Buddha Rock Dive Site, Koh Tao: Depth & Marine Life

Buddha Rock, also known as Buddha Point or Hin Taa Toh, is a quiet reef in Chalok Bay (Chalok Baan Kao) on Koh Tao's south side. It is named after a large rock that looks like a seated Buddha, visible from the beach and viewpoints near Freedom Beach.

This is a lesser-known site, so detailed layouts and seasonal patterns are thin. What we can say is that it sees fewer boats than most Koh Tao dive sites, which keeps the marine life less disturbed, and that it suits relaxed, easy dives.

Buddha Rock dive site map

1Buddha Rock, surface to 14 m
2Surrounding coral reef, 5-14 m
3Artificial reef structures
4Mooring buoy

Usual route: Moor at the buoy, circle the rock, then work along the reef. Drawing based on local dive briefings: approximate, not to scale and not for navigation. Your guide's briefing on the day always comes first.

Diving Buddha Rock, Koh Tao

The site is a short boat ride from shore, and some guides say you can also enter from the beach. Depth runs from around 5 m to a maximum of 14 m, with most dives averaging 10 to 14 m.

A usual dive moors at the buoy, circles the rock, then works along the surrounding reef. The corals are colourful and the slope is gentle. It is often used for beginner and Open Water dives, and night dives have been logged here too.

Marine life at Buddha Rock

Rays and puffers: blue-spotted stingrays and pufferfish.
Reef fish: parrotfish, longfin bannerfish, goatfish, gobies and groupers.
Bigger sightings: sea turtles, cuttlefish and octopus.

Most of this list is common reef life, but turtles, cuttlefish and octopus are worth looking for, particularly if you move slowly along the edge of the reef.

Artificial reefs and conservation

New Heaven Reef Conservation has placed artificial reef structures around the rock and in the bay, and its team has run several ecological monitoring surveys here. The exact positions of the structures are not confirmed, so ask your guide.

Conditions and tips

Little to no current is reported, and visibility depends on the weather. We do not have reliable best and worst months for this site, so check the sea conditions with your dive centre on the day.

Use the mooring buoy, do not anchor on the reef, and ask your guide about night dives. It is a good spot for photographers who like a calm site.