Pattaya Dive Sites

Pattaya wreck dive sites

Pattaya is the best place in Thailand for exploring wrecks

HTMS Mataphon Ship Wreck

Location

Pattaya

Depth

20 Meter

Dive Type

Wreck

Sea Life

Sting Rays, Bat Fish, Nudibranch, Grouper. Sweetlips ,Yellow Tail & ...

On October 20, 2012, the **Royal Thai Navy** sank the **LCT Mk6 761**, also known as **HTMS Mataphon**, southeast of Koh Lan near Pattaya. This ship rests at coordinates N12 53′ 49.4″ E100 47′ 02.1″, lying in a channel between Koh Krok and Koh Lan at a depth of 20 meters. Despite its smaller size compared to other wrecks, HTMS Mataphon offers interesting diving experiences, including easy and more challenging penetrations in the engine rooms and ballast holds.

The wreck is already home to marine life, with sightings of large Sweetlips, Yellow Tail Snappers, and a Yellow Sea Horse just 24 hours after it was sunk. The site provides opportunities for combined dives with other wrecks like HTMS Kut, and is protected from the prevailing northerly winds during the high season. The wreck lies in a northeast (stern) to southwest (bow) direction and continues to attract divers looking for unique underwater experiences.

Thinking about giving this fascinating site a try?

Hardeep Ship Wreck

Location

Samaesan

Depth

28 Meter

Dive Type

Wreck

Sea Life

Nudibranch, Sting Rays, Parrot Fish , Scorpion Fish, Tusk Fish. Turtle, angelfish, batfish, groupers, barracuda, wrasse, butterfly fish, crabs

The HTMS Hardeep wreck dive is a highly popular and unique diving destination in Pattaya and Samaesan, Thailand. The ship, originally named SS Suddhadib, was an 80-meter steam-powered cargo vessel built in 1918 by the Hong Kong & Whampoa Dock Company. Named after Princess Suddhadib, the ship entered service with the Siam Steamship Company, transporting passengers and cargo around Thailand and Southeast Asia.

During World War II, the Suddhadib was requisitioned by the Thai government to support the Imperial Japanese Army, carrying fuel and cargo. In May 1945, it was anchored at Sattahip naval base due to mines blocking its return route to Bangkok. On June 1, 1945, ten B-24 Liberators from the RAF 99 and 159 Squadrons attacked the ship, causing it to sink at a depth of 27 meters near Koh Chuang. Despite the attack, all 15 crew members survived by swimming to safety.

The wreck, also known as "HTMS Hardeep," rests on its starboard side and is a favorite dive site due to its rich marine life, penetrable structure, and the historical significance of its violent sinking. Divers need to exercise caution due to the presence of unexploded bombs around the site. The dive site offers a unique opportunity for divers to explore a genuine war wreck.

HTMS Khram Ship Wreck

Location

Pattaya

Depth

28 Meter

Dive Type

Wreck

Sea Life

Sting rays, Blue spotted rays, Grouper, Scorpion fish, Hawksbill turtle, Bamboo sharks, Sting Rays, Bat Fish, Scorpion Fish, Sweet Lips

The "Khram wreck" is a premier diving destination in Pattaya, Thailand, purposely prepared and sunk by the Thai Navy on January 30, 2003. This site has something for every diver, from exploring the wreck's exterior teeming with Barracudas, Bat Fish, Yellow Jacks, Scorpion Fish, shrimps, crabs, and beautiful soft corals, to engaging in macro photography.

For those interested in wreck penetrations, the Khram offers a range of opportunities, from easy entries to more advanced explorations. Divers can venture into various sections like instrument gauges, lockers, desks, toilets, showers, infirmary, mess room, kitchen, boilers, and storerooms.

The wreck rests at a depth of 15 meters to the top and 30 meters to the seabed, with visibility ranging from 2 to 15 meters. The ship has been meticulously prepared to ensure safety by removing armaments, oil, and potential hazards, with large access holes to facilitate easy penetration through well-lit passageways. The highest part of the wreck, the Bridge/Radio room, stands at 15 meters depth, offering natural light and easy entry.

The Khram wreck is a major draw for both novice and seasoned wreck divers, serving as a safe and fascinating underwater classroom due to its array of features and marine life. The dive site is marked by two buoys at each end of the wreck, making it accessible and easy to locate. Have you tried wreck diving before or is it something you'd like to experience someday?

HTMS Kut Ship Wreck

Location

Samaesan

Depth

28 Meter

Dive Type

Wreck

Sea Life

Nudibranch, Sting Rays, Parrot Fish , Scorpion Fish, Tusk Fish. Turtle, angelfish, batfish, groupers, barracuda, wrasse, butterfly fish, crabs

HTMS Kut, also known as The Khood, is a WWII shipwreck intentionally sunk by the Royal Thai Navy in 2006 to create an artificial dive site in Pattaya, near the island cluster south of Koh Sak. Prepared as a safe diving site, the Thai Navy removed all armaments, oil, and potential hazards, with large openings cut to allow penetration dives within natural light zones.

The ship rests upright at a depth of 30m on the sand and 26m at deck level. Advanced Open Water Divers or Open Water Divers on Deep Adventure dives with instructors can explore this wreck, home to abundant marine life including Barracudas, Rabbit Fish, Yellow Snapper, Giant Starry Puffers, and Giant Groupers. Divers can also find shrimp, crabs, nudibranchs, and more around the deck floor and tower walls.

Ready for a dive below the surface and into history?

pattaya Near Islands dive sites

Lets Explore Near By Dive Sites Of Pattaya

Koh Larn Dive Site

Location

Pattaya

Depth

15 Meter

Dive Type

Coral

Sea Life

Turtule, stingray, seahorse Seahorse, Hawksbill Turtles, Blue Spot Sting Rays, Nudibranch, Octopus

**Koh Larn**, one of Pattaya's near islands, offers excellent protection from strong currents and a diverse range of macro sea life. The southern side of the island is home to dive sites like **Had Nuan, South Point**, and **Leam Tong**, featuring shallow reefs and sheltered areas suitable for all diver levels. Common sightings include **turtles, stingrays,** and **seahorses**.

For more experienced divers, deep reefs and drift dives await exploration. The southernmost bay houses a breakwater and a sunken restaurant, about 50m away. Here, large concrete rings covered in soft corals and fans host a variety of reef fish. The reef deepens as it extends northward, revealing large coral bommies along the coastline.

Koh Larn is worth a visit for its abundant marine life and diverse dive sites, providing a rich underwater experience for both novice and seasoned divers. Ready to discover this aquatic paradise?

Koh Sak Dive Site

Location

Pattaya

Depth

18 Meter

Dive Type

Coral

Sea Life

Turtles, stingray, seahorse Seahorse, Hawksbill Turtles, Blue Spot Sting Rays, Nudibranch

**Koh Sak**, a small, kidney-shaped island north of Koh Lan, offers three distinct dive sites: **Koh Sak East,** **Koh Sak West,** and **Koh Sak Deep Reef**. With a Northern-facing bay well-protected from prevailing winds, the island enjoys calm and clear waters year-round.

**Koh Sak West** can be further divided into sub-level dive sites like The Cubes, Turtle Point, The Deep Reef, and The Submarine Run. The East Side is ideal for drift diving and turtle spotting, with depth ranges of 3–18 meters perfect for Open Water Courses. Common sightings include turtles, larger puffer fish, seahorses, and nudibranchs.

The deep reef area, highlighted by rocks and soft corals, features a forest of whip corals, while the shallower areas are dominated by hard corals. The soft corals bloom beautifully in deeper waters at around 18 meters, providing a vibrant underwater spectacle.

Ready to explore this island's underwater treasures?

Koh Khrok Dive Site

Location

Pattaya

Depth

18 Meter

Dive Type

Coral

Sea Life

Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Green Turtles, Stingray

**Koh Khrok** is a small, finger-shaped island near Pattaya Beach, just next to Koh Lan. It offers two main dive sites: **Koh Khrok** and **Koh Khrok Bay**. The northern bay is well-protected, but the main action takes place at the west side reef, which has a sloping coral line running the island's length.

**Koh Khrok Bay** is excellent for beginners with a shallow reef between 3 to 8 meters, while the west side ranges from 5 to 14 meters deep. This area is exposed to rising currents, creating opportunities for fast drift dives. The island hosts numerous sea turtles, including at least four resident Hawksbill Sea Turtles and visiting Green Turtles throughout the season.

For those exploring further, the northwest end of the island features a deeper reef area with soft and whip corals growing from the sloping bottom.

Keen to dive into this vibrant aquatic world?

Koh nok Dive Site

Location

Pattaya

Depth

18 Meter

Dive Type

Coral-Reef

Sea Life

Baby Turtles, Bamboo Sharks, Puffer Fish

**Koh Nok** is a small, rocky island in the near island cluster north of Koh Sak, known for its beauty and diversity. Despite being rarely visited, it offers excellent diving experiences on its two main dive sites: **Koh Nok West** and **Koh Nok South**.

The northwest-facing side is well protected from prevailing winds, providing calm and clear waters, while the east and southwest points, although more exposed during windy seasons, offer deeper reefs for exploration. With a depth range of **3 to 18 meters**, the reef makes for ideal Discovery Try Dives and Open Water Courses.

**Baby turtles, larger puffer fish,** and **bamboo sharks** are common sightings. The deep reef area is characterized by many rocks stepping down to 18 meters, covered in a forest of whip corals, whereas **hard corals and large starry corals** flourish in the shallower areas at 3 to 8 meters.

Koh Nok’s vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes make it a must-visit for divers. Ready to explore this hidden gem?

pattaya Far Islands dive sites

Lets Explore Far Island Dive Sites Of Pattaya

Koh rin Dive Site

Location

Pattaya Far Island

Dive Type

Coral-Reef

Depth

3-18 Meter

Sea Life

Harlequin Sweet lips, snappers squirrel fish , lion fish, Anemones, Three-spot Dascyllus, Basslets, Chromis, Invertebrate, Moray Eels, Bivalves, Plume Worms, Cowries

**Koh Rin** is a group of four islands located **ten kilometers from Pattaya’s mainland**, renowned for offering some of the best diving sites in the area. It features dive sites like **North Rock (Hin Khao), Main Island (Koh Rin Bay)**, and **South Rock (Hin Ton Mai)**, each with a rich variety of marine life and distinct characteristics.

The main island's sheltered waters are shallow, making it ideal for novice divers and snorkelers. North and South Rocks feature mini walls with stronger currents and pelagic species, perfect for more experienced divers. North Rock is a large granite rock known for its rocky outcrops teeming with small marine life such as nudibranchs and pipe fish. It boasts a 15-meter-high wall covered in fish and coral. Similarly, South Rock showcases excellent hard and soft corals.

**Koh Rin Bay** offers shallow waters perfect for snorkelers, with spectacular fish life and coral, alongside occasional sightings of sharks and stingrays when diving towards the sandy ocean floor. Visit Koh Rin to enjoy one of the top diving locations in the Pattaya region.

Are you excited to explore these underwater wonders?

hin Ton Mai Dive Site

Location

Pattaya Far Island

Dive Type

Coral-Reef

Depth

8-22 Meter

Sea Life

Gray Bamboo Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Yellow Jacks, Cobia Fish , Barracuda, Trivializes, School of Tuna, Harlequin Sweet lips, snappers squirrel fish , lion fish

**Hin Ton Mai**, also known as **South Rock**, is a popular dive spot known for its diverse marine life, including **Moray Eels, Barracuda**, and occasionally large **Marble Rays**. The site features a mix of hard and soft corals, coral whips, and invertebrates such as nudibranchs, brittle stars, and feather stars, with coral life extending down to **22 meters**.

The **southeast and south sides** of the island offer different dive experiences, with well-preserved corals populated by **Yellow Jacks, Yellow Tail Fusiliers**, and **Morays**. In September 2011, **The Dive Tribe** released around 30 sharks in this area, including **Black Tip Reef Sharks, Banded Bamboo Sharks**, and **Bamboo Sharks**. The south side's topography features cliffs and valleys down to about 14 meters.

A secret dive site within Hin Ton Mai is a small wreck that attracts yellow jacks and large **Cobia Fish**, making it a unique spot for divers to explore. With its varied marine life and interesting underwater landscapes, Hin Ton Mai remains popular among divers.

Would you like to dive into this vibrant spot someday?

Hin Kao Dive Site

Location

Pattaya

Depth

18 Meter

Dive Type

Coral-Reef

Sea Life

Harlequin Sweet lips, snappers squirrel, lion fish, Anemones, Three-spot Dascyllus, Basslets, Chromis, Invertebrate, Moray Eels, Bivalves, Plume Worms, Cowries Shells

**Hin Khao**, also known as **North Rock**, is a vibrant dive site with diverse coral life and rock outcroppings that are home to many sharks and eels. It is an excellent spot for finding unusual marine life such as nudibranchs, pipefish, and razorfish, with good diving conditions down to around 18 meters.

**Koh Rin Bay**, part of the main island of Koh Rin, has a maximum depth of 16 meters and is not well protected from currents, making it ideal to dive when currents are favorable. The west side offers a very protected dive site excellent for training dives and suitable for qualified divers, especially when currents or waves are strong. Just off Koh Rin on the west side, there is a deep hole over 40 meters deep, offering interesting sights for adventurous divers during times of strong currents.

Eager to dive into these exciting underwater realms?

Koh pai Dive site

Location

Pattaya Far Island

Dive Type

Coral-Reef

Depth

18 Meter

Sea Life

Clam Shell Garde, Seahorse, Nudibranch, Gray Sting Rays, Bivalves, Plume Worms, Cowries Shells

**Koh Phai** is the largest island in the far island cluster, neighbored by **Koh Klung Badan**, **Koh Luaem**, and **Koh Man Whichai**. This massive island offers well-protected dive sites from prevailing winds throughout the year. Divers can choose between the **West Bay** and **South Bay** for calm and clear waters.

**Koh Phai West** is a fantastic shallow coral dive, located near the wreck dive site HTMS Khram. With a coral reef depth range of **3 to 18 meters**, both dive sites are ideal for Discover Scuba Diving programs and PADI Open Water Courses. The sandy bay offers a giant clam shell garden and sightings of seahorses, nudibranchs, and gray stingrays.

The **South Bay** starts very shallow at **4 meters** and gradually deepens towards the southwest point. Divers can explore the coral line or navigate deeper along a curving sandbar, showcasing stunning soft and hard corals. With additional diving areas around the island, Koh Phai promises a diverse and thrilling underwater adventure.

Excited to explore this expansive and vibrant island?

Hin Kao Dive Site

Location

Pattaya

Depth

18 Meter

Dive Type

Coral-Reef

Sea Life

Bamboo Sharks, Large Puffer Fish, Sting Rays, Seahorse, Octopus, Nudibranch

**Koh Klung Badan** is a small island located in the far island cluster, just south of Koh Phai. It offers two main dive sites: **Koh Klung Badan Bay** and **Koh Klung Badan South**. The west-facing bay is well-protected, making it ideal for divers of all levels, with calm and clear waters. The southeast points provide protection from northern winds, and the reef along that side of the island is steeper and deeper.

The reef depth ranges from **3 to 18 meters**, making it perfect for exploring various marine life, including **Bamboo Sharks, large puffer fish**, stingrays, seahorses, octopuses, nudibranchs, and other macro life. The deep reef area is characterized by three giant rocks and many rocky areas that form steps down to the sandbar.

In the shallower areas, hard corals, anemones, and giant gorgonian sea fans offer a colorful underwater landscape. Koh Klung Badan's diverse marine life and vibrant reefs make it a must-visit destination for divers. Ready to dive in and explore this fascinating site?