Whale Sharks Spotted Simultaneously At Two Ko Tao Dive Sites
Whale sharks measuring 3-4 meters were spotted simultaneously at two popular Ko Tao dive sites, thrilling divers at Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock. June through September marks peak season for these encounters, with sightings reflecting th
Divers at Ko Tao in Surat Thani province were thrilled to encounter whale sharks measuring approximately 3-4 meters long at two popular dive sites simultaneously—Chumphon Pinnacle, a world-class deep dive site to the northwest, and Sail Rock, one of the Gulf of Thailand's most beautiful and famous dive locations to the southeast. Divers were able to photograph and film the whale sharks swimming gracefully among schools of fish, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed the encounter.
Ramluk Asvachin, chairman of Ko Tao Tourism Business Association, revealed that June through September each year represents peak season for whale shark sightings at Ko Tao, with consistent reports of encounters at multiple dive sites including Chumphon, Sail Rock, Hin Khao, Khong Tung Ku, Luan Pairinthorn, and other dive areas. Some days see whale sharks at multiple locations, and numerous instances have recorded simultaneous sightings at two dive sites within the same timeframe. Both Thai and foreign divers eagerly anticipate this season due to the frequent daily opportunities to encounter whale sharks.
"Consistent whale shark sightings are an important indicator reflecting the richness of Ko Tao's marine ecosystem, food sources, and biodiversity. This success also results from collaborative conservation and marine resource restoration efforts between government agencies, private sector partners, dive operators, and local communities," Ramluk stated.
She added that Ko Tao continues to be recognized as one of the world's premier diving destinations. Regular whale shark encounters during this season not only captivate tourists but also reflect the quality of marine resources and reinforce Ko Tao's image as a diving destination that grows sustainably alongside conservation efforts.
Dive operators urge all divers to follow responsible whale shark viewing practices: do not touch, do not chase, do not feed, and maintain appropriate distance to avoid disrupting the animals' natural behavior and to preserve Ko Tao's marine abundance for the future.
