KOH RIN PATTAYA FAR ISLAND DIVE SITE GUIDE
Koh Rin Pattaya Far Island – Best Dive Sites in the Gulf of Thailand
Koh Rin, often referred to as “The Best Far Island,” is a premier dive destination in the Gulf of Thailand. Located off the coast of Pattaya, this island boasts four distinct dive sites, offering vibrant coral reefs, exceptional visibility, and an incredible array of marine life. Contrary to popular belief, Koh Rin’s waters are remarkably clear, making it a top choice for divers seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. From colourful tropical fish and graceful sea turtles to elusive sharks, Koh Rin at the Pattaya Far Islands provides a rich and diverse marine ecosystem. Let’s dive into what makes Koh Rin a must-visit spot for diving enthusiasts.
Koh Rin Bay Dive Site
Location: Pattaya Far Islands
Visibility: 8m to 20m
Depth: 5m to 22m
Marine Life: Angelfish, butterflyfish, turtles, pufferfish, bamboo sharks, stingrays, nudibranchs, and moray eels.
Koh Rin Bay, the main dive spot, features a sloping reef starting at 5m and descending to 22m. The reef’s densest coral growth lies between 8m and 12m, providing a colorful backdrop perfect for underwater photography. Key areas include the Anemone Gardens near the drop-off and the southern point with vibrant coral formations. Deeper sections reveal rocky ledges where bamboo sharks and stingrays can be found.
Exploring Underwater At Koh Rin
The diving spot called Koh Rin, is usually when people are talking about the main reef, which is on the front of the island also called the bay. Once you dive underwater over the sands you are shallow at about 5 meters deep. with a short swim to the coral reef, you are soon surrounded by large rock structures and thick reef growth around the 8-12m mark. At the centre of this reef area leading to the corner point are the Anemone Gardens. Once you arrive here, it’s a good place to stop and spend bottom on underwater photography. Between the Clownfish, the nudibranchs and shrimps you can discover here the overall underwater scenery is typically stunning.
From the large rocks next to the anemone garden you can either head in more shallow to conserve air and see the stunning staghorn field or you can venture deeper down “the drop off”. As you dive away deeper from Koh Rin Island you will encounter a sand bar with rocky ledges which flatten off around 22m. Down here you’ll find soft corals and boulders covered in black coral sponge under which you can find Bamboo Sharks and Moray eels for certain.
The south point of the Reef ( pristine stag horns and coral-covered rocks with colourful Gregorian sea fans about 6 to 8m deep perfect for vibrant underwater photography. Deep Reef: Down around 18-22m there are rocky ledges scattered down the sandbar where soft bioluminescent soft coral grows, stingrays litter the sands and easy-to-find bamboo sharks sleep below the ledges, where you don’t find a shark you are likely to find a moray eel instead.
Discover Koh Rin: Thailand’s Hidden Diving Gem
Koh Rin, located off the coast of Pattaya, is one of Thailand’s most underrated diving destinations. While sites like Chumphon Pinnacle in Koh Tao and Ko Bon in the Similan Islands are well-known to international divers, Koh Rin remains a relatively undiscovered treasure. This secluded island offers an exceptional diving experience, teeming with vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes.
Divers can encounter a diverse range of species, from colourful tropical reef fish and sea turtles to bamboo sharks and the occasional whale shark. Despite its proximity to bustling Pattaya, Koh Rin boasts impressive visibility and pristine coral reefs, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking a less crowded dive spot.
Easily accessible from Pattaya and just a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok, Koh Rin’s Far Islands offer a convenient and unforgettable diving adventure. For those looking to explore a hidden gem in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Rin is a must-visit destination that promises to leave divers in awe. Come diving in Pattaya and discover the beauty of Koh Rin for yourself!
