Scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand
Pattaya is a popular tourist destination in Thailand known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. However, it is also a great place for scuba diving, with a number of dive sites offering diverse marine life and unique underwater landscapes.
Best scuba diving spots for experienced divers:
- HTMS Khram Wreck: This former Thai naval ship was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef and now serves as a habitat for a variety of marine life, including barracuda, lionfish, and moray eels. The wreck is located at a depth of 28-30 meters and is recommended for experienced divers.
- Koh Rin: Located about 20 kilometers offshore, Koh Rin offers a range of dive sites with diverse marine life, including schools of snapper, fusilier, and jacks. The dive sites vary in depth from 5-40 meters and are suitable for experienced divers.
Best scuba diving spots for beginners:
- Koh Krok: This small island located near Pattaya is a popular spot for beginner divers due to its calm waters and shallow depths of around 5-7 meters. The area is home to colorful reef fish and offers good visibility.
- Koh Sak: Another popular spot for beginners, Koh Sak offers shallow coral reefs with a variety of marine life, including clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. The maximum depth is around 10 meters.
Marine life:
The waters around Pattaya are home to a wide variety of marine life, including barracuda, lionfish, moray eels, rays, and reef sharks. Divers may also see colorful reef fish, such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish.
Dive conditions:
The dive season in Pattaya is year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 27-30°C. Visibility varies depending on the dive site and time of year, but can range from 5-30 meters. Currents are generally mild, making it a good location for beginner divers.
Cost:
The cost of scuba diving in Pattaya varies depending on the dive center and the number of dives. A single dive can cost around 2,500-3,500 Thai Baht (approximately $80-110 USD), while a package of multiple dives can cost around 8,000-10,000 Thai Baht (approximately $250-320 USD). Equipment rental and certification courses are also available at additional cost.
