Diving in Pattaya

HTMS Khram – Located off Pattaya, this Thai Navy landing craft was purpose-sunk as an artificial reef in 2003. It lies upright at about 30 metres / 100 feet with the uppermost part at about 15 metres / 50 feet. It’s easy to see into the bridge and radio room and divers can peek into the rest of the hull through large holes. A healthy population of reef fish have moved in and marine life highlights include blue spotted rays, resting bamboo sharks, large groupers, scorpionfish, batfish, sweetlips and passing hawksbill turtles. HTMS Kood / HTMS Khut - Originally a World War II U.S. landing ship which was purpose-sunk as an artificial reef in 2006, the deepest point of this wreck now lies at 30 metres / 100 feet below the surface with the decks in the 25 metre / 82 feet range and the tip of the conning tower at 12 metres / 40 feet. Common marine life spotted here include schools of barracuda, sting rays, scorpionfish, giant puffers and a plethora of reef fish. This is an excellent dive site for advanced and wreck divers. Hardeep Wreck– Originally known as the SS Suddhadib, the Hardeep was attacked and sunk by British Allied bombers in the latter part of World War II. This 64 metre / 210 foot long cargo ship lies on her starboard side at 30 metres / 100 feet and over the last 60 years has become a flourishing artificial reef, encrusted in coral. When diving the Hardeep expect to see numerous nudibranch and crabs, batfish, large groupers, angelfish, blue spotted sting rays, lionfish, sweetlips and a host of smaller, colourful reef fish. Koh Chuang – The southernmost point of Koh Chuang Island boasts a healthy fringing coral reef abundant in hard corals and small, colourful reef fish. Cuttlefish and turtles are occasionally spotted here, with dive sites offering relatively shallow and easy conditions. Other highlights include blue spotted sting rays, moray eels, fusiliers, angelfish and butterflyfish Shark Point – As one would expect from the name, shark point is a good place to spot sharks. In particular, juvenile tawny nurse and bamboo sharks. These shy and harmless species hide out under corals and rocks during the day, becoming more active at night. Shark point offers colourful soft corals, a variety of fish life and occasional turtle and cuttlefish sightings.