Koh Haa, an archipelago of five uninhabited limestone islands, is a top diving destination in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Located 16 kilometers west of Koh Lanta within Koh Mu National Park, Koh Haa diving promises crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and mesmerizing underwater landscapes for all enthusiasts.
Geographical Overview of Koh Haa
The name “Koh Haa” translates to “Five Islands” in Thai. At its heart, three islands form a calm lagoon with turquoise waters and a small white-sand beach, perfect for snorkeling and beginner divers. Surrounding islands offer more advanced dive sites, including caves, swim-throughs, and deep reefs.
Top Dive Sites at Koh Haa
Koh Haa diving caters to divers of all skill levels with varied and fascinating underwater locations.
1. Koh Haa Lagoon
This lagoon, surrounded by three central islands, boasts shallow, tranquil waters with depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters. Coral bommies dot the sandy bottom, providing a habitat for reef fish and invertebrates. Its clear waters and mild conditions make it an excellent spot for underwater photography, beginners, and snorkelers. Sunset dives here are out of this world, you know you are in paradise when you surface!
2. The Cathedral (Koh Haa Yai)
Koh Haa Yai, the largest island, features three caverns known as The Cathedral. Natural light illuminates these chambers, highlighting stunning limestone formations and vibrant marine life. Exploring The Cathedral is a unique experience for intermediate and advanced divers.
3. The Chimney (Koh Haa Neung)
This vertical swim-through on Koh Haa Neung challenges buoyancy skills. Starting at 18 meters and exiting at 5 meters, it rewards divers with sightings of bronze cave sweepers and other intriguing marine species… and the sound of the waves crashing above as you exit, is something not to be missed.
Marine Life
Koh Haa diving showcases an impressive variety of marine life supported by nutrient-rich currents and diverse habitats.
Coral Reefs
Colorful coral gardens abound, including staghorn corals, bubble corals, and mushroom corals. Sea fans and sponges further enhance the underwater scenery.
Fish Species
Reef fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and damselfish are common. Schools of moorish idols, snappers, and barracudas often create a dramatic backdrop. Occasionally, pelagic species like trevallies and tuna visit the area.
Macro Life
Koh Haa diving is renowned for macro life. Nudibranchs, seahorses, ghost pipefish, and frogfish make this destination a macro photographer’s dream.
Larger Marine Creatures
Eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, and octopuses are frequently spotted. The occasional guitar shark or whale shark encounter adds an unforgettable thrill.
Diving Conditions in Koh Haa
Visibility
Clear visibility ranges from 15 to 30 meters, allowing divers to enjoy vibrant underwater views.
Currents
Mild currents make most sites accessible to both beginners and advanced divers.
Depth Range
Koh Haa diving offers sites from 5 meters for beginners to 45 meters for experienced divers, catering to all skill levels.
Best Time for Koh Haa Diving Adventures
The best time to dive at Koh Haa aligns with the region’s dry season:
- November to April: Calm seas, excellent visibility, and abundant marine life make this the peak season.
- May to June: Starting June 2023, the Mu Koh National Marine Park stayed open (historically it closed on May 15th each year). We put on some 4 night trips to make use of the awesome news, which were a roaring success. The diving conditions and weather, for the most part, were impeccable.
- July to October: The Mu Koh National Marine Park is closed, so Koh Haa is inaccessible for diving. The Marine Park opens again on October 15th each year.
Getting to Koh Haa for Diving
From Phuket
Koh Haa is only accessible by liveaboard from Phuket, and is scheduled on both of our ‘Southern Thailand‘ itineraries, and also the epic ‘Best of Thailand‘ itinerary.
From Koh Lanta
Day trip diving from Koh Lanta is possible, and a speedboat takes approximately 35 minutes
Environmental Conservation in Koh Haa
Koh Haa diving takes place within Koh Mu National Park, where strict conservation guidelines protect its pristine ecosystem.
Marine Park Fees
Visitors contribute to park conservation through fees collected by dive operators.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Divers must avoid touching corals, feeding marine life, or causing underwater disturbances. Boats anchor only in designated mooring zones to prevent reef damage.
Why Choose Koh Haa?
- Spectacular Landscapes: Lagoon diving, caverns, and swim-throughs offer unparalleled underwater beauty. #paradise
- Biodiversity: Vibrant coral reefs and fascinating macro species await divers at every turn.
- Accessible for All: Calm conditions cater to beginners, while more challenging sites attract seasoned divers.
- Extended National Marine Park Diving: With the dry season offering prime conditions, Koh Haa diving remains highly desirable throughout the times the Marine Park is open.
Koh Haa Diving: An Unforgettable Experience
Koh Haa diving stands out as a premier destination in Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Whether you’re drawn to its serene lagoon, enchanted by the mysteries of The Cathedral, or eager to photograph rare macro life, this archipelago offers experiences to cherish.
Conservation efforts ensure the area’s natural beauty endures, making Koh Haa a treasure for underwater enthusiasts.
Definitely one for the bucket list!
