8 Mile Rock

8 Mile Rock is an offshore open-water pinnacle rising from about 45-50 m to a top near 15-16 m, with granite rock covered in colorful hard and soft corals and sea fans. The pinnacle is the main attraction and frequently draws large pelagics and abundant reef life, including whale sharks, mantas, giant groupers and schools of trevally and barracuda. Access is by boat from Koh Lipe; there is no shore entry. Dives descend quickly into deep water and are typically run as drift dives or from anchor lines; recommended certification is Advanced Open Water or equivalent and many operators run Deep Diver or Advanced courses. The site is subject to strong tidal currents and surface chop; visibility is often very good (tens of metres) when currents are favorable but can deteriorate in rough conditions. Strong currents and depth are the main hazards, so the site is recommended only for experienced divers.