

Best for beginner divers, 1-14m, shore & boat entry.
Buddha Rock, located off Koh Nang Yuan, is a reef site suitable for both snorkellers and beginner divers. The site features depths ranging from 1 to 14 metres with an average of 10 metres and visibility between 10 and 30 metres. Divers and snorkellers frequently encounter wrasses, longfin bannerfish, golden butterflyfish, and blue-barred parrotfish. Less common sightings include bluespotted fantail rays, titan triggerfish, pink skunk anemonefish, and various groupers. The site is accessible by boat or from the shore. Visitors should remain aware of boat traffic and the presence of sharks. Night diving is available through local dive shops, offering a different perspective of the reef.
10.05880, 99.82690
The site is accessible without a boat, so an early morning visit before the day-trip crowds arrive gives you calmer conditions and better chances of spotting turtles. Night diving here is worth organising through a local dive shop, as the reef takes on a completely different character after dark.
Accessible by day boat from Koh Tao.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 14m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore & Boat
Water Temp
28-31°C
Current
None
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Apr
Common sightings include wrasses, longfin bannerfish, golden butterflyfish, and blue-barred parrotfish. You may also encounter bluespotted fantail rays, titan triggerfish, pink skunk anemonefish, and groupers.
Yes, Buddha Rock is well-suited for beginners due to its shallow depths and generally calm conditions.
The depth ranges from 1 to 14 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Yes, the site is suitable for both diving and snorkelling.
Yes, the site is accessible from the shore, though boat charters are also available.
Watch for boat traffic when entering or exiting the water and use a surface marker if snorkelling or ascending away from the shore. Sharks are present, so maintain calm behaviour if you encounter one.
Diving at Buddha Rock in Chalok Baan Kao requires the following certifications: Open Water, Advanced. Always dive within your training limits.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at Buddha Rock in Chalok Baan Kao. Water temperatures range from 28°C to 31°C.
The best months to visit Buddha Rock in Chalok Baan Kao are April. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Visibility at Buddha Rock in Chalok Baan Kao typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.