Dive Sites
Pattaya is Thailand's wreck-diving capital — four legendary sunken ships, the island reefs of Koh Larn, and the pristine Samaesan area, all in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
The Gulf of Thailand
Pattaya's signature is steel: the HTMS Khram, HTMS Khood, HTMS Mattaphon and the famous Hardeep. Around them lie the coral islands of Koh Larn, Koh Sak and Koh Krok, and the quiet Samaesan area to the southeast — pick your route below.
Daily trips depart from Pattaya to the wrecks and islands — with departures from the Samaesan fishing village for the Hardeep wreck and the pristine sites of the southeast.
At a glance
Pick the route that matches your level, dates & what you want to see.
The signature dives · Beginner → experienced wreck training
This is why divers come to Pattaya — the Gateway to Shipwreck. Four sunken ships rest in the Gulf of Thailand, from purpose-scuttled navy vessels turned artificial reefs to the Gulf's most famous wreck, the Hardeep.
Former US Navy landing ship scuttled as an artificial reef near Koh Phai. Now draped in colorful corals and encrusting marine growth, with schools of fish weaving through her compartments and passages.
Royal Thai Navy ship turned thriving reef. Corals cover the hull, patrolled by barracudas, snappers, rays and lionfish — with the occasional whale shark cruising past.
A WWII landing ship built in 1944, 36 metres long and 10 metres wide, resting southeast of Koh Larn near Had Nuan beach — a compact, atmospheric wreck at a comfortable depth.
The Gulf of Thailand's most famous wreck dive — a steamship resting in the Samaesan area, with swim-throughs and abundant marine life on every dive.
Koh Larn island group · All levels welcome
The near islands off Pattaya — Koh Larn, Koh Sak and Koh Krok — offer shallow coral gardens, pinnacles and sandy bays. Perfect for training dives, easy fun dives and snorkelers, with plenty for experienced divers too.
The Koh Larn area's most famous reef — frequent leopard shark sightings resting on the sand, surrounded by vibrant fish life and healthy coral.
Small island close to Shark Point with underwater pinnacles, rich marine life and intricate coral formations — a rewarding dive at any level.
Shallow coral gardens, rocky outcrops and sandy patches. Tropical fish everywhere, with reef sharks and rays passing through — ideal for beginners.
A quiet bay on Koh Larn alive with angelfish, butterflyfish and parrotfish over the reef, plus rays on the sand and regular sea-turtle encounters.
Shallow reefs on Koh Larn's calm side — hunt for seahorses and nudibranchs among the coral. Gentle conditions make it snorkel-friendly too.
Southeast of Pattaya · Quiet fishing village · Daily trips
A sleepy fishing village southeast of Pattaya and the departure point for the region's least crowded diving. Pristine sites, relaxed boat rides — and the home of the legendary Hardeep wreck.
Skip the busy piers — Samaesan is a working fishing village where the boats head out at an easy pace and the sites see far fewer divers.
The Gulf of Thailand's most famous wreck rests here — a steamship with swim-throughs and abundant marine life. See it in The Shipwrecks above.
Less boat traffic means healthier reefs. The Samaesan area rewards divers with unspoiled coral and relaxed, uncrowded dives.
We run trips to the Samaesan area every day — combine the Hardeep with the surrounding reefs for a full day of Gulf of Thailand diving.
When to Dive
The Gulf of Thailand is diveable all year. Sheltered wrecks and island sites mean there's almost always somewhere good to dive.
Barracudas, snappers, rays and lionfish patrol the wrecks — with occasional whale-shark sightings reported at the HTMS Khood.
Tropical temperatures year-round. A 3 mm shorty is plenty; many divers go in just a rash guard.
Visibility varies by site and season — ask us for the daily report and we'll point you to the best conditions of the day.