Explore 8 Mile Rock Koh Lipe – One Of The Most Exciting Dive Sites.
Two dives. Open ocean. Marine life that stops you mid-descent. This is 8 Mile Rock — Koh Lipe’s most thrilling site.
13km offshore. No crowds. No shortcuts. Just some of the finest diving in Southeast Asia. 8 Mile Rock delivers what other sites promise. Certified divers, small groups, expert guides. Two dives. Everything included. One day, that changes how you think about the ocean.
8 Mile Rock Koh Lipe: What Waits Below The Surface
Most Koh Lipe dive sites are shallow and calm, perfect for beginners. 8 Mile Rock is different. Located 13km offshore in Tarutao National Marine Park, it offers deeper water, stronger currents, and thrilling marine life.
Expect schools of giant trevally, massive groupers, reef sharks, and even whale sharks in season. With two guided dives in small groups, you’ll explore safely and fully. Open to all certified divers, though Advanced certification is recommended.
8 Mile Rock Diving Course Package
One price. No surprises. Everything you need for a full day at one of Koh Lipe’s most impressive dive sites is included in your booking.
- 2 guided scuba dives at 8 Mile Rock
- Complete diving equipment rental
- Private fast boat — no crowded day-trip boats
- Breakfast on board
- Lunch on board
- Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day
- Full diving insurance
- Experienced RAID-certified dive guide
- Small groups for a personalised experience
What does a day in 8 Mile Rock look like?
Your day starts early and ends well. Here’s how it typically unfolds from departure to return:
05:45 Early Departure from Koh Lipe
- Meet the La Bombona team at the boat, gear up, and head offshore before the wind picks up
- Breakfast is served on the way out — a good time to go over the dive briefing with your guide
- The crossing to 8 Mile Rock takes approximately 45–60 minutes depending on sea conditions
07:30 First Dive
- Descent to the reef structure with your guide
- Typical depth: 18–30 metres depending on experience level
- Marine life encounters: trevally schools, groupers, moray eels, reef sharks, and more
- Dive duration: approximately 45–55 minutes
- Note: bring sunscreen (reef-safe), a towel, and a light layer for the boat
09:15 Surface Interval
- Rest, rehydrate, and swap stories on the rooftop deck while snacks circulate
- Your guide will share observations from the first dive and brief you on the second
- A second descent awaits — often the better dive of the two, once you know what to look for
10:00 Second Dive
- Explore a different section of the site or return with fresh eyes to the first
- More time at depth with a different perspective on the formations
- Keep your eyes open — whale shark encounters, when they happen, often occur during the second dive
11:30 Return Journey
- Lunch is served on the boat heading back
- Time to reflect, rest, and plan your next underwater adventure
- Arrival back in Koh Lipe approximately 13:00
8 Mile Rock Diving Pricing & Booking
No hidden extras. No add-ons. Just one clear price — ฿2,800 per person. Two guided dives, full equipment, boat transfer, meals, and insurance — everything included.
BOOKING NOTE : Prefer to check availability first? Send us a message on WhatsApp and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Spots fill up fast during peak season (November–April).
Why Choose 8 Mile Rock Koh Lipe Diving Trips?
Small Groups, Real Attention
We cap group sizes deliberately — not as a marketing line, but because it genuinely changes the experience. Your guide isn't managing ten people. They're watching out for you.
A Decade of Experience on These Waters
La Bombona Diving has been running courses and guided dives since 2014. 8 Mile Rock is a site our team knows well, across seasons and conditions. That familiarity matters when you're 25 metres down.
Bilingual Team — English and Spanish
Our instructors and guides are fluent in both English and Spanish. No lost-in-translation moments when your briefing matters.
RAID Certification — A Higher Standard
All La Bombona courses and guided dives operate under RAID certification — a globally recognised standard that trains to a higher benchmark than most competing programmes. The certification you earn here is valid worldwide.
INSIGHT FROM OUR DIVERS
What they say about us...
EXCELLENT Based on 171 reviews Posted on Twan LamensTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had 2 fundives with Armand. The dive sights were really nice, aswell as Armand and the other staff. Would definitely recommend this Dive School!Posted on manuel giulianiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Non a caso sono tornato da loro! Dopo koh tao è stata la volta di koh lipe. Stessa scuola,stesse vibes! I ragazzi simpatici,professionali e affidabili mi hanno aiutato in tutto ciò di cui ho avuto bisogno. In particolar modo ringrazio il mio istruttore Kile, che è stato molto gentile e mi ha aiutato a mettermi a mio agio, sia dentro che fuori dal mare! Non posso che ringraziarvi e consigliare La Bombona diving!Posted on Dorota DudekTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the try dive and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience! The team makes everything to make it smooth and safe for the first-timers. I appreciated the time they took to explain every detail and ensure everyone is at ease. While the first dive is a little technical as you need to get used to the gear and technics, the second one is incredible! The reef so rich and beautiful. And I recommend take the photos too. Beautiful souvenir.Posted on Jorge GómezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gente súper bien preparada a nivel material, profesional y muy cercanos. El sitio de buceo esta brutal y el barco desde se hacen las inmersiones una gozada. Por otro lado creo q no hay muchos sitios donde te hablen español aparte del inglés y se agradece. Totalmente recomendable 👌Posted on AnastasiiaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wir haben mit La Bombona Diving unseren Explorer 30 (äquivalent zu Advanced Open Water) absolviert und sind überglücklich mit der Wahl der Tauchschule! Das ganze Team ist großartig und herzlich. Unser Tauchlehrer Armand hat alles bestens erklärt, gutes Feedback gegeben und dabei immer auf uns geachtet. Ich hatte zu Beginn Probleme mit dem Druckausgleich und er hat viel Rücksicht darauf genommen, sodass es mit der Zeit deutlich besser wurde. Die Zertifizierung von RAID (Explorer 30) fanden wir persönlich qualitativ und technisch besser als die von PADI (Advanced Open Water). La Bombona Diving hat zudem ein eigenes kleines Schiff, damit waren wir flexibler mit den Tauchorten und es gab eine schöne familiäre Atmosphäre. Erwähnenswert ist auch das inkludierte und leckere Mittagessen in wiederverwendbaren Lunchboxen. Nach dem Kurs absolvierten wir zusätzlich sieben weitere Fun Dives und erkundeten die schönsten Tauchgebiete, die wir bisher gesehen haben! Bei den Fun Dives tauchten wir mit Armand, Sergio und Carme - vielen Dank für die unfassbar schöne Zeit!Posted on P. M.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ich hatte 10 Mega tolle Tauchgänge Sie planen die Abfahrzeiten und Tauchseiten nach den Gezeiten und starte früh am Morgen So hatten wir die Divesites fast immer für uns alleine und mit meist geringer Strömung. Da es nur ein kleines süßes Boot ist sind es nicht so viele Personen. Danke für die tolle ZeitPosted on Jule DiedrichsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can highly recommend it, nice riffs, nice people and you’ll definitely have a great time with bombona diving 🙂Posted on Katja FuchsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I booked a try dive with this operator and it was such a great time! We were a small group of three girls (for try dives they take max 4 people per trip) which was very comfortable. As we additionally booked their photographer we had two professionals with us. Both taught us a lot about diving and the marine life. Even thought we were beginners we could enjoy a real diving experience in the sea around lipe with two stops. I loved everything! Thank you for the amazing day.Posted on Josefine Cole BertelsenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. «Try dive» var virkelig en av de beste dagene meg og venninnen min har hatt på turen vår! Så utrolig gøy og instruktørene gjorde opplevelsen veldig trygg! Hadde vi hatt flere dager på koh lipe hadde vi 100% tatt dykker sertifikatet her!Posted on Sandra MäkeläTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved diving with La Bombona <3 I did two fun dives, my instructor Sergio and the whole staff were so sweet, helpful and professional. Boat was comfy, lunch was a great bonus, and the dive sites were innncredible – my best dive so far! Would’ve loved to dive more with them if I had more time, highly recommend
Frequently Asked questions
Do I need a certification to dive at 8 Mile Rock?
Yes. 8 Mile Rock is a certified-diver-only site. Open Water certification (or equivalent) is the minimum. An Advanced certification is recommended, as conditions at this offshore site can differ from sheltered reef dives closer to shore. If you’re unsure whether your current level is suitable, just ask us before booking.
What level of diver is 8 Mile Rock suited for?
Certified divers of most experience levels can make the trip, but comfort in open water and with some current is helpful. If you’ve completed your Open Water course and want to level up before visiting, our Advanced Explorer 30 course is a natural next step — and it certifies you to 30 metres, which opens up the full depth range at 8 Mile Rock.
What time does the trip depart and return?
Departure is typically around 05:45 from Koh Lipe. The day wraps up with a return to the island around 13:00. Times may vary slightly depending on sea conditions and group size — your guide will confirm exact timings when you book.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Nothing diving-related — all equipment is included in the package price. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light layer for the boat, a towel, and any personal items you need for a morning out on the water. We take care of the rest.
Is 8 Mile Rock suitable if I haven't dived in a while?
If it has been more than 12 months since your last dive, we recommend completing our Refresh Course first. It takes one day, gets you comfortable back in the water, and means you can actually enjoy 8 Mile Rock rather than spending the dive getting reacquainted with your gear.
Can I see whale sharks at 8 Mile Rock?
Whale shark sightings are possible at 8 Mile Rock, particularly between November and April. They are not guaranteed — these are wild animals in open water — but this is one of the few sites in the Koh Lipe area where encounters do happen with regularity. Your guide will brief you on behaviour protocols if a sighting occurs.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand that travel plans change. Get in touch via WhatsApp to discuss your booking and any changes you need to make. We’ll work with you wherever possible.
UNDECIDED?