil rays and stingrays. Schools of barracuda and trevally form silver walls, while clouds of snapper block out the sun. Other reef favourites like anemonefish, batfish, lionfish, parrotfish, and triggerfish all thrive among the numerous species of colorful hard and soft corals.

    Camouflage kings like scorpionfish, stonefish, octopus and cuttlefish can be spotted by observant eyes.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    2.4k Sightings
    J
    238
    F
    264
    M
    323
    A
    295
    M
    104
    J
    47
    J
    92
    A
    153
    S
    92
    O
    146
    N
    242
    D
    359

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    460 Sightings
    J
    85
    F
    70
    M
    54
    A
    54
    M
    12
    J
    13
    J
    16
    A
    13
    S
    0
    O
    11
    N
    57
    D
    75

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    2.8k Sightings
    J
    337
    F
    303
    M
    338
    A
    299
    M
    109
    J
    57
    J
    181
    A
    221
    S
    95
    O
    168
    N
    287
    D
    383

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    2.2k Sightings
    J
    278
    F
    233
    M
    292
    A
    229
    M
    77
    J
    33
    J
    109
    A
    147
    S
    58
    O
    157
    N
    225
    D
    349

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    2.1k Sightings
    J
    256
    F
    226
    M
    269
    A
    229
    M
    84
    J
    39
    J
    130
    A
    134
    S
    68
    O
    123
    N
    230
    D
    288

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    1.8k Sightings
    J
    224
    F
    199
    M
    214
    A
    203
    M
    72
    J
    19
    J
    94
    A
    144
    S
    66
    O
    111
    N
    166
    D
    258

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    1.6k Sightings
    J
    155
    F
    165
    M
    169
    A
    179
    M
    49
    J
    31
    J
    90
    A
    144
    S
    65
    O
    110
    N
    177
    D
    250

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    1.6k Sightings
    J
    188
    F
    181
    M
    197
    A
    185
    M
    70
    J
    8
    J
    102
    A
    113
    S
    38
    O
    93
    N
    167
    D
    211

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    1.4k Sightings
    J
    219
    F
    152
    M
    178
    A
    169
    M
    78
    J
    19
    J
    78
    A
    95
    S
    40
    O
    87
    N
    147
    D
    180
    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Common Seahorse

    Common Seahorse
    1.3k Sightings
    J
    182
    F
    157
    M
    183
    A
    171
    M
    58
    J
    24
    J
    55
    A
    102
    S
    39
    O
    76
    N
    76
    D
    133
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    1.2k Sightings
    J
    135
    F
    129
    M
    190
    A
    151
    M
    47
    J
    12
    J
    34
    A
    96
    S
    34
    O
    107
    N
    91
    D
    164

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    1.1k Sightings
    J
    143
    F
    152
    M
    161
    A
    130
    M
    45
    J
    18
    J
    58
    A
    68
    S
    36
    O
    63
    N
    64
    D
    143

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    941 Sightings
    J
    126
    F
    114
    M
    149
    A
    111
    M
    33
    J
    13
    J
    46
    A
    49
    S
    19
    O
    50
    N
    69
    D
    162

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    929 Sightings
    J
    124
    F
    132
    M
    122
    A
    111
    M
    17
    J
    12
    J
    32
    A
    53
    S
    15
    O
    71
    N
    89
    D
    151

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    712 Sightings
    J
    108
    F
    75
    M
    83
    A
    56
    M
    22
    J
    8
    J
    6
    A
    97
    S
    30
    O
    68
    N
    55
    D
    104

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    657 Sightings
    J
    94
    F
    69
    M
    92
    A
    95
    M
    22
    J
    5
    J
    35
    A
    38
    S
    3
    O
    30
    N
    71
    D
    103

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    605 Sightings
    J
    84
    F
    54
    M
    62
    A
    80
    M
    18
    J
    1
    J
    23
    A
    44
    S
    25
    O
    59
    N
    48
    D
    107

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    548 Sightings
    J
    97
    F
    70
    M
    89
    A
    69
    M
    20
    J
    1
    J
    21
    A
    15
    S
    0
    O
    36
    N
    41
    D
    89

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    468 Sightings
    J
    64
    F
    51
    M
    80
    A
    80
    M
    32
    J
    19
    J
    29
    A
    12
    S
    9
    O
    10
    N
    27
    D
    55

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    416 Sightings
    J
    52
    F
    49
    M
    61
    A
    55
    M
    16
    J
    0
    J
    3
    A
    31
    S
    0
    O
    57
    N
    23
    D
    69

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    iStock-stephankerkhofs
    Porcupinefish

    Porcupinefish
    408 Sightings
    J
    77
    F
    54
    M
    76
    A
    24
    M
    14
    J
    3
    J
    12
    A
    0
    S
    5
    O
    7
    N
    46
    D
    90
    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Spiny Seahorse

    Spiny Seahorse
    348 Sightings
    J
    61
    F
    64
    M
    63
    A
    49
    M
    10
    J
    7
    J
    11
    A
    0
    S
    7
    O
    27
    N
    18
    D
    31

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    336 Sightings
    J
    90
    F
    33
    M
    72
    A
    44
    M
    20
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    7
    N
    31
    D
    39

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shutterstock-Shane Gross
    Shrimp

    Shrimp
    317 Sightings
    J
    43
    F
    33
    M
    62
    A
    54
    M
    2
    J
    5
    J
    0
    A
    5
    S
    5
    O
    7
    N
    32
    D
    69

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    292 Sightings
    J
    66
    F
    26
    M
    68
    A
    19
    M
    16
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    5
    S
    0
    O
    4
    N
    17
    D
    69

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    230 Sightings
    J
    40
    F
    15
    M
    56
    A
    37
    M
    18
    J
    5
    J
    9
    A
    1
    S
    3
    O
    0
    N
    14
    D
    32

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Stonefish

    Stonefish
    216 Sightings
    J
    28
    F
    33
    M
    39
    A
    39
    M
    17
    J
    4
    J
    0
    A
    12
    S
    1
    O
    4
    N
    13
    D
    26

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 50

    istock-atese
    Frogfish

    Frogfish
    168 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    12
    M
    19
    A
    25
    M
    12
    J
    8
    J
    2
    A
    20
    S
    4
    O
    25
    N
    0
    D
    29

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 6

    Peter-Schinck-SSI
    Ghost Pipefishes

    Ghost Pipefishes
    146 Sightings
    J
    26
    F
    41
    M
    47
    A
    32
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    iStock-Michael Zeigler
    Crab

    Crab
    141 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    13
    M
    21
    A
    28
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    1
    A
    6
    S
    3
    O
    4
    N
    26
    D
    39

    The best Months to dive in Koh Lipe

    In terms of diving, there really isn’t a bad time to dive in Koh Lipe. The diving scene is year-round, thanks to the welcoming tropical climate providing warm waters ranging from approximately 28°C-30°C throughout the seasons.

    The high (and dry) season is from November to April, when the weather and diving conditions are usually excellent and divers are more likely to spot manta rays, devil rays and whale sharks. Also, popular dive sites like Pattaya Beach, Adang Beach and Koh Yang are all visited regularly due to their protection from winds during this season.

    The monsoon season uusually runs from May to October, although that doesn’t mean inferior diving. Koh Lipe tends to enjoy a drier rainy season, with downpours predominantly occurring at night, leaving the daytime mostly dry with a few clouds here and there, meaning diving isn’t too affected. Plus, some of the most notable sites such as Talang, Stonehenge, 7 rocks and Koh Taru, are all great options in this season as they’re protected from the winds.

    During the full moon or dark moon period, currents can be stronger, so make sure to be aware of this if current isn’t your thing. However, dive centers have the option of diving at sites that are protected from these currents, such as at Koh Talang or Koh Yang. In any given month, for the mildest currents and best visibility, the half moon period is the best time to dive.

    Dive Centers

    Adang Sea Divers

    Adang Sea Divers

    Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe, 91110 Koh Lipe, Thailand
    Pura Vida Diving Koh Lipe

    Pura Vida Diving Koh Lipe

    69 Moo 7, Ko Sarai, 91000 Koh Lipe, Thailand
    Lipe Dive Station @ Z-Touch

    Lipe Dive Station @ Z-Touch

    199 Moo 7, Koh Sarai, 91000 Satun, Thailand

    Dive Sites

    Adang Sea Divers, 91110 Koh Lipe
    Stonehenge <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Stonehenge (★4.6)

    One of the most beautiful dives in Thailand. A dome shaped pinnacle covered in a carpet of soft corals of the most vivid oranges, yellows, blues and purples. From 6m depth at the top of the pinnacle reaching a sandy area from 12-18m. Amazing outcrops of rock on the South Eastern resembling the famous Stonehenge.
    Adang Sea Divers, 91110 Koh Lipe
    Koh Talang Steps <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Koh Talang Steps (★4.4)

    Talang Steps, located near Koh Lipe, offers divers a picturesque underwater landscape characterized by a series of cascading granite boulders and coral formations descending to depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters (15-80 feet).
    Bunyarit T. (#3035720)
    Koh Talang South <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Koh Talang South (★4.6)

    Depths can reach 25-30m, suitable for all dive levels. It features granite rock formations with well-preserved hard corals, and currents can vary. It’s also an excellent spot for macro photography.
    nattarat s. (#2613558)
    Koh Lipe <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Koh Lipe (★4.1)

    Koh Lipe offers diverse dive sites, abundant marine life, clear waters, and professional operators, making it an exceptional destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.
    Scubapro, Stephen Frink
    Pattaya Corner <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Pattaya Corner (★4.4)

    Located at the southwestern tip of Koh Lipe, Pattaya Corner invites divers to explore its vibrant coral gardens, walls, and impressive rock formations at depths ranging from 12 to 25 meters (40-80 feet).
    Aqualung
    Lipe Corner <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Lipe Corner (★4.4)

    Located at the north west tip of Koh Lipe, Lipe Corner invites divers to explore its vibrant coral gardens, walls, and impressive rock formations at depths ranging from 12 to 30 meters (40-100 feet).
    Mares
    Yong Hua Wreck <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Yong Hua Wreck (★4.6)

    The Yong Hua Wreck near Koh Lipe offers a thrilling deep diving experience reserved for advanced divers specializing in deep dives, decompression dives, or technical diving. Resting at depths of 30 to 40 meters (100-130 feet).
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Koh Usen <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Koh Usen (★4.3)

    Koh Usen, situated near Koh Lipe, offers divers a diverse and scenic underwater experience. With depths ranging from 10 to 25 meters (30-80 feet)
    Scubapro
    House reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    House reef (★4.4)

    The house reef is a perfect place for you to begin your diving adventure. Calm clear waters with corals and marine life to view. Beach entry to a maximium of 5m this is the perfect place for you to start learning to dive.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    7 Rocks <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    7 Rocks (★4.5)

    Seven Rocks, located near Koh Lipe, is a captivating dive site known for its unique underwater topography and rich marine biodiversity. With depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters (15-65 feet).
    Scubapro, Stephen Frink
    Koh Talang Wall <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Koh Talang Wall (★4.4)

    Talang Wall, situated near Koh Lipe, offers divers an exhilarating underwater experience characterized by stunning coral formations and diverse marine life. Descending to depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters (30-100 feet).
    Scubapro, Stephen Frink
    Koh Talang North <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Koh Talang North (★4.5)

    Koh Talang, near Koh Lipe, is a versatile dive site, often explored as “Talang Steps“ and “Talang Wall.“ Depths can reach 25-30m, suitable for all dive levels. It features granite rock formations with well-preserved hard corals, and currents can vary. It’s also an excellent spot for macro photography.
    Aqualung
    Plamong, Ko Adang <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.0)</span>

    Plamong, Ko Adang (★4.0)

    Pra Mong Beach on Ko Lipe offers a serene and captivating underwater experience, perfect for both beginners and experienced divers alike. Situated on the island’s north tip, near sunset
    Aqualung
    Koh Krah <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Koh Krah (★4.3)

    Koh Kra, situated near Koh Lipe, offers divers a diverse and captivating underwater experience. With depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters (30-100 feet),
    Mares
    White Rock, Ko Tarutao <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    White Rock, Ko Tarutao (★4.5)

    White Rock, located near Koh Lipe, is a captivating dive site renowned for its diverse marine life and underwater scenery. With depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters (15-80 feet)