PATTAYA DIVE SITES GUIDE
Gulf Of Thailand
PATTAYA Islands & Marine Park
What Diving spots are in Pattaya?
Discover 20+ Coral Islands AND 7 Shipwrecks
Check out our Pattaya Dive Site map to see all the diving spots around Samae San and Pattaya. These areas are filled with islands surrounded by Corals and local Marine Life, many of which have multiple dive sites boasting coral reefs perfect for both diving and snorkeling.
Experienced divers can explore wreck dive sites near Pattaya’s islands. Trainee divers at open water level can also venture here to learn deeper diving during their Advanced diver course or Adventure dive. Along Samae San’s coast rests one of Thailand’s most famous shipwrecks from WW2, the Hardeep wreck.
PATTAYA DIVE SITES ARE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
THE PATTAYA NEAR ISLANDS
Koh Sak, Koh Larn, Koh Khrok
Similarly to the far islands, three near islands are 7 km off Pattaya beach, approx 45 mins away. This divine area offers no less than seven reef dive sites, as well as two shipwrecks.
Our Pattaya Near Islands are Koh Sak, Koh Larn, and Koh Khrok. The shipwrecks are HTMS Kut and HTMS Mataphon. All the Near Islands are great to See Local Sea Turtles.
The corals are in excellent condition generally, although visibility can vary. Plenty of marine life is around for the finding.
The Near Island of Koh Larn and Koh Sak offers great protection during monsoon months. The strong southern winds don’t enter the bays here, making them during off season.
EXCELLENT DIVER TRAINING CONDITIONS
THE PATTAYA FAR ISLANDS
Koh Phai, Koh Klung Badan, Koh Man Whichai, Koh Rin
There are many reasons to love the Pattaya far island dive sites, For one thing, they are made up of six main islands and several smaller ones approx 15 km away, offering variety in dive typography and aquatic life.
Another thing is they are only 1 hour 30 minutes away from Pattaya Beach. These 3 main islands include Koh Rin, Koh Man Wichai, Koh Phai and Koh Klueng Badan. Also 2 smaller Thai islands of Koh Hoo Chang and Koh Luem.
HTMS Khram shipwreck dive site is also located out at the far islands. Koh Rin and Koh Manwichai is our first choice for coral diving trips in this area and also the best dive sites to see Sharks In Pattaya!
PATTAYA MACRO DIVING IS EXCELLENT!
THE SAMAE SAN Marine Park
Koh Chuang, Koh Chang Klua, Koh CHAN, Hin Lak Bat
Located 45 minutes from Pattaya along the coast, Samae San is a quaint fishing village. A quick drive followed by a short boat trip leads you to the nearly uninhabited Samae San Islands.
Comprising Koh Samae San, Koh Chuang, Koh Jan, along with smaller sites like Koh Ron Nang, Hin Lak Bat (Shark Fin Rock), Koh Chang Klua, Hin Chalarm, and Hin Kunjear.
The standout dive site in Samae San is the S.S Suddhadib, or The Hardeep Wreck, the only genuine war wreck in Thailand accessible for recreational dives. It’s among the top spots in Pattaya for experienced divers.
The coral reefs in Samae San are breathtaking, especially at dive sites such as Japanese Gardens, Shark Fin Rock, and Hin Charlam.
Dive The Gulf of Thailand
WHERE ARE THE BEST PATTAYA DIVE SITES?
Pattaya’s best sites vary seasonally. Typically, the Pattaya Far Islands boast better visibility than the nearby islands, yet this isn’t always the case.
Factors like water visibility, currents, and waves influence the best options. While calm seas make selection easy, the ocean changes daily, turning a serene dive into a more challenging experience.
Our picks for the best Pattaya Far Islands are Koh Rin and Koh Man Wichai, and HTMS Khram Wreck. While Koh Sak West stands out among the near islands for the most diverse marine life in the whole area.
Japanese Gardens, and Shark Fin Rock rank high among Samae San sites, and of course the world famous Hardeep Wreck! Truthfully, there are no disappointing dive spots in Samae San.
OCT TO March IS HiGH SEASON
WHEN IS THE BEST DIVING SEASON IN PATTAYA?
Thai Gulf Shipwrecks
Eastcoast SHIPWRECK DIVING IN PATTAYA & SAMAE SAN
Pattaya, the original wreck diving capital of Thailand, offers diverse dive sites with five wrecks. Three were intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs, while the others hold historical significance.
Leading the pack is the HTMS Khram, strategically sunk by the Thai Navy in 2001 to create a thriving marine habitat. Joining it are the HTMS Kut, another WWII-era vessel decommissioned and submerged in 2006, and the HTMS Mataphon, the latest addition sunk off Koh Lan in 2014.
Adding to the allure are Samae San’s The Hardeep, also known as the S.S. Suddadib, which met its fate in the waning moments of World War II in June 1945 after being bombed, and the Breman wreck, the oldest of the lot, which succumbed to an engine room fire in 1920. With such a rich variety of wrecks, Pattaya stands as a must-visit destination for wreck diving enthusiasts seeking thrilling underwater adventures.
Explore our Pattaya wreck diving guide for details.
Go Diving In Pattaya
