Sail Rock – The Best Dive Spot
Sail Rock is known as one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand – and this is not just a myth! Located in the middle of the ocean north of Koh Phangan Island this big granite rock formation breaks the ocean surface rising from a depth of 40 m – it offers a vast variety of marine life. Besides big schools of barracuda, king mackerel, batfish and giant groupers, there is a good chance to spot whale sharks. During the last couple of years whale shark sightings have become more and more frequent at Sail Rock. It definitely is one of the most breathtaking moments in a diver’s life to come across one of these amazingly beautiful gentle giants. No need to be scared of them, even if they come close – they only feed on plankton. The biggest fish in the ocean is a vegetarian!
If you have a closer look at the rock, which is covered in corals and anemones, you might find moray eels, scorpion fish, nudibranchs and hermit crabs. The most spectacular attraction of Sail Rock is the ‘vertical chimney swim through’, which is located on the northwest side of the rock. It allows you to enter the rock at a depth of 18m and ascend inside the rock. At 12m there is a ‘window’ in the chimney which allows you to exit, or just keep ascending to 6m, where you will find the top exit. The chimney is wide enough for two divers. Whilst ascending slowly you should have a look into the little crevices, maybe you’ll find some colorful boxer shrimps, busy cleaner shrimps or a rare pipefish.
