Diving atAng Thong Marine Park (Thailand)
Established as a protected zone, Ang Thong Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands, lies northwest of Koh Samui in the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand. Its designation as a National Marine Park preserves an environment of dramatic limestone cliffs and rich underwater ecosystems. This area has evolved into a sought-after destination for divers, offering a glimpse into a well-preserved natural habitat.
Current morning readings from Ang Thong Marine Park indicate an air temperature of 29°C. Surface wave heights are averaging around 0.2 m at this time. These local measurements provide a baseline for your daily dive planning.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Ang Thong Marine Park's underwater environment unveils a captivating mosaic of marine topography. Descending beneath the surface, divers find a varied landscape, shaped by vibrant coral gardens, dramatic rock formations, and intriguing sea caves.
Exploration of numerous natural swim-throughs is common, especially at sites featuring large boulders and extensive rocky terrain. Koh Yippon stands out for its impressive granite formations and a labyrinth of crevices, inviting closer inspection. Meanwhile, adjacent Koh Yippon Lek presents extensive soft coral formations and expansive anemone fields in shallower sections, offering significant photographic opportunities.
These areas generally provide recreational dive depths, typically ranging from 5 to 25 m (16 to 82 ft), suiting various certification levels. Calm conditions are often present due to the proximity of many islands, creating naturally sheltered spots that contribute to clearer waters and enhanced visibility.
This geological diversity nurtures a thriving ecosystem, where the interplay between the rocky structures and the abundant reef organisms defines many dives. The park's protected status helps maintain these intricate habitats, turning each descent into an engaging study of marine biodiversity.
Ang Thong Marine Park
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Ang Thong Marine Park show 29° air, 31° sea temperature, 0.2 m waves, and 26 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Optimizing a dive trip to Ang Thong Marine Park often involves considering the seasonal climate patterns, with the best diving typically occurring from March to October. During these months, the dive scores frequently rate as 'Excellent' or 'Good'. Air temperatures remain consistently warm, averaging between 27-29°C (81-84°F) throughout the year. Rainfall is notably lower from January to April, generally around 1-2 mm, then increases to 4-6 mm during the extended best diving season. Wave heights are also typically lower from March to October, contributing to more comfortable boat rides and surface conditions. Conversely, November and December see slightly increased wave activity and higher rainfall, which can affect visibility and overall dive conditions.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Beginning a dive in Ang Thong Marine Park often leads into gentle conditions, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate divers. During the descent, visibility varies, commonly ranging from 10 to 20 meters, influenced by recent weather and seasonal changes. Divers typically explore depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters. Specific sites like Koh Yippon Lek reach a maximum depth of 18m, revealing extensive soft coral formations and anemones close to the surface. Other locations, such as Koh Yippon, feature rocky structures and swim-throughs for more experienced divers. Expect calm to moderate currents throughout most of the park, which rarely present significant challenges.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
While Ang Thong Marine Park is generally recognized for its gentle diving conditions, divers should always adhere to standard safety protocols. The park is not typically known for strong currents or extreme depths, which reduces some inherent risks. Maintaining proper buoyancy control is crucial to protect the well-preserved coral reefs and avoid disturbing delicate marine life. Always dive within your certified limits and follow your dive guide's instructions, especially when navigating areas with rocky formations or potential swim-throughs. As a protected area, respecting the marine environment by not touching or collecting marine organisms is a primary guideline.
Recommended Equipment
Overhead environment. Do not enter beyond training and gas planning limits.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Reel / Spool
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers planning deeper dives may feel cooler than those staying in shallower areas.
Many divers find that dive skin or rash guard offers a comfortable balance between warmth and mobility. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Conditions in the coming days are expected to stay within a similar temperature range.
Divers heading to Ang Thong Marine Park today should expect water temperatures around 31°C (88°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 29°C (84°F).
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Ang Thong Marine Park.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.
+1-919-684-9111- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Marine Life at Ang Thong Marine Park
The underwater landscape supports a wide array of marine species, making each dive a potential encounter with diverse life. Gliding through the coral gardens, divers might spot blue-spotted stingrays or discover cuttlefish moving gracefully. Moray eels often peek from crevices, while sea turtles are occasionally observed in the shallower sections. The area also hosts large schools of fusiliers, alongside interesting species like razor fish and various wrasse and parrotfish. Anemonefish families are common, and there's a chance to encounter larger pelagics such as Giant barracuda and even Blacktip reef sharks, particularly on quieter sites.
Dive Sites Near Ang Thong Marine Park
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Dive Centers Near Ang Thong Marine Park
Working Hours
Today: 09:00 - 19:00
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Discovery Divers
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Search Flights
Check available flights and routes on Expedia, using the nearby airports listed in this section.
Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the typical depth range for diving in Ang Thong Marine Park?
Dives in the park generally cater to recreational limits, with depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters (16 to 82 ft). This range accommodates both beginner and intermediate divers, allowing for ample bottom time and exploration.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
Divers often encounter a diverse range of marine life including blue-spotted stingrays, cuttlefish, and moray eels. Schools of fusiliers are common, and there's also the chance to see sea turtles, Giant barracuda, and Blacktip reef sharks.
Are there any specific dive sites recommended for beginners?
Many sites within Ang Thong Marine Park are suitable for beginners due to gentle conditions. Koh Yippon Lek, known for its soft coral and shallower maximum depth of 18m, is often a popular choice for those new to diving.
What are the typical water conditions like?
The park generally features gentle conditions and is not known for strong currents, making it a relaxing dive experience. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters, though this can vary with seasonal weather patterns.
How do I get to Ang Thong Marine Park for a dive trip?
Most scuba diving excursions to Ang Thong Marine Park depart from nearby islands such as Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Day trips are a common way to access the park's dive sites, often via speed boat.
Is Ang Thong Marine Park a protected area?
Yes, Ang Thong Marine Park is a designated protected area. This status helps preserve its coral reefs and marine life, providing divers with a relatively unspoiled underwater environment.
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Ang Thong Marine Park
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Ang Thong Marine Park show 29° air, 31° sea temperature, 0.2 m waves, and 26 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.