DIVESITES
HTMS Khram
The HTMS Khram divesite, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a captivating destination for divers seeking a unique underwater adventure. The HTMS Khram, also known as the “Black Prince,” is a former US Navy ship that was scuttled to create an artificial reef and diving site. This sunken ship offers divers an incredible opportunity to explore a well-preserved wreck while being surrounded by marine life.
As divers descend into the depths, the imposing silhouette of the HTMS Khram comes into view. The shipwreck rests on the ocean floor, adorned with colorful corals and encrusted with marine growth. Schools of fish weave through the ship’s structures, creating a vibrant and dynamic underwater scene. Divers can navigate through the nooks and crannies of the ship, peeking into its various compartments and gaining insight into its history as a naval vessel.
The HTMS Khram divesite is not only a haven for marine life but also a living monument to maritime history. Exploring the shipwreck provides a sense of awe and wonder, as divers connect with both the natural world and the human stories behind the sunken vessel. The divesite’s relatively shallow depth and calm currents make it accessible to divers of varying skill levels, from beginners to experienced wreck enthusiasts. Overall, the HTMS Khram offers an unforgettable underwater experience where divers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the ocean and the echoes of the past.
HTMS Khood
Hidden beneath the waves off the coast of Kohood, a hidden gem in the diving world, lies an extraordinary underwater realm waiting to be explored. The HTMS Khood divesite offers a unique and thrilling adventure for divers seeking both history and marine life. The highlight of this site is the sunken HTMS Khood, a former Royal Thai Navy ship purposely sunk to create an artificial reef and diving attraction.
Descending into the depths, divers are greeted by the imposing presence of the HTMS Khood. This shipwreck has evolved into a thriving ecosystem, adorned with corals and inhabited by an array of marine species. As you explore the nooks and crannies of the ship’s structure, you’ll likely encounter schools of fish, including barracudas and snappers, darting among the wreckage. The shipwreck itself holds a fascinating history, making this divesite an intriguing blend of marine exploration and cultural discovery.
Surrounding the shipwreck, the underwater landscape of HTMS Khood boasts vibrant coral formations and a diverse range of marine life. Rays, lionfish, and even occasional sightings of whale sharks contribute to the allure of this divesite. With clear waters and relatively mild currents, HTMS Khood is suitable for both intermediate and experienced divers. Exploring this sunken treasure offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of nature intertwining with a piece of human history, creating an unforgettable diving experience that lingers in the memories of those who venture below the waves.
Koh Larn
Koh Larn, located off the coast of Pattaya in Thailand, is a captivating diving paradise that attracts underwater enthusiasts from around the world. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning marine biodiversity, it offers an unforgettable diving experience. The island is home to a variety of dive sites, each with its own unique charm and offerings.
One of the most renowned divesites around Koh Larn is Shark Point. This site is aptly named due to the frequent sightings of leopard sharks in the area. Divers can also encounter schools of vibrant fish, colorful corals, and other intriguing marine creatures. The underwater landscape at Shark Point features stunning coral formations and provides opportunities for both recreational and advanced divers to explore and appreciate the beauty of the ocean depths.
Another captivating spot is Koh Krok, famous for its underwater pinnacles and rich marine life. Divers can descend into a realm of underwater wonders, exploring intricate coral structures and encountering a diverse range of fish species. The pinnacles create an interesting topography that adds an extra layer of excitement to the dive, making Koh Krok a must-visit destination for those seeking both natural beauty and adventure.
Koh Larn’s diving sites offer an alluring combination of natural beauty and marine biodiversity. From the awe-inspiring underwater caves to the vibrant coral gardens and encounters with intriguing marine creatures, divers of all levels are in for an unforgettable and enriching experience amidst the enchanting waters of Koh Larn.
HTMS Mattaphon
The HTMS Mattaphon (or Mataphon) wreck was sunk in 2012 south-east of Ko Larn near Had Nuan beach. The amphibious landing ship was originally in service for the US Navy during World War 2 and was soon after transferred to the Thai Navy. She was employed until shortly before her sinking and she is the sister ship of the HTMS Phetra which was sunk just three days afterwards near Ko Man Nok, Rayong.
Build: 1944
Type: Landing ship medium
Length: 36 m / 118 ft
Width: 10 m / 33 ft
Maximum depth: 23 m / 75 ft
Koh Sak
Koh Sak is a beautiful island located near Pattaya in Thailand and is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers alike. The island offers several captivating divesites that showcase the stunning underwater world of the Gulf of Thailand. Here’s a description of what you might expect at a typical Koh Sak divesite:
Koh Sak’s underwater environment is characterized by its clear blue waters, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The divesites around Koh Sak are suitable for both beginners and experienced divers due to their relatively shallow depths and calm waters.
Diving at Koh Sak, you can encounter a wide range of marine creatures such as tropical fish, reef sharks, and various types of rays. The coral formations provide shelter and feeding grounds for these animals, creating a vibrant and dynamic underwater ecosystem. The underwater landscapes consist of coral gardens, rocky outcrops, and sandy patches, offering different habitats for marine life to thrive.
One of the highlights of diving at Koh Sak is the opportunity to observe marine species up close in their natural environment. The tranquil waters make it an ideal location for underwater photography, allowing divers to capture the beauty and diversity of marine life.
As of my last update in September 2021, popular divesites around Koh Sak include sites like “Southwest Pinnacle” and “East Side,” known for their marine diversity and the chance to see various fish species, including barracudas, groupers, and parrotfish.
Please note that conditions and divesite offerings may change over time, so I recommend checking with local dive operators or online diving resources for the most current information about Koh Sak divesites before planning your dive trip.
Nuan Beach or Had Nuan
Had Nuan Dive Site, nestled along the stunning coastline of Pattaya, Thailand, is a true underwater paradise waiting to be explored. This hidden gem offers divers an unforgettable experience with its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral reefs.
The waters at Had Nuan are known for their exceptional visibility, often exceeding 20 meters, creating an ideal environment for underwater enthusiasts. As you descend into its depths, you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of marine life. Colorful schools of fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, gracefully swim among the thriving coral formations. Lucky divers might even spot rays gliding gracefully along the seabed, and occasionally, the majestic presence of sea turtles.
What sets Had Nuan apart is its relative seclusion, making it an oasis for divers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. This serene underwater world is perfect for both novice and experienced divers, offering a rich and immersive experience that showcases the wonders of the Andaman Sea. Whether you’re capturing the vivid underwater landscapes through your dive mask or simply reveling in the peacefulness of this hidden dive site, Had Nuan is a must-visit for anyone exploring the underwater wonders of Pattaya.
Tien Beach
Tien Beach, located on the picturesque Koh Larn island near Pattaya, Thailand, offers a serene and accessible underwater experience for snorkelers and divers alike. While it’s not typically considered a traditional dive site, the area around Tien Beach does have some underwater attractions to explore.
The underwater landscape at Tien Beach consists of coral reefs, rocky formations, and sandy patches. Snorkelers can easily access shallow areas near the beach, where they can observe colorful coral formations and various species of tropical fish. These shallower depths are perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed snorkeling experience.
For divers, Tien Beach can serve as a convenient entry point for shore dives. The underwater environment gradually deepens as you move away from the shore, offering the opportunity to explore a bit further. While the marine life here might not be as abundant as at some dedicated dive sites, you can still encounter a variety of reef fish, sea anemones, and possibly some small marine creatures like seahorses and nudibranchs.
Overall, Tien Beach provides a convenient and picturesque setting for snorkeling and shore diving, making it a good choice for those looking to combine a day at the beach with some underwater exploration. It’s important to remember that the quality of the underwater experience can vary, so checking with local dive shops or snorkeling tour operators for current conditions and recommendations is advisable for the best experience.
Samae Beach
Samae Beach, also situated on Koh Larn near Pattaya, Thailand, is another stunning destination that offers a mix of beach relaxation and underwater exploration. While it’s primarily known as a beach area, there are opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
The underwater world at Samae Beach boasts clear waters and diverse marine life. Snorkelers can easily access the shallower parts near the beach, where they’ll find vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. It’s an excellent spot for snorkelers of all levels, including beginners and families.
For divers, Samae Beach serves as a convenient starting point for boat dives to nearby dive sites, such as Samae San and Koh Chan. These sites are known for their healthy coral formations, reef fish, and the possibility of encountering larger marine creatures like barracudas and rays.
Samae Beach itself may not be a dedicated dive site, but it provides easy access to some fantastic diving locations in the vicinity. It’s a popular choice for those who want to combine beach relaxation with underwater adventures on the beautiful island of Koh Larn. To make the most of your diving experience, consider booking a dive trip with a local dive shop or operator based on the island.
