Dive Site: Stonehenge

About Stonehenge

Stonehenge is an exceptional dive site situated about 2 kilometers off Ta Lang Beach on Koh Lipe's eastern side, renowned for its striking geological formations and rich marine life. Named for its resemblance to the ancient monument, the site features enormous granite boulders, some rising 10 meters from the seabed, which create a captivating maze of archways, swim-throughs, and overhangs. These formations are ancient, shaped by tectonic activity long before corals began to colonize their surfaces. Falling within the Tarutao National Marine Park, Stonehenge benefits from strict protection, including no-touch rules and mooring buoy usage, which contributes to its vibrant ecosystem. The live coral cover is impressive, often reaching 70% in prime areas, with healthy gorgonians and table corals adorning every available surface. The site's topography, combined with significant currents, makes it a magnet for pelagic species and provides diverse habitats for macro life. While Koh Lipe boasts over 30 dive sites, Stonehenge stands out due to its unique blend of dramatic scenery and current-driven marine activity. It offers an adrenaline-fueled experience with genuine currents that usher in large schools of barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, and occasional eagle rays. The site also provides sheltered pockets among the rocks, perfect for exploring smaller critters. With depths ranging from 10 to 40 meters, including a main pinnacle dropping to 30 meters, divers can experience varied profiles on a single visit. Visibility here can range from 15 to 30 meters during the peak season from December to February, with water temperatures consistently warm at 28-30°C. Early morning dives often present the calmest conditions and optimal light for photography. Managing currents is key to a rewarding dive, with guides often recommending negative descents to navigate the site effectively.

Dive site facts: Stonehenge

Depth

10–40 m

Typical dive

10–25 m

Current

Medium to Strong

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

28–30°C

Entry

Boat / Negative entry

Level

Advanced Open Water

Dive type

Reef / Boulder / Drift

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Koh Lipe, Andaman Sea

Coordinates

8.585, 97.618

Conditions & Currents

Stonehenge experiences moderate to strong currents, typically ranging from 1 to 3 knots, which are influenced by tidal patterns. Incoming tides are particularly known for bringing in nutrient-rich waters that attract large pelagic species, including schools of barracuda and sharks. Divers should be prepared for negative entries to navigate the currents effectively and may find a reef hook useful for holding position in exposed sections. Slack tide offers more relaxed conditions, ideal for exploring swim-throughs and macro life. Due to these varying conditions, divers need to be attentive to their guide's briefings and comfortable with current management; otherwise, the dive plan can be adjusted to favor more sheltered areas.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Blacktip Reef Shark

common

Eagle Ray

December-February · occasional

Spotted Eagle Ray

December-February · occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

occasional

Whale Shark

rare

Emperor Angelfish

common

Regal Angelfish

common

Longnose Butterflyfish

common

Humphead Wrasse

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Octopus

occasional

Cuttlefish

occasional

Lionfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Stonehenge typically begin with a negative descent from the boat directly onto the pinnacle to avoid strong surface currents. Divers usually explore the main granite boulder formations, navigating through archways and swim-throughs, which range in depth from 12-18 meters. The route often follows the structure, moving from current-exposed sections where pelagics are abundant to more sheltered areas that host macro life. The main pinnacle descends to approximately 30 meters along a vertical wall, offering a deeper section to explore. Turn points are often dictated by air consumption and current strength, ensuring ample gas for the ascent. The safety stop is conducted in shallower, calmer areas, often clinging to the reef or employing a reef hook if necessary, before surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Stonehenge offers diverse photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots of impressive rock formations and schooling barracuda to macro captures of nudibranchs and other small critters in protected crevices. For wide-angle, aim for early morning dives when sunlight shafts penetrate the archways, creating dramatic light effects; a dome port is highly recommended. When focusing on macro, be mindful of currents, as stability is key; a powerful focus light will assist in the darker overhangs. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid damaging delicate corals and to stay steady in varying currents. Respect marine life by maintaining a safe distance, especially from resting lionfish and camouflaged scorpionfish.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Koh Lipe — 8 Mile Rock

  8 Mile Rock, located approximately 13 kilometers offshore from Koh Lipe in the Tarutao National Marine Park, stands as one of Thailand's…

• Hin Bida

  Hin Bida is a celebrated submerged coral reef and pinnacle situated approximately 20 minutes east of Koh Bida Nai, entirely in the open sea.

• Koh Bon

  Koh Bon is a distinguished dive site located north of Similan Island No.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Stonehenge is primarily from Koh Lipe, located in Thailand's southernmost Satun province. The most common way to reach Koh Lipe is by flying into Hat Yai Airport (HDY), followed by a 2-3 hour minivan transfer to Pak Bara Pier, and then a 1.5-2 hour speedboat ride to the island. Alternatively, speedboats are available from Langkawi, Malaysia. Dive trips to Stonehenge are typically booked through local dive shops on Koh Lipe, with longtail boats reaching the site in 15-30 minutes from Pattaya or Ta Lang Beach. All diving activities within Tarutao National Marine Park require guided access, prohibiting solo diving. Expect to pay a Tarutao National Marine Park entry fee of 200 THB per person, plus a small boat fee. A two-dive trip including gear usually costs around 2,800-3,500 THB.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket, highlighting the importance of cautious diving practices and adequate insurance. Evacuation from Koh Lipe to a medical facility can be time-consuming due to its island location and reliance on boat transfers, so comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is essential. Site-specific hazards at Stonehenge include strong currents, which necessitate good buoyancy control and attentiveness to dive guide instructions; a reef hook is advisable for stability. Divers must adhere strictly to Tarutao National Marine Park regulations, which include no-touch rules and prohibitions against coral damage, carrying fines up to 10,000 THB. Always dive within certification limits and communicate any discomfort with currents to your guide immediately.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Stonehenge FAQ

Liveaboards diving Stonehenge

These liveaboards may visit Stonehenge on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Mandarin Queen 9

Thailand

26 guests37.5 m

Manta Queen 8

Thailand

24 guests

$127/day

The Junk

Thailand

18 guests33 m

$163/day

Deep Andaman Queen

Thailand

23 guests30.5 m

$194/day

Explorer

Thailand

16 guests25 m

$150/day

Andaman

Thailand

20 guests26 m

$108/day

Stingray

Thailand

8 guests24 m

$245/day

Seatopia

Thailand

24 guests24 m