THAILAND SCUBA DIVING
Near Island Dive Sites
Far Island Dive Sites
Wreck Dive Sites
Pattaya Thailand DIVE SITES
Discover coral reefs & shipwrecks in Thailand
There are multiple Pattaya Dive Sites on offer around the Pattaya Islands in Thailand which are located about 1.5hr from Bangkok airport. All the Coral Reef Dive Sites are suitable for Open Water Certified Divers, whereas the Wreck Dive Sites are Suitable for Advanced Level Divers.
Pattaya, located on the eastern coast of Thailand, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and also its lesser-known yet fascinating dive sites. Though not as famous as some other diving destinations in Thailand, Pattaya offers a diverse and captivating underwater world for diving enthusiasts.
Pattaya Near Islands
One of the primary dive sites in Pattaya is the Koh Larn Coral Island. Just a short boat ride away from the mainland, this site boasts an array of dive spots suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. The underwater topography here is diverse, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life. The visibility is generally good, often exceeding 10 meters during peak season, providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography and observation.
Near Koh Larn, the Mataphon Wreck is a popular spot among advanced divers. The Mataphon, rests on the ocean floor, creating an artificial reef. This wreck is home to various marine species, including barracudas, groupers, and schools of smaller fish, making it an exciting site for wreck diving enthusiasts.
Another renowned dive location near Pattaya is Koh Sak. With its clear waters and relatively shallow depths, Koh Sak is ideal for beginners and those looking for relaxed dives. Here, divers can explore colorful coral gardens, encounter tropical fish species like butterflyfish and angelfish, and, if lucky, spot larger marine creatures such as rays and turtles.
Pattaya Far Islands
For those seeking a unique diving experience, Pattaya’s HTMS Khram Wreck offers an intriguing site. This former navy vessel was purposefully sunk to create an artificial reef. Now adorned with corals and inhabited by a variety of fish species, this wreck provides an adventurous dive, allowing explorations through the ship’s chambers and openings while observing the flourishing marine life.
The crown jewel of the Pattaya Far islands is Koh Rin. This is truly a gem in Pattaya’s diving scene. This site boasts remarkable underwater landscapes featuring rocky formations, swim-throughs, and crevices. Divers can witness an abundance of marine life here, from small critters like nudibranchs to larger species such as bamboo sharks, moray eels and schools of snappers and jacks.
How Far Are Pattaya’s Dive Sites?
One of the significant attractions of diving in Pattaya is the accessibility of these sites. Most dive sites are within an hour’s boat ride from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore multiple spots in a day or across a weekend trip.
When is The Best Time To Dive In Pattaya Thailand?
Many Dive Locations close in Thailand for the Monsoon, while Pattaya’s dive sites offer year-round diving opportunities. The best time for diving in this region is generally from November to April when the weather is favorable, and the seas are calmer, ensuring better visibility and comfortable diving conditions.
Are Pattaya Dive Sites Worth Visiting?
Pattaya in Thailand might be renowned for its bustling international city life, food, shopping, and entertainment, its lesser-explored dive sites hold a wealth of underwater treasures waiting to be discovered. Situated less than 2 hours from Bangkok, whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, the diverse marine ecosystems and intriguing underwater landscapes of Pattaya’s dive sites offer an unforgettable experience for all underwater adventurers.
Pattaya – Thailands Wreck Dive Capital
Pattaya stands as Thailand’s wreck diving capital due to its rich maritime history and purpose-sunk vessels. The region hosts an impressive array of sunken ships like the Hardeep Wreck and the HTMS Kut, deliberately submerged to create artificial reefs. These wrecks, coupled with convenient accessibility and diverse marine life, attract avid wreck diving enthusiasts. The close proximity of these sites to Pattaya’s shores, along with varying depths and conditions suitable for both beginners and seasoned divers, solidifies Pattaya’s reputation as Thailand’s premier destination for exploring captivating shipwrecks and experiencing the thrill of wreck diving.