Located approximately 300 meters away from the North side of Kata Beach, Koh Poo is not a very popular tourist destination but that really is more of a bonus.

The fabulous reef condition and serene surroundings will definitely make this a relaxing dive.

Visibility is about 5 - 15 meters and the reef starts at 2 - 3 meters below the surface to maximum depths of only 15 - 16 meters, making this a suitable site for beginners, as well for training dives and snorkelling.

Hard corals such as staghorn corals are often found scattered among pore corals and table corals on gental sand slopes.

The north and south sides of the island, on the other hand consist of rocky slopes that go down to 16 - 17 meters. Because of the sparse coral growth, most people do not plan dives there.

Mild to moderate, running north to south, beware of surges in shallow waters.

The residents of the reef here can also be found in the rest of the Andaman.

Just like dive sites on Phuket's west coast, genus of butterflyfish, lionfish, scorpionfish, surgeonfish, snapper and cephalopods such as squid and cuttlefish are common.

Some special species that you may find are humphead parrotfish, colourful nudibranchs, pipefish and leaf fish. Take your time on your dive and stay alert, or you'll miss them.

The only way to get to Koh Poo is to hire a local longtail boat from Kata Beach. Don't forget to bring enough drinking water for the trip, and if you plan to do more than one dive, pack a snack or meal with you as well.

There are four main mooring points around the islet, with the mosy popular diving area being the eastern side. Because some areas are quiet flat and everywhere looks pretty much the same underwater, be sure to note the direction when you start the dive. If visibility is poor there is a chance you might get lost, but generally if you keep close to the reef and simply drift along with the current, you'll be fine.

Normally, the current is not strong at the reef area. On rough days, however, do play safe and avoid going too near the rocky areas at the north and south ends of the island as the currents are stronger there.