{"id":884,"date":"2024-09-09T07:35:28","date_gmt":"2024-09-09T07:35:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/?page_id=884"},"modified":"2026-04-15T10:26:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T10:26:19","slug":"southwest-pinnacles","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/dive-sites\/southwest-pinnacles\/","title":{"rendered":"South West Pinnacles"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_section has_dark_background=&#8221;yes&#8221; full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_123456789{background-color: #192753 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row boxed_layout=&#8221;yes&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]<ul id=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"breadcrumbs\"><li class=\"item-home\"><a class=\"bread-link bread-home\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a><\/li><li class=\"separator separator-home\"> &gt; <\/li><\/ul><div class=\"course-price-wrapper\"><h3>South West Pinnacles <\/h3><div class=\"bt-course-price\"><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#fun-diving\" class=\"button fasc-button\">BOOK NOW<\/a><\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<em>Southwest Pinnacles is a series of seven submerged granite peaks off the southwest coast of Koh Tao, offering a rugged mountain-like underwater landscape.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>The site features depths between 5 and 30 meters, providing a sanctuary for large marbled groupers, barracuda schools, and vibrant yellow-boxfish among the rock crevices.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Often called the sister site to Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest offers a similar level of biodiversity but often with fewer crowds, making it an ideal location for professional-level training and deep specialty dives.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Amazing South West Pinnacles Deep Dive Site<\/h3>\n<p>South West Pinnacles dive site <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/koh-tao\/how-to-get-to-koh-tao\/\">located close to Koh Tao<\/a> offers a thrilling underwater adventure for experienced scuba divers looking for a <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/dive-sites\/chumphon-pinnacle\/\">deep ocean dive site<\/a> with abundant marine life.<\/p>\n<h3>Seven Granite Rock Pinnacles<\/h3>\n<p>Unlike Chumphon Pinnacle, it is not a single large granite rock, but a collection of seven massive granite rock formations rising from the seabed in a circular pattern, almost like an underwater city.<\/p>\n<p>South West Pinnacle dive site is an open ocean dive site and one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/dive-sites\/\">best dive sites<\/a> in the Gulf of Thailand, conveniently located approximately a 45-minute boat ride from the main pier on <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/koh-tao\/\">Koh Tao<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3314\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3314\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3314\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blackturtledive.com-deep-dive-sites-in-the-gulf-of-thailand.jpeg\" alt=\"South West Pinnacles Dive Site\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blackturtledive.com-deep-dive-sites-in-the-gulf-of-thailand.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blackturtledive.com-deep-dive-sites-in-the-gulf-of-thailand-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blackturtledive.com-deep-dive-sites-in-the-gulf-of-thailand-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blackturtledive.com-deep-dive-sites-in-the-gulf-of-thailand-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3314\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">South West Pinnacles Dive Site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#fun-diving\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>What you will see at South West Pinnacles<\/h3>\n<p>If the conditions are good, one dive is not enough at <span style=\"color: #ffff00;\">South West Pinnacle<\/span> as there is so much to see:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Unique Rock Formations:<\/strong> The main topographical features are the rock pinnacles themselves. They range in depth from a shallow 5 meters to a deep 30 meters, creating a multi-level dive with interesting swim-throughs and overhangs to explore.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Variable Visibility and Currents:<\/strong> Due to its offshore location, visibility and currents can be unpredictable.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rich Marine Life:<\/strong> The rock pinnacle formations provide a haven for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blackturtledive.com\/koh-tao-marine-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wide variety of marine animals<\/a>. Expect to see an abundance of hard and soft corals teeming with colorful reef fish like anemonefish, angelfish, butterflyfish, rabbitfish, and damselfish.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pelagic Encounters:<\/strong> Stay on the lookout for larger and frequent visitors in the blue water around the rock pinnacles. Whale sharks are frequent visitors to this dive site.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Macro Marvelous:<\/strong> Look closer in the cracks and crevices of the rocks for fascinating macro life like nudibranchs, flatworms, shrimp, crabs, and eels. These animals add unique <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Biodiversity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">biodiversity to the dive site<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Information for South West Pinnacle dive site<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> Approximately 10 kilometers south west of Koh Tao<\/p>\n<p><strong>Depth:<\/strong> Max 30 meters, Min 5 meters \u2013 Average 22 meters<\/p>\n<p><strong>Type of site:<\/strong> Seven large granite rock pinnacles with a secret pinnacle<\/p>\n<p><strong>Recommended Level:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-diving-courses\/advanced-open-water-course\/\">Advanced Open Water<\/a> diver<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conditions:<\/strong> Outerlying dive site that is subject to currents and adverse weather<\/p>\n<p><strong>Average Visibility:<\/strong> 5-20 meters<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3316\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3316\" style=\"width: 1100px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3316\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-barracuda.jpg\" alt=\"South West Pinnacles Koh Tao\" width=\"1100\" height=\"619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-barracuda.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-barracuda-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-barracuda-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-barracuda-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3316\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">South West Pinnacles Koh Tao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#fun-diving\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Scuba diving at South West Pinnacles<\/h3>\n<p>Whilst South West Pinnacles is a diver&#8217;s paradise, there are recommendations to be considered when <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-specialty-courses\/deep-diving\/\">deep diving<\/a> and for Advanced Dives.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Depth and Certification:<\/strong> Due to the depth reaching up to 30 meters, you will need to be an Advanced Open Water diver or have a similar certification to explore the full dive site.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Currents:<\/strong> As mentioned earlier, currents can be variable. Good buoyancy control and experience diving in currents are recommended.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dive Operators:<\/strong> Choose a <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/about-us\/\">reputable dive center<\/a> in Koh Tao with well-trained and experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/padi-divemaster-course\/\">PADI divemasters<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/pro-level\/padi-diving-instructor-course\/\">diving instructors<\/a> who are familiar with the dive site conditions.<\/p>\n<h3>Diversity of Marine Life<\/h3>\n<p>South West Pinnacles offers an exciting dive experience for qualified divers. The unique granite rock formations, diverse marine life, and potential for pelagic encounters make it a memorable dive.<\/p>\n<p>However, the variable conditions and depth make it best suited for experienced divers who have some experience diving with currents and deeper dives.<\/p>\n<p>As you descend onto the dive site, the coral reefs come into view with a variety of hard and soft corals that provide habitat for many species of <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/\">fish and invertebrates<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>With good visibility as you descend, you can expect to witness an abundance of marine life and a wide variety of fish species foraging for food and protection.<\/p>\n<p>You can expect to see surgeonfish, tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, groupers, trevally, snapper, batfish, different types of triggerfish, moray eels, and even sailfish lurking off the pinnacles.<\/p>\n<p>If you are a macro enthusiast, look closely in the cracks and crevices of the rocks for interesting macro life like <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/marine-conservation-courses\/underwater-naturalist\/\">nudibranchs, flatworms, shrimp, crabs<\/a>, scorpionfish, and stonefish.<\/p>\n<p>Almost every diver&#8217;s dream is to be present as a majestic whale shark cruises through the dive site accompanied by an entourage of remora swaying on the powerful tail fin, known as a caudal fin, that propels them through the water.<\/p>\n<p>Whale shark sightings are common at South West Pinnacles dive site, although the exact frequency is unpredictable, there is a good chance, so divers need to be prepared if one emerges from the depths.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3320\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3320\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3320\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-yellow-boxfish.jpeg\" alt=\"Yellow Boxfish at South West Pinnacles\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-yellow-boxfish.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-yellow-boxfish-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-yellow-boxfish-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-yellow-boxfish-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3320\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yellow Boxfish at South West Pinnacles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a class=\"fasc-button fasc-size-medium fasc-type-flat\" style=\"background-color: #33809e; color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#fun-diving\">BOOK ONLINE<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Schools of Fish<\/h3>\n<p>South West Pinnacle is known for its abundance of fish as the granite rock formations create a haven for a variety of marine animals, attracting diverse populations of fish.<\/p>\n<p>There is also a \u2018secret pinnacle\u2019 at South West Pinnacles, which can be found by swimming off the main rock pinnacles for 5-10 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Finding the secret pinnacle can be a challenge and should only be attempted in good conditions by <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-diving-courses\/\">experienced scuba divers<\/a>; however, if conditions allow, on your journey you can find beautiful shoals of razorfish swimming vertically on the way across the sand.<\/p>\n<h3>Fun Diving at South West Pinnacles<\/h3>\n<p>South West Pinnacles dive site is teeming with colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life. In good conditions, you can expect to see:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Large schools of snapper, yellowtail barracuda, and fusiliers<\/li>\n<li>Giant groupers<\/li>\n<li>Chevron barracuda<\/li>\n<li>Razorfish<\/li>\n<li>Blue-spotted ribbontail rays<\/li>\n<li>White-eyed moray eels<\/li>\n<li>Banded boxer shrimp<\/li>\n<li>Yellow boxfish<\/li>\n<li>Scribbled filefish<\/li>\n<li>Masked porcupinefish<\/li>\n<li>Harlequin sweetlips<\/li>\n<li>Whale sharks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3318\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3318\" style=\"width: 1100px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3318\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-fusiliers.jpg\" alt=\"South West Pinnacles in Thailand\" width=\"1100\" height=\"619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-fusiliers.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-fusiliers-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-fusiliers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-fusiliers-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3318\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">South West Pinnacles in Thailand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Specialty Courses at South West Pinnacles<\/h3>\n<p>As an advanced diver with an interest in deeper dive sites, you may want to consider adding a <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-specialty-courses\/\">PADI specialty course<\/a> to your resume.<\/p>\n<p>Completing the Deep or <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/padi-specialty-courses\/nitrox-enriched-air\/\">Nitrox specialty course<\/a> or Underwater Photography specialty will ensure you can extend your dive time whilst capturing memorable footage of your favorite marine animals.<\/p>\n<p>With stunning underwater topography, abundant marine life, and potential for whale shark encounters, it is no surprise South West Pinnacles is considered one of the best dive sites in the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gulf_of_Thailand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gulf of Thailand<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>With its rich coral reefs and marine diversity, South West Pinnacles dive site is a diver&#8217;s underwater paradise.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">Message us to book<\/a> any of our dive trips, to check the schedule or ask about our <a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/accommodation\/\">accommodation options<\/a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/\">Isla Tortuga Divers<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"course-price-wrapper\"><h3>Book South West Pinnacles<\/h3><div class=\"bt-course-price\"><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#fun-diving\" class=\"button fasc-button\">BOOK NOW<\/a><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;pl-lg sticky-col&#8221;]<div class=\"sticky-sidebar-wrapper\">\r\n                    <div class=\"sticky-sidebar\">[vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=&#8221;sidebar-page&#8221;]<\/div>\r\n                <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">What to expect<\/h3><h3 class=\"section-subheading\">Watch Our Video<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"custom-container\" style=\"max-width:1280px; margin: 0 auto;\">[vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tkmpLQ9FZ60&#8243; css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">GALLERY<\/h3><h3 class=\"section-subheading\">See the beauty of South West Pinnacles through these images!<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"custom-container\" style=\"max-width:1320px; margin: 0 auto;\"><div class=\"gallery popup-gallery\" id=\"gallery-3637\"><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"South West Pinnacles in Thailand\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-fusiliers-1024x576.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"Yellow Boxfish at South West Pinnacles\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-yellow-boxfish-1024x768.jpeg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"South West Pinnacles Koh Tao\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/islatortugadivers.com-sail-rock-dive-site-koh-tao-barracuda-1024x576.jpg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><div class=\"gallery-img\"><span  title=\"\" data-caption=\"South West Pinnacles Dive Site\" data-description=\"\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blackturtledive.com-deep-dive-sites-in-the-gulf-of-thailand-1024x683.jpeg\">\n                          <\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/islatortugadivers.com\/en\/prices\/#fun-diving\" class=\"button center\">BOOK NOW<\/a>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"section-heading-wrap\" style='max-width: 991px;text-align: center;'><h3 class=\"section-heading\">FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq0\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Is South West Pinnacles suitable for beginner divers?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq0\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        No, South West Pinnacles is recommended for Advanced Open Water divers due to its depth and potential for strong currents.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq1\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What marine life can I expect to see at South West Pinnacles?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq1\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        You can expect to see a diverse array of marine life including whale sharks, barracudas, groupers, snapper, moray eels, nudibranchs, and various species of reef fish.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq2\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        How do I get to South West Pinnacles from Koh Tao?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq2\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Most dive centers on Koh Tao offer trips to South West Pinnacles. The dive site is approximately a 45-minute boat ride from the main pier on Koh Tao.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq3\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        When is the best time to dive at South West Pinnacles?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq3\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Diving is possible year-round, but visibility and conditions can vary. Whale shark sightings are more frequent during the diving high season from May to September.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq4\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Can I do specialty courses at South West Pinnacles?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq4\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Yes, South West Pinnacles is an excellent site for specialty courses such as Deep Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, and Underwater Photography due to its depth and diverse marine life.<\/p>\n<p>\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq5\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What makes Southwest Pinnacle different from Chumphon Pinnacle?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq5\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        While both are world-class offshore sites, Southwest Pinnacle is characterized by its dramatic mountain range of seven granite pinnacles of varying heights.<\/p>\n<p>It offers a more rugged underwater landscape with deeper canyons and narrow crevices compared to the single massive block of Chumphon.<\/p>\n<p>At Isla Tortuga Divers, we find that Southwest often feels even more wild, as it is slightly further from the main boat traffic, frequently resulting in incredible visibility and high-energy hunting action from pelagic predators.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq6\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Is Southwest Pinnacle suitable for all experience levels?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq6\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Because the summit of the shallowest pinnacle is around 5 meters, it is accessible to most divers; however, to truly appreciate the site, we recommend an&nbsp;<strong>Advanced Open Water<\/strong>&nbsp;certification.<\/p>\n<p>The most spectacular features, including the Secret Pinnacle located just off to the southeast, sit in the 20 to 30-meter range.<\/p>\n<p>At our 5-Star facility, we carefully monitor the currents at Southwest, as they can be stronger than at coastal sites, making it a fantastic location for those looking to experience a big blue dive safely under professional mentorship.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq7\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What is the Secret Pinnacle and why is it special?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq7\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Just a short swim away from the main cluster lies a smaller, detached rock often referred to as the Secret Pinnacle. It is a hotspot for marine life and is often less crowded than the main site.<\/p>\n<p>It is famous for its dense carpet of colorful sea anemones and is a prime location to spot large&nbsp;<strong>Giant Groupers<\/strong>&nbsp;and schools of Batfish.<\/p>\n<p>Our elite PADI Professionals specialize in navigating this deeper section, ensuring our guests can explore these hidden gems while maintaining conservative gas management and safety limits.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq8\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        What kind of marine life sightings are common at Southwest?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq8\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        Southwest Pinnacle is a sanctuary for both reef and pelagic species.&nbsp;You can expect to be surrounded by massive schools of&nbsp;<strong>Yellowtail Barracuda<\/strong>, Snapper, and Trevally.<\/p>\n<p>It is also one of the best sites in Koh Tao to see large schools of&nbsp;<strong>Longfin Batfish<\/strong>&nbsp;that often follow divers during their safety stops.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, Southwest is also on the Whale Shark Highway, and we frequently encounter these majestic creatures as they pass through the deeper waters surrounding the granite ridges.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><div class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                    <h3 class=\"accordion-header\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#faq9\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\r\n                        Why do you recommend diving Southwest Pinnacle in the early morning?\r\n                    <\/h3>\r\n                    <div id=\"faq9\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse show\" data-bs-parent=\"#faq\">\r\n                      <div class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                        We often schedule our trips to Southwest Pinnacle for the early morning to catch the marine life at its most active.<\/p>\n<p>This is when you are most likely to see hunting action, as Blacktip Reef Sharks and large Trevally dart through schools of fusiliers.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, arriving early often means we are the first boat at the site, providing a more boutique and serene experience.<\/p>\n<p>At Isla Tortuga Divers, we believe that experiencing the awakening of a major offshore pinnacle is one of the most memorable moments a diver can have in the Gulf of Thailand.\r\n                      <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_section has_dark_background=&#8221;yes&#8221; full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_123456789{background-color: #192753 !important;}&#8221;][vc_row boxed_layout=&#8221;yes&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Southwest Pinnacles is a series of seven submerged granite peaks off the southwest coast of Koh Tao, offering a rugged mountain-like underwater landscape. The site features depths between 5 and 30 meters, providing a sanctuary for large marbled groupers, barracuda schools, and vibrant yellow-boxfish among the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1309,"parent":434,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-884","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>South West Pinnacles Dive Site on Koh Tao | Isla Tortuga Divers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"South West Pinnacle dive site is one of the best sites around Koh Tao and is located 15 kilometres south west with a max depth of 30 metres\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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