Koh Lanta is situated in the South Andaman Sea and offers some of the best dive sites in Thailand that are suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.
Diving from Koh Lanta with Lanta Diver, a PADI Career Development Centre, at Pimalai Resort & Spa is possible year around on organised adventures and private charters.
Between 15 October and 15 May, guests can dive at Koh Haa, Hin Daeng/Hin Muang, Koh Rok, the Bida islands, Phi Phi islands, Kled Gaew wreck and Koh Maa shipwreck park.
Between 15 May and 15 October, when the Koh Lanta Marine Park is closed, it is still possible to dive the Bida Islands, Phi Phi Islands, Hin Bida, Kled Gaew wreck and Koh Maa shipwreck park.
Koh Haa is Lanta Diver’s most popular diving and snorkelling site. It is famous for the Cathedral where divers can explore the mysterious two large caverns formed at one of the islands. There are also stunning coral walls, a beautiful lagoon for easy diving, schooling fish, lots of macro and unusual aquatic life. The lagoon at Koh Ha also provides a protected area for snorkelling and is suitable for all levels and ages.
Koh Bida Nok/Nai and Hin Bida are in the Phi Phi National Marine Park which is easily accessible from Koh Lanta. The Bida islands offer an exciting diving experience with schools of pelagic fish surrounding the reefs, which are often seen hunting the smaller glassfish. The dive site is also famous for spotting sharks including Black Tips and Leopard Sharks.
Hin Daeng/Hin Muang is probably the most famous and spectacular site accessible from Koh Lanta as a day trip. These giant pinnacles located in the middle of the Andaman Sea, offer dramatic underwater scenery, with steep walls covered in soft red and purple corals, dropping right down to 60 metres as Giant Manta Rays and Whale Sharks glide past. Given the topography and conditions, this site is only recommended for advanced divers who have dived recently.
The Koh Rok islands feature soft white sandy beaches and lush green trees combined with crystal clear waters. The dive sites around Koh Rok are suitable for all levels of diver. The marine life is various with schools of Snapper, Moray eels, Powder blue surgeon fish, lots of Clownfish (Nemo) and Turtles.
The Koh Maa shipwreck park is designed to promote conservation and environmental awareness and encourage existing ecosystems. Explore these mysterious vessels and observe how nature begins to engulf everything in its path. See baby corals and schools of fish establish themselves where there once was nothing. Nearby there is an existing reef that in time will spawn and grow over these sunken treasures. Some nudibranchs have already found their new home here. This adventure is for all level of divers.
For open water divers, Koh Haa and Koh Bida are recommended.
Highlights of Koh Haa include The Lagoon, The Cathedral and The Chimney. There are also underwater pinnacles, drop-offs, walls, boulders and other caverns, inter-connected chambers and swim-throughs to explore.
The Bida Islands are located in the Phi Phi National Marine Park which is also easily accessible from Koh Lanta. Beneath the surface the islands form steep coral walls, rocky outcrops and swim throughs and are covered in colourful soft coral and giant Gorgonian fans.
Rates commence at THB6652 (approximately AUD270) per night including daily breakfast and a roundtrip Krabi Airport transfer for two people.
For more information, rates and bookings contact svetlana@uniquetourism.com, your preferred travel specialist or visit www.pimalai.com
