Diving Pattaya Far Island Dive Sites

SOME OF THE BEST SCUBA DIVING CAN BE FOUND AROUND THE PATTAYA FAR ISLANDS!

Best Pattaya Far Islands Dive Sites and Maps

Exploring the Pattaya Far Islands Dive Sites

The Pattaya Far Islands offer some of the most exciting and diverse dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. Located further offshore than the popular Near Islands, these sites boast better visibility, healthier coral reefs, and a wider variety of marine life. The Far Islands are home to stunning underwater landscapes, including dramatic drop-offs, vibrant coral gardens, and deep wrecks, making them ideal for both recreational and technical divers. With less boat traffic and stronger currents, these dive sites provide a more adventurous experience, attracting larger pelagic species and thriving reef ecosystems. Whether you’re exploring the colourful coral-covered rock formations, encountering schools of snappers and barracudas, or diving deeper into the region’s technical wrecks, the Pattaya Far Islands promise unforgettable underwater adventures.

Koh Phai Dive Site, Pattaya Far Islands

Location: The northernmost of the Far Island chain.
Conditions: Between 5m (16ft) to 10m (33ft).
Average depth: 10m (33ft)
Maximum depth: 18m (60ft)

The lower reef slope is adorned with numerous soft corals, which, while not as large as they could be, remain quite beautiful. Their growth has been restricted by excessive siltation in the water, though much of the silt is redistributed by currents during northerly winds and spring tides. The reef, typical of the area, is frequently interrupted by sponge-encrusted rocks and large mounds of lesser and greater star corals, occasionally interspersed with clusters of smaller, less resilient corals.

In shallower waters, hard corals dominate, forming terraces that gradually descend into deeper areas, where long, spiralling sea whips are embedded among larger rocks. The marine life is diverse and abundant. Parrotfish, wrasse, pufferfish, seahorses, damselfish, and giant clams can always be seen inhabiting the reef. Further from the reef, schools of juvenile snappers, jacks, fusiliers, and mullets frequently pass by.

Koh Rin Island dive site gulf of Thailand

Koh Rin Dive Site, Pattaya Far Islands

Location: The large islet at the bottom of the Far Island chain
Conditions: between November and March this site has very favourable conditions when a year-round Visibility of 5m (16ft) increases to 15m (50ft)
Average depth: 7m (23ft)
Maximum depth: 18m (60ft)

One of the Best Dive Sites in the Gulf of Thailand

Koh Rin is a diverse collection of sloping reefs. The Deeper Reefs tend to descend more dramatically toward the south, consisting of fallen rocks sparsely covered with foliaceous corals. As the slope steepens near the southwestern headland, coral coverage gradually increases, becoming more dominant at depths of around 12 meters (40 feet), where sea whips and black coral bushes flourish. The reef supports an impressive variety of marine life, making it one of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. Harlequin sweetlips, snappers, squirrelfish, and lionfish are frequently seen, adding to the site’s vibrant underwater scenery.

Rocky ledges are home to thriving communities of magnificent anemones, three-spot dascyllus, basslets, and chromis. Neptune barrel sponges are wedged into crevices, often sheltering moray eels and a variety of invertebrates. The reef’s structure provides excellent opportunities for exploration, with hidden marine species nestled among the coral formations.

The shallow bay is ideal for snorkelling, featuring coral mounds densely pitted with bivalves and plume worms. Black sea urchins and small cowrie shells can be found scattered between the coral formations, adding to the rich biodiversity of this exceptional dive site.

Koh Rin Rocks

Location: Rocky outcrops located off Koh Rin, offering a circular dive route around the rock.
Conditions: Can have strong currents, with sheltered areas on either side.
Visibility: Ranges from 5m (16ft) to 20m (65ft), often best on calm days.

North Rock – Koh Rin

Average depth: 9m (30ft)
Maximum depth: 18m (60ft)

South Rock – Koh Rin

Average depth: 12m (40ft)
Maximum depth: 22m (72ft)

North Rock is considered one of the top dive sites in the Pattaya Far Islands, featuring a diverse coral ecosystem and abundant marine life. The south tip of the rock is characterized by large boulders and sandy patches, often home to bamboo sharks resting under overhangs. Along the eastern side, plate corals descend steeply before leveling out at 10m (33ft), where small boulders covered in whip corals and soft corals illuminate the seabed. The northern edge has a mix of reef structures with sandy patches where moray eels, nudibranchs, and cuttlefish can often be spotted. Away from the reef, schools of barracuda, trevally, and the occasional tuna pass through, making this a fantastic site for both macro and pelagic encounters.

South Rock offers a more dramatic underwater landscape, with large, coral-covered rock formations and deeper ledges that provide excellent opportunities for spotting reef sharks, sea turtles, and giant moray eels. The rocky terrain is layered with sea fans, feather stars, and massive barrel sponges, creating a stunning habitat for angelfish, lionfish, and triggerfish. Swim-throughs and overhangs provide exciting exploration points, while deeper areas host pelagic hunters like jacks and barracudas. With its diverse topography and rich biodiversity, South Rock is a must-dive site for advanced divers seeking adventure in the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Klung Badan Pattaya Far Islands Sight

Koh Klung Badan Dive Site, Pattaya Far Islands

Location: A small, lesser-known island situated near Koh Man Wichai, offering pristine reefs and a quieter diving experience.
Conditions: Mild to moderate currents, making it accessible to most divers.
Visibility: Ranges from 5m (16ft) to 20m (65ft), often better during calm conditions.
Average depth: 8m (26ft)

Front Bay Reef
Maximum depth: 16m (55ft)

Southside Reef / Deep Reef
Maximum depth: 22m (70ft)

Koh Klung Badan is a hidden gem among Pattaya’s Far Islands, featuring lush coral reefs, rocky ledges, and sandy slopes teeming with marine life. The reef is densely covered with hard and soft corals, including brain corals, sea whips, and large barrel sponges. The area is rich in macro life, with nudibranchs, shrimp, and pipefish commonly spotted among the coral crevices.

The deeper sections offer encounters with blue-spotted stingrays, bamboo sharks, and schools of fusiliers, while the shallower coral gardens are home to angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Occasionally, trevally and barracuda can be seen hunting in the open water. With vibrant marine biodiversity, scenic underwater landscapes, and fewer crowds, Koh Klung Badan is a fantastic dive site for those looking for a relaxing yet rewarding dive adventure in Pattaya’s Far Islands.

On the south side of Koh Klung Badan, a mysterious deep reef formation awaits experienced divers. This unique underwater structure, resembling giant layered steps, extends from the coral line at 14 meters (46ft) down to 22 meters (72ft), creating an ideal environment for sharks, turtles, moray eels, and seahorses. Positioned about 15 meters (50ft) from the main reef, this hidden gem provides thrilling encounters with larger marine life while offering a stunning backdrop of soft corals, sea fans, and sponge-encrusted rocks. The site’s deeper depth and rich biodiversity make it a perfect spot for advanced, deep, or nitrox-certified divers seeking a more challenging and rewarding underwater experience.

Koh Man wichai Dive Site, Pattaya Far Islands

Location: North of Koh Rin, Pattaya Far Islands
Conditions: Mild to moderate currents, making it accessible to most divers.
Visibility: Ranges from 10m (30ft) to 20m (65ft), often better during calm conditions.
Average depth: 14m (45ft)
Maximum depth: 20m (65ft)

Koh Manwichai is a diverse and expansive dive site, offering stunning coral formations, rocky outcrops, and excellent marine biodiversity. With two primary dive areas—The Fingers and The Wall—it provides an exciting experience for both beginner and advanced divers.

The Fingers – A Maze of Coral and Marine Life
This area is characterized by rock formations that extend from the island like fingers, creating small valleys and ridges covered in soft corals, sea whips, and hard coral formations. Descending to around 18m, divers can explore sandy patches where stingrays rest, while the rocky formations provide shelter for grouper, puffers, moray eels, and bamboo sharks.

The Wall – A Dramatic Vertical Dive
Located to the left of the rocky cove, The Wall extends from just above the surface down to 14m. The stunning coral formations along the wall are home to giant groupers, starry puffers, and turtles. Sunlight filtering through the water creates dramatic lighting effects, making it a hotspot for nudibranch photography.

The Drop-Off – Deeper Exploration and Drift Diving
Further south of The Wall, the Drop-Off features a sloping reef descending to 22m. This area is a prime location for spotting sharks, with blacktip reef sharks and bamboo sharks frequently seen resting among the rocks. The strong currents in this area make it an excellent spot for drift diving, and on occasion, divers may encounter trevally, barracuda, dolphins, or even whale sharks in the blue.

Whether you’re looking for gentle reef exploration, wall diving, or exciting drift dives, Koh Manwichai offers some of the best diving experiences in Pattaya.

Koh Man Wichai Pattaya Far Islands Dive Site

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