Scuba Diving in Thailand

Satellite map of dive sites west of Pattaya.

As one of the world’s premiere scuba diving destinations, Thailand has a lot of underwater adventures to be had. If you have been on our blog and website, we have a lot of great things to say about scuba diving in Koh Tao, Thailand but what about other places around the country. Our good friends and fellow RAID shop, Thai Ocean Academy in Bangkok and Pattaya, is a great shop to dive with before or after coming to Koh Tao. 

Below are 5 reasons to dive with Thai Ocean Academy and explore the beauty that Pattaya has to offer. 

Dive into Pattaya's Marine Paradise

Divers above a cuttlefish in clear water.

Pattaya, a lively coastal city in Thailand, is famous for its vibrant nightlife and picturesque beaches. Yet, beyond the energetic atmosphere, it harbors a hidden gem for scuba divers. Beneath the waves lies a diving haven just waiting to be discovered. Here are five great reasons why Pattaya should be your next destination for an unforgettable experience scuba diving in Thailand.

1. Rich and Diverse Marine Life

To begin with, Pattaya’s underwater landscape is brimming with an incredible variety of marine life. The vibrant coral reefs and the rich array of fish species make diving here a visual delight for nature lovers. Divers can encounter everything from lively clownfish and imposing barracudas to the elusive seahorse. Each dive offers a unique adventure due to the abundant and varied marine life.

2. Wreck Diving Adventures

In addition to its diverse marine life, Pattaya offers a thrilling experience for those captivated by history and underwater exploration. The city is home to several fascinating wreck dive sites. Among these, the HTMS Kut, a decommissioned U.S. Navy ship, stands out. This vessel was deliberately sunk to form an artificial reef, creating a thriving habitat for marine life and offering a compelling dive site for advanced divers.

3. Dive Anytime of the Year

Moreover, unlike many other diving destinations, Pattaya provides diving opportunities all year long. The warm, welcoming waters, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), ensure that whether you’re planning a summer getaway or a winter retreat, Pattaya is always open for diving adventures.

4. Close to Bangkok

Furthermore, Pattaya’s prime location, just a short drive from Bangkok, makes it the perfect spot for divers seeking a quick escape. You can easily combine your diving excursion with a visit to Thailand’s bustling capital, enjoying the best of both worlds. The close proximity allows you to maximize your time exploring the underwater treasures.

5. Ideal for Beginner Divers

Finally, Pattaya caters to divers of all experience levels, with numerous sites suitable for beginners. The tranquil, shallow waters around Koh Larn and Koh Sak are particularly welcoming for those new to scuba diving. These sites offer excellent visibility and gentle currents, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for novice divers.

Top 5 Dives Sites in Pattaya

Lastly, here is a list of our top 5 favorite dives sites around Pattaya.

  • HTMS Kut: A well-known wreck dive site teeming with marine life and rich in historical interest.
  • Koh Larn: Famous for its crystal-clear waters and lively coral reefs, perfect for beginner divers.
  • Koh Sak: Known for its shallow, calm waters, making it an ideal spot for novice divers and training sessions.
  • Koh Phai (Bamboo Island): This site boasts stunning coral gardens and a wide variety of marine species.
  • Shark Fin Rock: Recognizable by its unique shape, this site is great for observing larger marine creatures.

Final Thoughts

All things considered, Pattaya is not just a party destination; it’s a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its diverse marine ecosystem, accessible wreck sites, year-round diving conditions, and convenient location, Pattaya is a top pick for divers of all levels. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting out, the underwater world of Pattaya awaits your exploration. Get your diving gear ready and prepare for an unforgettable adventure scuba diving in Pattaya, Thailand with Thai Ocean Academy. Make sure to tell Tim we said hello.

Portrait of a smiling man.
Tim McCabe, Thai Ocean Academy

Reserve your space now.
Go From Diver, Not... to HYDRONAUT.

Why Choose Hydronauts?​

RAID Instructors​

Our experienced instructors are hand-picked, highly trained, and passionate about scuba diving. We tailor each course and dive to your unique needs.

Beachfront Diving Resort​

Southwestern-facing property including a dive shop, hotel, training pool, cafe & restaurant, dive boat, and beach bar. We offer diving & accommodation packages for every budget.

Guaranteed Small Groups

We guarantee small groups of no more than four students to an instructor or dive guide so that you get the individual attention you deserve.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

We choose to dive and teach in Backplate & Wing BCD with a Long-hose, Short-hose regulator configuration favored by technical divers.

Dive Anywhere in the World

Upon completion of your RAID scuba diving course, you will be issued with an e-certification card that recognizes you as an internationally certified scuba diver.

Low Carbon Footprint

We make every effort to reduce our footprint and use of paper and plastic. All our course materials are hosted online giving you access for life.