Koh Haa เกาะห้า
Diving & Snorkeling at Koh Haa (Ko Ha) : Go Dive Lanta, Krabi, Thailand
Ko or Koh means Island and Ha or Haa means five in Thai, In fact Koh Haa is a group of 6 small uninhabited islands.
This picturesque little group of islands offer some beautiful scenery both above and below the water.
These six small islands are 1.45 hours by boat from Ko Lanta, just time enough to enjoy breakfast, dive & snorkelling briefings.
The islands are a favorite spot as diving conditions are almost always good. Depths range from 3 - 50 meters, with an abundance of marine life.
Koh Haa Neung เกาะห้าหนึ่ง
(Koh Haa Island #1 or Ko Haa Neung or Ko Ha Neua or The Chimney)
Type : reef, wall and swim through
Depth : 3-30 Meters (15-65 feet)
Visibility : 5-20 Meters (15-65 feet)
Current : mild / moderate
Suitable : All Levels
Koh Haa Island #1 is the northernmost island of Koh Haa group. This dive site is simply stunning. The island is surrounded by reefs, with the north coast featuring a wall line covered with soft coral, sea fans and barrel sponges. A hard coral reef slope stretches from the southeast side to the east side of this island.
THE CHIMNEY :
the most popular diving spot on this dive site is located on the south side.
A narrow chimney burrows up through the reef from around 16-18 meters there is a grotto that leads to a Chimney Cavern system - like vertical hole - opening out into a bowl shaped cavern at 5 meters that is often packed full of cave sweepers. This is usually where the dive begins. At the base of the chimney large rock formations dripping with soft broccoli corals provide numerous swim through’s and canyons to explore.
Beyond these formations a meadow of soft corals descend gradually into the depths. From here you can either take the reef right shoulder or left shoulder.
Right shoulder takes you along a sheer wall covered in glass fish, which are constantly harried by a variety of predators including rainbow runners and trevallies.
Left shoulder a gentler slope dominated by plate corals hosts numerous anomies with resident clown fish, large schools of snapper also congregate here and turtles are regular visitors.
And it is characterized by stunning outcrops covered by dense growths of soft corals and sea fans that create a dazzling swim-through.
Koh Haa Lagoon เกาะห้าลากูน
(Koh Ha Lagoon or Ko Haa Lagoon or The Lagoon)
Type : Sloping reef and wall
Depth : 3-30 Meters (15-65 feet)
Visibility : 5-20 Meters (15-65 feet)
Current : mild / moderate
Suitable : All Levels
Koh Haa Lagoon is formed by Koh Haa # 2, Koh Haa # 3 and Koh Haa # 4. It is a stunning, turquoise blue lagoon that is beautiful above and below water. It is impossible not be impressed when the dive boat pulls into the lagoon surrounded by limestone walls rising sheer from the ocean floor.
The boats usually moor in the Lagoon, a large sandy area around 5-6 meters deep. It is punctuated by hard coral bommies, home to some very large giant morays also be prepared to be pestered by our friendly and curious porcupine fish and a good place for finding sea moths, flounders and the occasional Walkman.
Koh Haa # 3 has a white sand beach which sits below cliffs covered in vegetation. A shallow crystal clear lagoon connects to the smaller islets of Koh Haa # 2 and # 4 which are actually little more than limestone pillars.
It is possible to navigate from the lagoon around both Koh Haa # 2 & Koh Haa # 4 and then back to the boat or just take your time around one of the islands looking for little critters.
Depths around the back of # 2 and # 4 can reach 30 plus meters, garden eels hang out at 30 meters, large schools of yellow snapper swirl around their base and glass fish blanket the walls. A sandy slope separates the two islands and a school of juvenile barracuda patrol lazily back and forth. Hawksbill turtles regularly come to munch on the bubble coral,
Other highlights of these dive sites
include ornate ghost pipe fish, frog fish, mantis shrimp, Harlequin Shrimp, scorpion fish, lion fish and clown fish can be found everywhere.
On the west side of Koh Haa # 3 a steep slope dominated by plate corals drops to a depth of around 18 meters, at each end of the site the slope becomes a wall and large pinnacles covered in soft corals and glass fish, jut out from the sandy ocean floor.
A favourite with divers and snorkellers alike the lagoon has something for everyone. A white sandy beach for sun worshippers and shallow clear water for snorkellers. Newer divers can hone their skills in the shallower waters of the lagoon while more experienced divers can enjoy the beautiful soft corals on the outer pinnacles which fall away to over thirty metres.
Koh Haa Yai เกาะห้าใหญ่
(Ko Haa island # 5 or Koh Ha Yai or The Cathedral)
Type : Sloping reef and wall
Depth : 3-30 Meters (15-65 feet)
Visibility : 5-20 Meters (15-65 feet)
Current : mild / moderate
Suitable : All Levels
Koh Haa Yai, also known as Koh Ha Island #5, is the largest of the Koh Haa islands and a true paradise for divers. This site boasts two magnificent cathedral-like caves, where divers can surface and explore the interconnected caverns. Outside these caves, the underwater landscape is equally captivating, featuring pinnacles, ridges, canyons, and plateaus that are home to a diverse array of marine life.
Cathedral Caves: The two main caves at Koh Haa Yai are the star attractions, offering a unique diving experience. The caves are spacious and allow divers to swim through large openings, making them accessible for various skill levels. The play of light filtering through the cave openings creates a magical ambiance, making it a must-visit spot for underwater photographers and adventure seekers alike.
Rich Marine Life: Beyond the caves, divers can explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem. The topography of the site is adorned with colorful corals and sponges, providing a perfect habitat for a myriad of marine species. Schools of fish dart around the pinnacles and ridges, while moray eels, lionfish, and scorpionfish can be spotted hiding among the crevices.
Advanced Diving: Coral Gardens and Beyond
For those with more experience, Koh Haa Yai offers deeper adventures that are equally rewarding.
Coral Garden: At around 30 meters, there is a stunning coral garden that is often teeming with marine life. This area is a kaleidoscope of colors, with soft corals of every hue sprouting from the reef. It's not uncommon to encounter turtles leisurely swimming by, and with some luck, divers might even spot the occasional leopard shark gliding through the waters.
Macro Wonders: For lovers of small marine creatures, Koh Haa Yai is a treasure trove. Nudibranchs, shrimp, and crabs are abundant, making it a fantastic site for macro photography enthusiasts. The diverse and plentiful small critters ensure that every dive is filled with delightful discoveries.
Koh Haa Lek เกาะห้าเล็ก
(Koh Ha Island #6 or Ko Haa Hog or Ko Ha Hog or The Small)
Type : Sloping reef and wall
Depth : 3-30 Meters (15-65 feet)
Visibility : 5-20 Meters (15-65 feet)
Current : mild / moderate
Suitable : All Levels
Koh Ha Island # 6 (Ko Haa Hog or Ko Ha Hog or The Small) This island is surrounded by coral reefs, There are soft coral around the island along with hard coral, sea fans and barrel sponges.
Koh Haa # 6 is a little gem that is beautiful in it's own rightIs, A small pyramid shaped rock just off the northern tip of Koh Haa Yai.
Divers will descend down to a maximum depth of 30 meters and then gradually spiral their way around the rock to the surface. A myriad of reef fish take cover in the hard and soft corals that cover the site, while the larger predator fish like rainbow runners and trevallies patrol up and down the site look for an opportunity to strike. as it's more suited to experienced divers is often as serene as it is colourful.
Koh Ha Island #6, also known as Ko Haa Hog or The Small, is a true hidden gem in the Koh Haa archipelago. This island, characterized by its pyramid-shaped rock just off the northern tip of Koh Haa Yai, offers a spectacular diving experience surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. The underwater landscape is a delightful mix of soft corals, hard corals, sea fans, and barrel sponges, creating a haven for marine life.
A Diver's Paradise
Descending into Beauty: Divers will start their descent to a maximum depth of 30 meters, spiraling around the rock as they make their way to the surface. This gradual ascent allows for an immersive exploration of the site, revealing the intricate beauty of the corals and the myriad of reef fish that call this place home. The abundance of marine life and the stunning underwater topography make each dive a unique and unforgettable experience.
Marine Life: The hard and soft corals around Koh Ha Island #6 provide excellent cover for a wide variety of reef fish. Colorful species dart in and out of the corals, adding to the vibrant underwater scene. Larger predator fish, such as rainbow runners and trevallies, can often be seen patrolling the area, creating an exciting dynamic as they hunt for their next meal. This site, while suited to experienced divers, offers a serene and colorful diving experience that is as tranquil as it is exhilarating.
Advanced Diving Adventures
Challenging and Rewarding: Koh Ha Island #6 is particularly well-suited for experienced divers due to its depth and the complexity of the underwater terrain. The site's serene beauty combined with the thrill of encountering larger predatory fish provides a perfect balance for those seeking both challenge and reward in their diving adventures.
Photography Opportunities: The diverse marine life and the striking coral formations make Koh Ha Island #6 a prime spot for underwater photography. The play of light, the vibrant colors, and the dynamic interactions between different species offer endless opportunities for capturing stunning underwater shots.
Conclusion
Koh Ha Island #6 is a captivating dive site that promises an extraordinary underwater adventure. Its pyramid-shaped rock, encircled by an array of corals and teeming with marine life, offers a diving experience that is both serene and thrilling. For experienced divers looking to explore the hidden gems of the Koh Haa archipelago, Koh Ha Island #6 is a must-visit destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the ocean. So, take the plunge and discover the mesmerizing beauty of Koh Ha Island #6, where every dive is a journey into the heart of an underwater paradise.