Koh Ngam Yai
เกาะง่ามใหญ่
Chumphon's Crown Jewel
The premier snorkeling and diving destination off Chumphon, with stunning visibility and healthy reefs largely untouched by mass tourism.
Depth Range
5–16m
Site Type
island reef
Chumphon
Visibility
10–30m
27–30°C
Getting There
1 hr boat from Chumphon
~15 km offshore Chumphon
3 Jul
4 Jul
5 Jul
6 Jul
7 Jul
8 Jul
9 Jul
Marine Life
Notable Features
- • Pristine reefs
- • Minimal tourist traffic
- • Excellent visibility
- • Occasional whale sharks
Best Time to Visit
About Koh Ngam Yai
Koh Ngam Yai is Chumphon province's flagship dive destination — a rocky island with excellent reef systems on all sides. The reefs are notably healthier than many Koh Tao equivalents thanks to far less diver traffic. Visibility is often outstanding, and the island attracts turtles, barracuda schools, and occasional whale shark sightings during plankton blooms.
Tips
Stay overnight in Chumphon for a full day of diving. The north side has the best coral.
Experience Required
All levels.
Location
GPS: 10.8900°N, 99.5800°E
Learn to Freedive in the Gulf of Thailand
Sites like Koh Ngam Yai are what the Gulf has to offer. Get certified with us on Koh Samui — train at Sail Rock and Koh Tao in groups of no more than 3, skip the Koh Tao ferry, and dive the best of the region.
New to freediving? Get the free beginner's guide first.