Why Twins Pinnacle is such a popular dive site in Koh Tao
For scuba divers of every level, Twins Pinnacle dive site on Koh Tao is a must-visit destination. The incredible array of marine life and coral reef habitats provide an unforgettable experience.
Controversy, Twins Pinnacles actually consists of three rock formations.
About the Twins dive site
Twins dive site is located west of the small island of Koh Nang Yuan. The dive spot consists of actually three pinnacles.
The two main pinnacles lie at depths between 16 and 49 feet (5 – 15 meters). The third rock formation is smaller and deeper 60 feet (18 m) than the other two. It’s located further west out to the open water.
Whether the dive site got its name from the two primary rock pinnacles beneath sea level or the two peaks of Koh Nang Yuan island looming above, remains unknown.
Not only does this dive site boast spectacular coral reefs, but its position and shelter from monsoon weather make it a beloved spot for scuba divers all year around – even during the rainy season from October through December. What’s more, the thriving marine life makes visits to this destination all the more memorable.
At Twins Pinnacles, you’ll encounter a plethora of micro marine life including Nudibranchs, Pipefish, and an array of shrimp. The waters are also home to Butterflyfish, Wrasse, Groupers, Bannerfish, Angelfish & Parrotfish as well as sea turtles or the occasional octopus at night. Stingrays can often be spotted hiding within the sandy depths.
The conditions and its depth make it a perfect training dive site for newbies and those discovering our beloved sport.
The dive plan for Twins in Koh Tao
Start your dive at the deepest, most west pinnacle, and explore the macro life making the rocks their habitat first. Don’t forget to look inside any crack and hole, Moray Eels amongst others are often hiding here.
Then, make your way east towards the first main pinnacle located in the middle of the Twins dive site. It gets already shallower to about 52 feet (16 meters) on the western side. After all, you are swimming towards the shore of Koh Nang Yuan.
You will notice that this rock formation is already bigger. Be sure to check out the northern point of the rocks, where you’ll find an amazing arched swim through.
If you are not confident enough to swim through the archway, you should turn north to the Buoyancy World dive site. More on this dive spot in the next section.
Last on the route is the east pinnacle of Twins. Situated merely a few strokes away from the shoreline, this pinnacle starts at a depth of 29 – 36 feet (8-11 meters) and ascends to 16 feet (5 meters) below the surface. The peak is the perfect spot for your safety stop, be sure to glance around you and look for Christmas tree worms.
Twins dive site brief
- Access: From boat (or shore)
- Maximum depth: 60 feet/ 18 meters
- Visibility: 16 – 66 feet (5 – 20 meters)
- Dive time: 60 minutes
- Certification level: Open Water
- Type: shallow reef; pinnacles
Buoyancy World dive training site
What a bunny hill is to a skier, is Buoyancy World to a diver. The artificial structures at Buoyancy World dive site sit somewhere between 10-16 meters deep and have become home to a plethora of marine life, forming its own unique ecosystem. It serves as an educational resource for divers wanting to build their skills in buoyancy control and marine conservation awareness. If you’re looking for something different on your next Twins dive plan or want to shape up your buoyancy control, be sure to include Buoyancy World.
Discover and learn scuba diving at Twins Pinnacle in Koh Tao
For those just getting their feet wet in Koh Tao, Twins Pinnacle offers excellent training opportunities. The shallow depths make it perfect for learning and gaining confidence underwater. With its sheltered position, the site provides divers with the chance to practice their buoyancy and observe the abundant marine life in the area.
While intermediate divers usually start at the deeper, west pinnacle, Open Water course students may come in from Koh Nang Yuan and make it a shore dive. It could also be that you have your surface interval on the island and then venture off to the east side of Koh Nang Yuan. Only the sandy path separates the Twins dive site from Japanese Gardens.
The verdict
Twins Pinnacles is a great dive site for many reasons. The incredible array of marine life, its educational value, and perfect conditions make it the ideal spot to experience your first scuba dive in Koh Tao. It’s no surprise that this iconic dive site has become one of the most popular destinations on Koh Tao and in Thailand. Whether you’re a certified diver or new to the sport, Twins Pinnacles is sure to be an unforgettable dive experience.
Related dive sites
Other dive sites suited for beginners as well as more experienced divers are Hin Ngam, White Rock, or Aow Leuk. If you like the pinnacles in Koh Tao and are deep dive experienced, check out the Hin Pee Wee or Chumphon Pinnacle – here you have the highest chance to see a whale shark. And don’t forget a night dive at the Junkyard and a wreck dive at the HTMS Sattakut.
