This dive site, Koh Tachai East Reef, offers a remarkably easy and relaxing diving experience. It features a gentle sloping reef, starting from 5-10 meters and descending to a sandy bottom at 20-30 meters. Widely known as "Leopard Shark Reef," it's a popular spot for divers seeking these majestic creatures in a serene environment. There is no specific historical background or story provided beyond its reputation for leopard sharks.
The reef boasts abundant hard corals, including impressive formations of staghorn, brain, and fire corals, creating a vibrant ecosystem. Divers can frequently encounter leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom, alongside schools of barracudas and trevally traversing the open water. The site is also home to a diverse array of reef fish, elusive moray eels, and fascinating nudibranchs, offering plenty for macro enthusiasts.
Koh Tachai East Reef is especially recommended for sunset and night dives, which can reveal different marine behaviors and highlight its tranquil beauty. Its gentle profile and accessible depths make it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Freedivers will also find the shallow reef and moderate maximum depth conducive to breath-hold diving. For the best experience, visit during the dry season when conditions are most favorable.
