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Wreck diving at Koh Tao: An Exciting Underwater Adventure

Wreck diving at Koh Tao is a fantastic and exciting underwater adventure for divers of all skill levels. Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is well-known for its clear waters, abundant marine life, and numerous dive sites.

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Wreck diving at Koh Tao is a fantastic and exciting underwater adventure for divers of all skill levels. Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is well-known for its clear waters, abundant marine life, and numerous dive sites. Koh Tao’s wreck diving sites present an exciting blend of history, adventure, and marine biodiversity, making it an absolute must-experience for divers. Here are some key points about wreck diving at Koh Tao.

1. HTMS Sattakut 742

  • Location: In front of Sairee Beach
  • Depth: 18-30 meters
  • Description: The US Navy commissioned the HTMS Sattakut, which was launched in 1944, and used it for the occupation of a Japanese island during WWII. After WWII, it was commissioned into the Thai Navy as HTMS Sattakut in 1946, where it served until it was decommissioned in 2007. HTMS Sattakut was purposely sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef. It is one of the most popular wreck dives on Koh Tao due to its ease of access and diverse marine life.
  • Highlights: The HTMS Sattakut wreck is almost 50m in length, has two big cannon guns, and various swim-through and penetration options (for Wreck Specialty and Tech courses only). Divers may explore the deck, bridge, and gun turret. It’s also a great area to see barracudas, groupers, and Jenkins stingrays.

2. MV Trident

  • Location: South of Shark Island
  • Depth: 26–37 meters
  • Description: This wreck is a former dive boat that sank in 2010. It is deeper than the Sattakut, making it suitable for advanced and technical divers. The ship was used for technical diving before being sunk to act as an artificial reef.
  • Highlights: The MV Trident attracts various marine creatures, such as batfish, schools of barracuda, and huge groupers.

3. HTMS Suphairin 313

  • Location: South of Nang Yuan Island
  • Depth: 11-27 meters
  • Description: The HTMS Suphairin is one of two wrecks that sank in September 2023. This wreck, measuring 44.9 meters in length, was a high-speed attack ship belonging to the Royal Thai Navy. In 2018, these ships were decommissioned and transferred to the DMCR for a new role as part of the Surat Thani province’s Underwater Learning Park and Marine Ecosystem Rehabilitation Project.
  • Highlights: The HTMS Suphairin highlights a variety of marine species, including snapper, groupers, smooth tail trevally, and giant trevally.

4. HTMS Hanhak Sattru 312

  • Location: Mao Bay
  • Depth: 12-24 meters
  • Description: The HTMS Hanhak Sattru is the second boat that was sunk in September 2023. It is the same class of ship as the HTMS Suphairin, a high-speed attack ship.
  • Highlights: The HTMS Hanhak Sattru highlights a variety of marine species, including snapper, groupers, smooth tail trevally, and giant trevally.

Best Time to Dive

The best period for wreck diving at Koh Tao is typically between March and September, when the seas are calmer and visibility is at its best. Diving, on the other hand, is feasible all year, with different places providing distinct experiences during each season.

Dive Conditions and Requirements

  • Typical visibility extends from 10 to 30 meters, depending on the season and weather conditions.
  • Water temperature ranges between 28°C and 30°C year-round.

 

Tips for Wreck Diving at Koh Tao

  • Certification: Ensure that you have an appropriate certification for wreck diving. Deeper wrecks frequently require Advanced Open Water certification.
  • Dive with a Guide: It is recommended that you dive with a local guide who is familiar with the wreck locations. They can point out intriguing features and keep you safe.
  • Equipment: Make sure your diving equipment is in good condition. A dive torch is useful for exploring the wrecks, a knife can be a critical tool for freeing oneself or a diving buddy from entanglements or obstacles, and possibly a reel or line for navigation inside wrecks.
  • Plan Your Dive: Always plan your dive, including entry and exit points, maximum depth, bottom time, and air consumption plan. Communicate your plan with your dive buddy.
  • Respect the Environment: Avoid touching or disturbing the wreck and marine life. Wrecks are delicate ecosystems that need to be preserved.
  • Safety First: Be aware of potential hazards such as sharp edges, entanglement concerns, limited spaces, and limited visibility.

For more information about diving at Koh Tao, check out Koh Tao Diving Guide.

Wreck diving at Koh Tao is an exciting opportunity to explore the underwater world, blending the attraction of historical exploration with the beauty of marine life. Whether you’re an expert diver or want to improve your diving skills, Koh Tao’s wreck sites offer something for everyone.

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