Knife Rock
About this dive site
Knife Rock is named for exactly what you'd expect — a thin, blade-like rock formation that drops from the surface down to about 14 m, with both sides of the wall colonised by dense marine life. It's not the deepest or most dramatic site we visit, but it consistently delivers in terms of fish life and it's a pleasant, unhurried dive.
The shallow top of the rock (3–5 m) is good for snorkelling — the visibility is clear and you can see most of the reef fish from the surface. Drop down the wall and you'll find parrotfish, triggerfish, and surgeonfish in numbers. There's usually a turtle or two resting near the base. Scorpionfish sit motionless on the rock — remarkably well-camouflaged, which is why we always point them out rather than leaving guests to find them by accident.
We use Knife Rock on days when the conditions at the outer sites are rougher — it's somewhat sheltered, the current is usually mild, and it makes for a comfortable dive for guests who aren't fully comfortable in choppier conditions.
What you'll see
- Parrotfish
- Triggerfish
- Surgeonfish
- Hawksbill turtles
- Scorpionfish (camouflaged)
- Wrasse
- Butterflyfish
Site highlights
- ✓Blade-like rock formation running 3–14 m
- ✓Snorkelling accessible from the surface
- ✓Good shelter on rough-weather days
- ✓Scorpionfish sightings almost guaranteed
Currents & Visibility
Light current. Sheltered site. Visibility 12–18 m.
Recommended courses for this site
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Equipment included · Local guides · Small groups
Photos — Knife Rock
Questions about Knife Rock
“Swami Rock is something else entirely. The statues on the reef, the turtles, the sheer amount of life on the wall — I've dived in Thailand, Indonesia, the Red Sea, and this is right up there. The guides know every inch of these reefs. Highly recommended.”
James T.
United Kingdom · Fun Diving
“Did my Advanced here after getting my Open Water in Koh Tao. The Klathipa deep dive and the wreck dive were both incredible. Small groups, attentive instruction, and the equipment was in excellent condition. I'll be back for the specialty courses.”
Aiko N.
Japan · Advanced Open Water Diver
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