Abbey’s Dive Diary: Christmas Tree Worms & Mango Bay

We finally made it out to Koh Tao for our dives today, and honestly, it was worth the wait. Here’s a look at what went down beneath the surface.

The Journey Out

The boat ride took about an hour and a half to get to the dive sites. It was a bit of a trek, but the anticipation kept the energy high. The ride back was definitely the highlight of the transit—I sat up at the bow, and it was pretty choppy. We were catching some air and bouncing around, which made the trip back feel like an adventure in itself.

The Dives

We hit two different spots: Mango Bay and Japanese Gardens. Both sites were incredible.

The visibility was great, and the water was that perfect azure blue you see in magazines. Underwater, the ecosystem was thriving:

• Massive, intricate coral formations everywhere.
• Schools of vibrant fish darting through the reef.
• Artificial reef structures at Mango Bay that looked like industrial crates reclaimed by nature—covered in algae and teeming with life.

Highlight: Christmas Tree Worms

The coolest thing I saw wasn’t a shark or a turtle—it was actually the Christmas Tree Worms. They’re these vibrant, spiral-shaped worms that burrow into the coral. The second you swim near them or create a pressure wave, they instantly retract into their tubes. It’s fascinating to watch the reef basically “react” to your presence.

The Verdict

Overall, it was a solid dive trip. The conditions were easy and comfortable—nothing too intimidating, which made it really enjoyable.

Recommendation: Definitely worth it, especially for newer divers. It was a perfect spot for my brother to get more comfortable in the water, and honestly, just being down there is an experience you can’t really replicate anywhere else.

Catch you on the next one.

— Abbey