Ko Tao is one of the those places where you have to expect the unexpected. Many people have reported absolutely world-class dives in the area over a period of a few days to a taw months. Chumphon Pinnacle, probably the best non-wreck dive site in the gulf has been known to attract whale sharks, mantas, huge schools of lack fish swordfish, and even fin back whales. And one day, a few years ago divers saw all these and more on a single dive! In fact there were so many things going on that day uncommon but not unheard of-that many people on the boat didn't t even fend the dive site. After all, who wants to look at clown fish, when whales, whale sharks, and swordfish. are swimming around your?

Although he's not nearly as large as a whale shark, ko Tao has a resident fish with an ego the size of any whale Trevor, "The Terrible Trigger". resides at White Rock off Ko Nang Yuan and what he lacks in size he more than makes up for in belligerency. Trigger fish ere known to be hostile around mating season, and they rigorously defend their nests, but Trevor just doesn't seem to like anyone no matter what time of year it is. He has this annoying habit of sneaking up on divers and biting their hair mask, fins. regulator or anything else that happens to be in the way. Divemasters watch Trevor peering out from behind a rock waiting for diving to look away from his hiding place, so that he can then spring upon the group like some kind of crazed warrior. Trevor is really not so bad, but makes a good subject for the popular T-shirt on the island.

Ko Tao offers the best diving in the Gulf at Thailand and combined with the pleasantries of shore life, it is well worth a visit. You may not see whale sharks or swordfish every dive, but you'll certainly be more than charmed by the local in habitants of the reefs.

How to get there : Once you arrive in Samui, speedboats are available to take you to Ko Tao either directly or via Ko Pha-ngan. Ferries and speedboats are also available Irons Chumphon lust north of Surat Thani.