Koh Khrok

Pattaya Near Islands

Koh Khrok Pattaya Near Islands

Learn about Koh Khrok Pattaya Near Islands Dive Site

Koh Khrok is a small, long finger-shaped island located in the near island cluster, just next to Koh Lan and the closest island to Pattaya Beach. It’s known for its excellent diving conditions and diverse marine life, making it a favorite among divers of all skill levels.

Location: 9km east of Pattaya Beach
Depth: Max 12 meters, Min 3 meters – Average 7 meters
Type of site: Coral reef and rocky outcrops
Level: Open Water and above
Conditions: Generally calm with mild currents, but can have strong incoming tides ideal for drift dives
Average Visibility: 5 meters to 15 meters

Where are the dive sites at Koh Khrok?

Koh Khrok features two main dive sites:

Koh Khrok Bay and the West side reef. The bay is excellent for beginners with a shallow reef between 3m and 8m.

The West side reef: The coral reef runs the entire length of the island, is slightly deeper at 5m to 14m and is exposed to rising currents, offering exciting drift dive opportunities.

What Aquatic Life is common at Koh Khrok?

Koh Khrok is a haven for a diverse range of marine life, including:

Hawksbill Turtles: Frequently spotted and known for their beautiful shells and crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reefs.
Green Turtles: occasionally spotted, especially during the mating season, adding to the island’s rich marine diversity.
Porcupine Puffer Fish: Easily recognized by their spiny appearance and tendency to puff up when threatened.
Octopus: Masters of camouflage, often hiding among rocks and corals.
Pipe Fish: Slender, seahorse relatives that blend seamlessly into the seagrass and coral environments.
Vibrant Anemone Gardens: Home to a variety of anemone species and their resident clownfish, providing a colorful underwater spectacle.

Koh Khrok boasts the highest concentration of sea turtles among the Pattaya islands, featuring:

At least four resident Hawksbill Turtles.
Visits from Green Turtles throughout the season.

Giant Star Corals Home to Many Turtles and Picture Perfect Anemone Garden

Koh Khrok’s dive sites are renowned for:

Spectacular encounters with turtles, particularly Hawksbill and Green Turtles
Giant Star Corals providing a perfect habitat for these turtles
The Anemone Garden, a shallow, expansive area with excellent lighting for underwater photography, ideal for capturing images of:
- Clownfish
- Anemone Shrimp
- Beautiful Gorgonian Sea Fans that thrive between the rocks and anemones

Additional Highlights

Koh Khrok also offers a deeper reef area off the northwest end of the island, where divers can explore soft corals and whip corals growing from the sloping bottom. This site is rich with marine life, making it a must-visit for underwater enthusiasts.

Koh Khrok is a top choice for divers looking to experience the best of Pattaya’s marine biodiversity, with its diverse dive sites, abundant sea turtles, and stunning coral formations.