Koh Tachai Pinnacle

Briefing

Koh Tachai can be a challenging dive if there are strong currents so our entry onto the site is essential to get right. With our skilful dinghy operators we will head up-current from the mooring line that descends down to the southern edge of the main boulder pinnacle. Before rolling into the sea, get a fix on the mooring line, then roll in and make sure you grab the mooring line. You can grab the line on the surface, there is a large visible mooring buoy though some divers prefer to descend a little then swim to the line underwater where visibility is better. Either way is fine, just make sure you grab the line.

You may have to pull yourself down the line which can be a little off-putting. Do not worry, once we descend to around 20m there are plenty of rocks we can shelter behind and as we move away from the central large boulder the current can slacken off somewhat. This isn’t always the case at Koh Tachai, just keep this entry plan in mind if there are strong currents when you visit Koh Tachai on your Similan liveaboard. Often there’s very little current and it’s an easy descent onto the dive site, though we would recommend entering near the line as it’s a great reference for your descent.

Once underwater on the site it’s really up to your guide how you will navigate around the large boulders. Usually we explore the outer areas of the site, either heading clockwise or anti-clockwise around the main pinnacle before shallowing up on the main pinnacle towards the end of the dive. Average depth will be 18 – 24m, ending the dive on top of the pinnacle at around 15m. Alternatively we can head north and explore the second and third pinnacles which are quieter but keep an eye on your NDLs as there are fewer shallow areas heading this way. It’s very easy to get lost in some of Thailand’s most beautiful coral formations and the colours of the plentiful fusiliers, the giant trevally, schools of bluefin trevally, rainbow runners, schooling barracuda, groupers, moray eels, batfish, dogtooth tuna and many other reef dwellers. Also, keep an eye out for blacktip reef sharks swimming along the edges of the dive site. Nitrox is highly recommended for this dive site.

Even in strong currents it’s possible to navigate around most areas of the dive site, your guide will work out the best way that offers shelter and places to rest. It is the strong currents that give this dive site its high underwater productivity whilst increasing your chances of seeing a giant manta ray or possibly a whale shark. No current no fish is one of our popular mantras.

Ending the dive we do not use the descent mooring line which can be stressful in strong currents and hazardous with other divers entering the water above. Simply ascend slowly with your group off the site, one of our dinghies will be close by to pick us up after one of your most memorable Similan dives.