Scuba Diving In Pattaya And Samaesan
Duration
1 day
Transfer
Included
Lunch
Included
Dive Time
1 Hour
Refreshments
Included
Dive Guide
Included
Boat
Two VIP
Price / Person
2,800+ Baht
The Complete Guide To Scuba Diving In Pattaya & Samaesan
scuba diving in Pattaya and Samaesan is an incredible experience you won't want to miss!
No matter if you try diving for first time or you are a professional diver, Open water diver, Dive Instructor or Tec Diver, Have you ever considered trying Scuba diving in Pattaya and Samaesan? It is an experience that every diver should have at least once in their lifetime! These locations are home to a diverse range of sealife, and some of the most unique shipwrecks in Thailand. You will be in awe of the stunning scenery that surrounds you. This experience is just at your fingertips, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!
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5 reasons why you should go Scuba diving in Pattaya and Samaesan
Some wrecks are thriving reefs encrusted in a healthy mix of hard and soft coral. While exploring the innards, look out for blue spotted rays, resting bamboo sharks, groupers, scorpionfish, batfish, sweetlips and cruising hawksbill turtles. Some of the best scuba diving in Pattaya and Samaesan Islans happens away from the wrecks. Turtles swim alongside you, batfish shimmer in the blue, trevallies school and barracuda stalk. Come face-to-face with blacktip, nurse and tawny sharks and keep your eyes peeled for porcelain crabs and whip coral shrimp.
01
Ecosystems
Pattaya near and far islands have a variety of reefs to explore. While everyone knows about coral reefs, did you know that there are also man-made reefs in the area? They offer a different and fascinating perspective on underwater life, especially colorful invertebrates attached to raised concrete structures. There are also several muck diving locations where you can find all sorts of bizarre fish and critters, such as sea moths, mantis shrimps and seahorses. The water quality is also good, with high levels of plankton derived from agricultural runoff but hardly any industrial pollution. Ask for Rob to find out about our environmental monitoring and rewilding program.
02
Wrecks
Ship wreck has made scuba diving in Pattaya and Samaesan a unique dive destination all over Thailand. Pattaya is the undisputed wreck diving capital of Thailand. With 3 artificially sunk shipwrecks near Koh Larn, 3 in the Sattahip area and even a sunken aeroplane, it has more to offer wreck specialists than any other diving area in the Kingdom. Professional archaeologists can also dive on ancient pottery wrecks (off-limits to fundivers) and Tec divers regularly venture out into the Gulf to dive on the deeper wrecks that can be found out there. Not a wreck specialist yet? Drop us a line to find out all about wreck penetration with our friendly and experienced instructors
03
Conditions
Pattaya and its surroundings offer a variety of water conditions appropriate for all levels of diver. Going from swimming pool-like conditions with coral patches on white sand for beginners, to strong currents for drift fans, deep wreck penetrations and 90-metre tec dives. With wind and wave conditions varying from flat calm to choppy, it’s a great place to find your sea legs. The captain’s always got seasick pills onboard if you do feel queasy, although these aren’t usually necessary.
04
Convenience
With its location within a 2-hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya is often the first or last stop for travelling divers flying in and out of Suvarnabhumi airport. Many of the expats working in Bangkok or cities around the coastline make a weekend trip of it, or just arrive in the morning, dive and then return home in the evening. Pattaya’s facilities rival any other city’s, with glitzy malls, hi-tech hospitals, public and international schools, an airport and all the latest movies straight out in the cinemas. It’s so central that Isaan, Rayong, Koh Chang, and even Hua Hin are easily accessible by bus, car or ferry. Give us a call and we’ll arrange overnight accommodation and hotel pickup for you in the morning.
05
Many other activities
The local area offers a lot of alternative activities for holiday-makers who want to do more than just dive, with skydiving, ziplining, tropical gardens, zoos, traditional Thai massage parlors and beautiful temples to appreciate. Although Pattaya’s nightlife is vibrant, it is much more varied than it once was and there exist a lot of live bands, late-night shopping stores, all-night restaurants and dance clubs for divers to enjoy after returning from a day out in the ocean breeze. The nightlife is really very good so be careful not to get pulled into a late one the night before diving! Neighboring areas such as Jomtien and Nakluea offer a quieter environment, with Jomtien beach a great place to enjoy the sunset over Koh Larn.
When to dive in Pattaya?
One of the benefits of diving in Pattaya over other dive destinations in Thailand is the fact that scuba diving in Pattaya and Samaesan has no closing season so it is absolutely possible to dive in Pattya and Samaesan all over the year. Ofcourse you dive center decides which dive sites to explore based on weather conditions. There are 30+ dive sites in Pattaya and Samaesan that makes a perfect dive destination for everybody. It really doesn’t matter if you try diving for first time or your are a prefoessional diver or even you just to snorkel, this collection of dive sites satisfies all levels and interests.
Snorkeling & Diving
Beside scuba diving is Pattaya and Samaesan, we take every effort in supporting you in your snorkeling activity giving you fun and excitement and a great day out in Pattaya. It is very important that we find some of the best Snorkeling spots for you, we are more than happy to welcome Snorkelers and Passengers on board our boat. Generally, we tend to go to the far islands as there are fewer speed boats and jet skis to disturb us, also the visibility is normally better. You will be surprised by the abundant amount of small marine life and coral formations here in Pattaya. This is what we refer to as shore corals, that is to say that they start at the shoreline and descend away from there. This tends to make snorkeling a very easy and convenient activity, Basically, you just swim along the shoreline and see some amazing sites, you really cannot go wrong! We provide all of the snorkeling gear and it is all included in the price, also lunch tea, coffee, and soft drinks are all provided free of charge.
Pattaya Near Islands Dive Sites
Koh Larn Dive Site
Pattaya Near Islands
Coral
5 - 18 Meters
Turtule, stingray, seahorse Seahorse, Hawksbill Turtles, Blue Spot Sting Rays, Nudibranch, Octopus
Dive Site Description
Koh larn is one of the three pattaya near islands which offers a good protection from strong current and wide range of macro sealife. The Southern Side of the islands hosts Had Nuan, South Point and Leam Tong coral dive sites and offers shelter and shallow reef areas suitable for all diver levels.
Turtles, Sting rays and Seahorse are common around this dive area. More Experienced divers can enjoy deep reefs and deep drift dives around here also.
In the bay at the southern most point of the island is a breakwater and a small concrete building lays just below the surface (The sunken restaurant), about 50m (150 ft) from this platform are large concrete rings under the water. These rings are covered in soft corals and fans, many reef fish have made the rings their home. The reef getting a little deeper as it rounds the south west headland, it will continue north until reaching the next bay. You will find a few very large coral bommies along this stretch of coast line.
This is worth a visit when conditions are allow. Had Nuan has numerous corals in very shallow water, ideal for amagers and novice divers. In the bay at the southern most point of the island is a breakwater and a small concrete platform, about 50m (150 ft) from this platform are large concrete rings under the water. These rings are covered in soft corals and fans, many reef fish have made the rings their home. The reef getting a little deeper as it rounds the south west headland, it will continue north until reaching the next bay. You will find a few very large coral boomies along this stretch of coast line. Although you might not be able to get any deep water here you will be pleasantly surprised at the varied amount of marine life in the shallow waters.
Koh Krok Dive Site
Pattaya Near Islands
Coral
5 - 18 Meters
Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Green Turtles, Stingray
Dive Site Description
Koh Khrok is the is a small long finger shaped island located in the near island cluster, just next of Koh Lan. It is the closest island to Pattaya Beach.
The Northern bay of Koh Khrok is well protected from the prevailing winds and currents but the main action takes place at the The West side reef which has a sloping coral line running entire length of the island.
The island is referenced into 2 dive sites; Koh Khrok and Koh Khrok Bay. The aby is excellent for beginners with a small shallow reef between 3m and 8m and the West side is also shallow between 5m and 14m. The West side is exposed to rising currents which can make for an amazing fast drift drive but not so much fun when you want to hang out with the turtle who live there.
Koh Khrok Island host the most sea turtles of any other Pattaya island. There are at least 4 resident Hawksbill Sea Turtle living there and Green Turtles visit throughout the season.
There is also a deeper reef area if you swim off the island at the north west end where you can find an array of soft coral combined with whip corals growing from the sloping bottom.
Koh Sak Dive Site
Pattaya Near Islands
Coral
3-18 Meters
Turtles, stingray, seahorse Seahorse, Hawksbill Turtles, Blue Spot Sting Rays, Nudibranch
Dive Site Description
Koh Sak is the is a small almost kidney shaped island located in the near island cluster, just North of Koh Lan. Its offers 3 distinct dive sites: Koh Sak East, Koh Sak West and Koh Sak Deep Reef.
The Northern facing bay of Koh Sak is well protected from the prevailing winds for most of the year and the water is calm and clear. Koh Sak East and Koh Sak West points of the bay offer protection from Northern Winds.
The island is referenced into 2 dive sites; Koh Sak East and Koh Sak West. However, Koh Sak West can be broken up sub level dive sites of: The Cubes, Turtle Point, The Deep Reef and The Submarine Run. The East Side around the corner from the bay is a great drift dive site and turtle spotting zone.
Depth range of the reef is 3–18 meters. This makes it perfect for Open water Courses. Turtles and larger puffer fish are common around the reef. If you are an avid muck diver, you will also enjoy the bay area and the sandy drop offs away for the main reef line to find seahorse and nudibranch and other macro life.
The deep reef area is highlighted by many rocks and soft coral combined with a forest of whip corals growing from the rocky areas. The hard corals tend to dominate the shallower reef area around here so the soft corals are well worth descending to deeper-water for at about 18m especially at the right time when they are blooming their full colors!
Koh Nok Dive Site
Pattaya Near Islands
Coral - Reef
3-18 Meters
Baby Turtles, Bamboo Sharks, Puffer Fish
Dive Site Description
Koh Nok is the is a small Rocky island located in the near island cluster, just North of Koh Sak. It is rarely visited by most dive centers but it is truly a beautiful and diverse dive site.
The North west facing side of Koh Nok is well protected from the prevailing winds for most of the year and the water is calm and clear. The East and south West points are a little exposed during windy season but offer deeper reefs to explore.
The island is referenced into 2 dive sites; Koh Nok West and Koh Nok South. However, Koh Nok is largely unexplored by most local divers. The Deep Reef was more stunning than ever!
Depth range of the reef is 3–18 meters. Many baby Turtles and larger puffer fish and Bamboo Sharks are common around the reef. The corals are spread out between 3 and 8m so not too deep making it perfect for Discovery Try Dives and Open water Courses.
The deep reef area is highlighted by many rocks which step down to 18m where a forest of whip corals grow from the rocky areas.
The hard corals fill the shallower reef area with many table corals and large starry coral can be found. They are blooming their full colors in the shallow light!
Pattaya Far Islands
Koh Rin Dive Site
Pattaya Far Islands
Coral - Reef
7 - 18 Meters
Harlequin Sweet lips, snappers squirrel fish , lion fish, Anemones, Three-spot Dascyllus, Basslets, Chromis, Invertebrate, Moray Eels, Bivalves, Plume Worms, Cowries
Dive Site Description
Koh Rin is a group of 4 small islands ten kilometers from Pattaya’s mainland which have probably the best diving near Pattaya. There are several dive sites named as North Rock, Main Island and South Rock. All sites have a wide variety of aquatic life but are still different.
Diving and snorkeling offshore the main island is sheltered from the currents, shallower and therefore better for novice enthusiasts. The northern and southern rocks have some nice mini walls with stronger currents and more pelagic species. Many day tour boats, loaded with snorkelers, visit this small island as well.
North Rock or Hin Khao is a large granite rock, famous for its small rocky outcrops that are home to many marinelife species. It is one of the best places to start searching for small marine life such as nudibranchs and pipe fish.
There is a wall of 15 meters high swarmed with fish and covered in coral. South Rock or Hin Ton Mai is very similar to North Rock but with more excellent examples of hard and soft coral. A dive site named Koh Rin Bay near the main island is shallow and perfect for snorkelers. Fish life and coral are spectacular and even some sharks and stingrays can be spotted when you start diving towards the deeper sandy ocean floor. It is considered to be one of the top locations in the Pattaya region so try to visit this area.
Hin Kao (North Rock)
Pattaya Far Islands
Coral - Reef
8 - 18 Meters
Harlequin Sweet lips, snappers squirrel, lion fish, Anemones, Three-spot Dascyllus, Basslets, Chromis, Invertebrate, Moray Eels, Bivalves, Plume Worms, Cowries Shells
Dive Site Description
Hin Khao also known as North Rock has as much coral life as South Rock and has lots of rock outcroppings that are home to many sharks and eels. This is an excellent site for searching around for themore unusual nudibranchs, pipefish, razorfish and others that like to hide away. The site has good diving down to around 18 metres.
Koh Rin bay is part of the main island of Koh Rin. Although this site only goes down to a maximum depth of 16 meters it is not well protected from currents and therefore should be dived when the currents are more favorable.The west side offers a very protected dive site that is excellent for training dives and is acceptable for qualified divers, especially when the currents and/or waves are strong. Just off Koh Rin on the west side there is a deep hole of over 40 meters deep with sometimes some interesting things to see and is perfect for the adventurous diver in times of currents.
Koh Klung Badan
Pattaya Far Islands
Coral - Reef
3 - 18 Meters
Bamboo Sharks, Large Puffer Fish, Sting Rays, Seahorse, Octopus, Nudibranch
Dive Site Description
Koh Klung Badan is small island located in the far island cluster, just south of Koh Phai. The west facing bay of Koh Klng Badan is well protected making it a great place to begin dives for any diver level. The water is calm and clear. The South East points offer protection from Northern Winds and the reef that runs along that side of the island is steeper and deeper.
The island is referenced into 2 dive sites; Koh Klung Badan Bay and Koh Klung Badan South. However, Koh The South Point can either be the fringing coral line that follows the island or the outcrop deep reef if you know where to find it.
Depth range of the reef is 3–18 meters. Bamboo Sharks an large puffer fish are common around the reef along with sting rays and all the usual coral suspects. If you like to explore the sandy drop offs away for the main reef line will allow you to find many seahorse, octopus and nudibranch and other macro life.
The deep reef area is highlighted by 3 giant rocks combined many rocky areas that almost form steps down the sand bar.
The hard corals dominate the shallower reef area around along with anemones and giant Gregorian Se Fans offers tons of full colour!
Hin Ton Mai (South Rock)
Pattaya Far Islands
Coral - Reef
8-22 Meters
Gray Bamboo Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Yellow Jacks, Cobia Fish , Barracuda, Trivializes, School of Tuna, Harlequin Sweet lips, snappers squirrel fish , lion fish
Dive Site Description
Hin Ton Mai also known as South Rock is a very popular dive spot as the fish life is very varied with lots of Moray Eels and Barracuda. Very Large Marble Rays (250 cm wing tip to wing tip) have been spotted there, though not often. There are plenty of both hard and soft corals, coral whips as well as very good invertebrate life such as nudibranchs, brittle stars and feather stars.
This site has very good coral life down to 22 meters. The south east and south side of the island offers yet again a different dive site. On the south east side, there are many well preserved corals, as not many people actually visit them and they are well populated by Yellow Jacks, Yellow Tail Fusiliers and Morays.
In early September 2011 we, in cooperation with The Dive Tribe, released around 30 Sharks in this area; including 2 Black Tip Reef Sharks, 10 Banded Bamboo Sharks and 18 Bamboo Sharks. Moving around to the south side, the corals thin out but the topography boast nice cliffs and valleys down to depth of about 14 meters.
The secret dive site is a small wreck that attracts a swarm of yellow jacks as seen on the video that also attracts 6 to 8 very large Cobia Fish around 1 meter 50 cm plus long.
Koh Pai Dive Site
Pattaya Far Islands
Coral - Reef
3-18 Meters
Clam Shell Garde, Seahorse, Nudibranch, Gray Sting Rays, Bivalves, Plume Worms, Cowries Shells
Dive Site Description
Koh Phai is the is a Largest island located in the far island cluster, and it is neighbored by Koh Klung Badan, Koh Luaem and Koh Man Whichai.
Koh Phai Dive Sites are well protected from the prevailing winds for most of the year as divers can chose between the West bay or the South bay to find water that is calm and clear. Koh Phai West is a fantastic shallow coral dive and is the closest Dive site to nearby wreck dive site HTMS Khram.
The island of Koh Phai is absolutely massive! Despite the fact I talk about only 2 dive sites; Koh Phai West and Koh Phai South It has to be said there are another 4 diving areas around the island access toto them is much less likely to conditions and navel restrictions.
Depth range of the Coral reef is 3–18 meters. Both coral dive sites are amazing for discover scuba diving programs and PADI Open Water Courses Alike! If you have good navigation skills the sandy bay is huge to explore. You can find a giant Clam Shell garden out there and Seahorse, Nudibranch and plenty of Gray Sting Rays.
The South Bay starts very shallow at 4m and drop off slowly as you head toward the South West point. You can either follow the coral line back and forth or navigate off down deeper along a curving sandbar which curved back into the bar whilst showing off it stunning soft coral and some hard corals too!
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Samaesan Diving Sites
Koh Chuang Dive Site
Samaesan Islands
Coral-Reef
5 - 18 Meters
Blue spotted sting rays, moray eels, fusilier, Angel Fish, Butterfly Fish
Dive Site Description
Koh Chuang is the Largest island dived around Samae San almost 8km south of the harbor. Conditions are generally good all year round.
Koh Chuang’s magnificent beaches and rocky headlands Koh Chuang offers several shallow dive sites, ideal training sites for beginner or novice divers. Usually you enter the water and follow the fringing coral reef down to a sandy bottom with patchy coral. It is not uncommon to see turtles around here, numerous fish including blue spotted sting rays, moray eels, fusilier, angel and butterfly fish make Koh chuang their home.
Koh Ron Khon & Kah Ron Nang Sisters
Samaesan Islands
Coral - Reef
6 - 25 Meters
Turtle, Moray eel, potted sting Rays, Yellowtail Fusiliers, lion fish, Stone fish, Puffer fish, Box fish, Nudi branch residence, Blue spotted sting ray, Anemones, Barracuda
Dive Site Description
When entering the water on a incoming tide start at the southern end of the rocks on the eastern side, then let the tide take you the whole length of the two islands. On a good flooding tide you will move the whole length of the dive site quite quickly, this is not a problem, when reaching the northern end follow the rocks around to the other side, here you can remain out of the current for the rest of your allowable bottom time.
The northern tip of these islands is very deep and is popular with Tech divers as depths can well exceed the limits of recreational divers. You will see many clusters of filter feeding corals and sponges attached to the boulders
The best dive site here is the headland on the south east corner of the island on the seaward side. On entering the water follow the coral reef down. Upon reaching the bottom head south toward the headland, it will be shallow to start then rapidly getting deeper, large rocks covered in sea fan, whip coral, hard and soft coral. Many blue spotted sting Rays, schools of Yellowtail Fusiliers and lion fish can be seen feeding in the currents.
Koh Chan Dive Site
Samaesan Islands
Coral
6-12 Meters
Black Tip Reef Shark, Blue spotted sting Rays, Yellow Tail Fusiliers, lion fish
Dive Site Description
This island can also be divided on either side due to winds and currents.The southern most tip of the island has huge rocks that have fallen from the cliff, where it has eroded over the centuries. If you are anchored here for your lunch break it is well worth a snorkel trip around the shallow waters, it’s not uncommon to see small Black Tip reef sharks.
The best dive site here is the headland on the south east corner of the island on the seaward side. On entering the water follow the coral reef down. Upon reaching the bottom head south toward the headland, it will be shallow to start then rapidly getting deeper, large rocks covered in sea fan, whip coral, hard and soft coral. Many blue spotted sting Rays, schools of Yellow Tail Fusiliers and lion fish can be seen feeding in the currents.
Shark Fin Rock (Hin Lak Bat)
Samaesan Islands
Coral - Reef
2-28 Meters
Black Spotted Sting Rays, Moray eel, Stone fish, Porcupine Puffer, Scorpion Fish , Feather Star Shark
Dive Site Description
Only one kilometers west of the Hardeep ship wreck lies a small rock resembling a shark fin rock. northerly winds this site is quite suitable for novice divers. Southerly winds, however, make it suitable for more experienced divers only. Visibility ranges between 5m (16ft) and 15m (50ft). Strong currents can make the site unsuitable for novice divers, although one side or the other is normally protected.
Although at first sight Shark Fin looks to be a very small dive site, once in the water a large reef appears. On the north western side of the rock the reef close to rock is shallow,large areas of stag horns brain corals, barrel sponges and anemones are abundant. The main attraction is the South eastern side with it’s 16 m (55 ft) vertical wall almost breaking the surface. The north eastern side has a single rock formation that is vertical on the west and has a large sand bank sliding down to 25 m (80ft) on the east, this is home to some large Black Spotted Sting Rays. On a good day this is the best dive site Pattaya has to offer. Marine life is plentiful and varied.
Pattaya & Samaesan Shipwrecks
HTMS Khram Ship Wreck
Pattaya
Shipwreck
28 Meters
Sting rays, Blue spotted rays, Grouper, Scorpion fish, Hawksbill turtle, Bamboo sharks, Sting Rays, Bat Fish, Scorpion Fish, Sweet Lips
Koh Chuang Dive Site Description
The Khram wreck was prepared by the Thai Navy and sunk on the 30th January 2003. It offers so many things to do on it that everyone can enjoy diving this wreck. If you are just exploring the outside of the wreck then the schools of Barracudas, Bat Fish, yellow Jacks are incredible.
There are many Scorpion Fish camouflaged in the growth (be careful where you put your hands) and the amount of shrimps and crabs are enough to keep you busy.The soft corals are spectacular and the surface of the wreck is covered in shell life. This is a macro photography heaven!! Taking distance shots is a challenge because of the light conditions but some distance photography efforts have produced interesting photos. Video has met with success as well.
For penetrations the Khram wreck is a diver’s dream having been well prepared and offers a range from very easy penetrations to fairly advanced wreck penetrations. There is room to grow your wreck diving skills! There are many things to discover inside the wreck as there are instrument gauges, lockers and desks, toilets and showers, an infirmary, mess room and kitchen, boilers and store rooms. Some small artifacts still lay in wait of being found. The Khram is the most popular wreck dive in Pattaya. The depth to the top of the wreck is 15m and the depth to the sea bed = 30m. Visibility 2-15m, but is seems to average around 3 to 8 meters.
This ship has been well prepared by the Thai Navy as a dive site, and is free from armaments, oil and most hazards to divers. Large holes have been cut in many areas and penetration dives through the ships passageways rarely takes the diver out of natural light.The Bridge/Radio room: This is the highest area of the wreck. It is possible to stand on the bridge at 15m depth. All the glass has been taken out (sadly the portholes have gone too, sigh!), telegraph, steering mechanism, and any bits that may be used as spare parts are gone. Entry into the bridge area is simple and safe. A few new divers will probably have their certification cards presented to them in this room.
Deck Area and side passageways: The ship was made for carrying tanks, troops and equipment to a beach head, so the center of the boat is a large flat area with built up sides. There are several points of entry into the well lit side corridors, don’t kick up the silt in them as you swim through, else a complete silt out will occur.
HTMS Khram Wreck DiveEngine room: Located aft, entry via a large access hole in the middle of the load deck. Again, great natural light in this area (unlike most engine rooms) Both main engines have been removed (probably to use as spares for her Thai Navy sister ship HTMS Kut). This is a great tech diving classroom, with pipes gauges and dials everywhere, though who knows how long they’ll stay. Again, careful with silt in this area, as it’s possible to get trapped under overhanging ledges far under the deck. The dive site is marked by 2 buoys at each end of the wreck. Book your HTMS Khram Wreck Dive trip with us.
HTMS Mataphon Ship Wreck
Pattaya
Shipwreck
20 Meters
Sting Rays, Bat Fish, Nudibranch, Grouper. Sweetlips ,Yellow Tail Snappers , Yellow Sea Horse
Dive Site Description
On 20 October, 2012, The Royal Thai Navy sunk the LCT mk6 761, or the HTMS Mataphon, just a little south east of Koh Lan, off the coast of Pattaya. The coordinates are N12 53′ 49.4″ E100 47′ 02.1″. Though we were expecting the HTMS Phetra she is an almost identical ship. She lies now in the channel between Koh Krok and Koh Lan so whenever the currents are strong she will be exposed. Though fairly small compared to our other wrecks, she should prove to be an interesting dive, especially as she sits in only 20 meters of water.
I can see many benefits from where she lies, from an easy two wreck dive day combined with the HTMS Kud, to being able to do Koh Rin and a wreck in the same day. Also she should be protected from the prevailing Northerly winds (and waves) in the high season. As we approached her the next day, she was still under guard from a Thai war ship, we feared that they would not let us dive on her.
Our captain hailed the war ship and asked if we could and they waved us off, saying the equivalent of ‘up to you’. So, with a cheer from our boat, we went over to the little marker buoy the Navy thoughtfully left on her. It quickly turned into a race to see who could touch her first and Graham became the first recreational diver to dive on her. Suspecting that there would be no mooring buoy we made one up and put it on her stern.
She is lying in a north east (stern) by south west (bow) direction. She has a few easy penetrations top deck and a few more challenging below in the engine rooms. There are also some ballast holds forward which provide tight entrances but not much to see once inside. Obviously as she was only 24 hours sunk, there was no life on board but the next day when we dove on her there were already some large Sweetlips and a few Yellow Tail Snappers and a lovely Yellow Sea Horse that had taken residence.
On the afternoon of the 20th, the HTMS Phetra was seen to loaded on the barge and she presumably was transported to Rayon, where she has been sunk.Her specifications and approximate lay out can can viewed on this link HTMS Phetra. Book you HTMS Mataphon Wreck Dive trip with us.
HTMS Kut Ship Wreck
Pattaya
Shipwreck
30 Meters
Sting Rays, Scorpion Fish, Barracuda, Giant Puffers, Large schools of Barracuda, Rabbit fish ,Yellow snapper swarm
Dive Site Description
HTMS Kut or The Khood is a WW2 Shipwreck located in the near island cluster, just South of Koh Sak. It was sank in 2006 by the Royal Thai navy to make an artificial dive site for wreck diving in Pattaya.
This ship was prepared by the Thai Navy as a dive site and all armaments, oil and most hazards to divers were removed. Large openings were strategically cut in parts of the ship and penetration dives through the ships passageways rarely takes the diver out of the natural light zone.
The Kut shipwreck is positioned sitting perfectly upright on her hull at a depth of 30m on the sand and 26m at her deck level. The Ships mast and upper conning tower areas extend up from the ships deck between 22m and 14m.
HTMS Kut is available to Advanced open water divers or Open Water Divers taking a Deep Adventure dives with an Instructor. The Khood Wreck is a haven for many aquatic residents who are thriving here after more than a decade underwater. Large schools of Barracuda, rabbit fish and Yellow snapper swarm around like fish soup! Larger fish like giant starry puffers or Giant Grouper can be found here regularly.
As you inspect the deck floor and the sides of the tower walls you will discover an array of macro life such as shrimp and crab and nudibranch. If you get to peep inside the engine room or any doors or portholes you never know what you will see hiding inside.
Hardeep Ship Wreck
Samaesan Islands
Shipwreck
28 Meters
Nudibranch, Sting Rays, Parrot Fish , Scorpion Fish, Tusk Fish. Turtle, angelfish, batfish, groupers, barracuda, wrasse, butterfly fish, crabs
Koh Nok Dive Site Description
Hardeep shipwreck made Scuba diving in Pattaya and samaesan is unique dive destination all over Thailand. Let’s have a brief look at the history of this amazing wreck.
Explore The WWII Ship Wreck: Supornthep, (HTMS Hardeep) Registration: Thai, Sunk: May 1945
HTMS Hardeep Wreck Dive is a favourite dive trip among all divers in Pattaya. Nearly every person has it on his list when goes diving in Pattaya. Let’s see why it is so interesting for divers:
The “HTMS HARDEEP” was an 80-meter freighter, pressed into inter-coastal transport service by the occupying Japanese, and sunk towards the end of WWII. It is fully penetrable, and a great site for getting your Wreck Diver specialty certification.
Bombed by English Aircraft during World War II during English/Thai Hostilities Powered by 3 cylinder coal fired engine. Single screw Vessel type: Cargo ship Length/Tonnage: 60meters/1000tons Wreck Location: N012’31.5, E100’57.5. Near Koh Chuang, Gulf of Siam Wreck details: Lying on its starboard side. Max depth 26 meters, with two 1000 pound bombs nearby.
Pattaya’s only genuine war wreck and is one of the most popular sites for diving in Thailand. The ship was actually named the SS Suddhadib (or Suthathip) and was sunk by British Royal Air Force bombing in the closing days of the Second World War. Built by the Hong Kong & Whampoa Dock Company in 1918, the steam-powered cargo ship was named after one of King Rama V’s daughters. Princess Suddhadib herself attended the blessing ceremony when the ship was delivered to Bangkok in 1919 and was presented with a silver model of the vessel. The ship then entered service with the Siam Steamship Company, carrying passengers and cargo around Thailand and South East Asia.
In 1940, the Suddhadib was requisitioned by the Thai government for service in support of the Imperial Japanese Army as part of the Thai Navigation Company. She carried fuel and cargo throughout the Second World War and, in 1945, was sent to Singapore to collect fuel for the Thai Fuel Company and Japanese Army. Her return to Bangkok was blocked by mines in the mouth of the Chaopraya River, so she remained at anchor in Sattahip naval base, arriving in late May 1945.
An RAF air raid on 30 May 1945 targeted the ship, but she suffered amagee. As a precaution, she was moved to Samaesan on 31 May. However, on 1 June, a further attempt was made on the Suddhadib and the nearby HTMS Angthong and HTMS Tachin. Ten B-24 Liberators of the. 99 Squadron also RAF 13 from No. 159 Squadron, stationed at Digri (near Kolkata), India, attacked the Suddhadib at low level.One of the five M-59 1,000lb bombs carried by Wing Commander Lucien Ercolani of 159 Squadron skipped off the surface of the water and landed in the fuel-filled forward cargo hold. Although it breached and set fire to several of the oil drums in the main hold, it failed to detonate, punching a hole clean through the starboard side of the ship.
The ship sank quickly at 12.55pm, coming to rest approximately 27 metres down. The 15 crewmembers all survived – having abandoned ship early in the attack, they swam for the safety of Koh Chuang – In all 23 aircraft involved returned to base after a 15-hour sortie.
HTMS Angthong was also sunk in the same attack and the Tachin was badly damaged. The “Hardeep” wreck is only just within safe recreational diving limits, suffers from occasional Jomtien Dive Center Divers – HTMS Hardeep has a tendency to have strong currents, and is a long distance from Pattaya’s Bali Hai pier. However, with an abundance of marine life, safe penetration afforded by her open cargo holds, and the story of her violent sinking, she is still one of the best shipwrecks in the area. She rests on her starboard side, which is the only side to have suffered serious bomb damage. The hole in the port side was purpose-cut to allow the safe salvage of the steam engines. Several unexploded bombs still litter the wreck site, including the one believed to have delivered the fatal blow, so special care and paying close attention to divemasters is required at this dive site. Join us on HTMS Hardeep Wreck Dive Trip.
Scuba diving in Pattaya and Samaesan trip itinerary
We will go to the Samae San Islands or the Pattaya Islands. The Pattaya Islands are divided into the Pattaya Near Islands and Pattaya Far Islands.
We can also combine the Pattaya Far and Near Islands during one day trip. Normally we organize one coral reef dive and one wreck dive during a day trip. Wreck dives are only possible for certified PADI Advanced divers and above.
The exact dive and snorkeling sites we choose depend on the weather conditions and certification level of the divers. We take you to the best dive and snorkeling sites of that particular day, so that you can experience the best of our stunning coral reefs and wrecks.
Choosing the dive site and location is normally done the night before. If you do have any requests please ask when you book and we will do our best to schedule it.
The hotel pick up is around 08.00 and 08.30 from your hotel, where we meet at the shop to complete paperwork and confirm equipment sizes. Once completed, we head off together to of the two harbors we sail from. We normally visit a wreck dive site and a coral dive / snorkeling site in the morning and after lunch on board we do our third dive / second snorkeling spot.
Once the diving and snorkeling is completed, we head back to the harbor, unload the equipment and head back to the dive shop. Depending on where we go, we usually arrive back at the dive shop between 15.30 and 16.30. Our drivers will then drive you back to your hotel.
Scuba Diving in Pattaya and Samaesan Price List
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2 Fun dives 2800 Baht
For certified divers including dive equipment
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6 Fun dives 7,995 Baht
For certified divers including dive equipment. 3 day trips with 2 dives (2,500 THB per day), you can share day trips with friends / family (valid for 1 year)
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10 Fun dives 12000 Baht
For certified divers including dive equipment - 5 day trips with 2 dives (2,000 THB per day), you can share day trips with friends / family (valid for 1 year)
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Try scuba diving 3400 Baht
2 try dives with PADI Instructor including equipment
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Try scuba diving & Snorkeling 2800 Baht
1 try dive with PADI Instructor including equipment
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Snorkeling & boat trip guests 1495 Baht
including snorkeling equipment
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2 Fun dives 2500 Baht
For Certified Divers without dive equipment / tanks and weights only
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Dive equipment rental per day +300 Baht
BCD/regulator/wetsuit/mask/fins
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Additional 3rd dive +1000 Baht
During day trip for certified divers
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Dive Computer Rental +500 Baht
During day trip for certified divers
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Enriched Air Nitrox tank +500 Baht
During day trip for certified divers
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