Scuba Diving in Koh Chang

Explore Koh Chang's underwater wonders in the Gulf of Thailand! Dive into pristine reefs & historic wrecks. Your diving adventure starts in Koh Chang!

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Scuba Diving in Koh Chang

Koh Chang, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is an exquisite diving destination that caters to divers of every expertise level. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine ecosystems, and a variety of dive sites including untouched coral reefs and sunken ships, Koh Chang is an underwater paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you're taking your first dive or looking to enhance your diving skills, Koh Chang offers a gateway to some of the Gulf's most mesmerizing marine environments, including the renowned HTMS Chang wreck. Boasting a wide selection of dive centers, Koh Chang provides divers with a range of options from beginner certification courses to advanced dive excursions, ensuring a memorable and safe experience under the sea. Dive into this guide to discover Koh Chang's premier dive sites, the rich marine life you'll meet, and the best seasons for diving, for an expedition that promises to be extraordinary.
The optimal diving season in Koh Chang runs from November to April, coinciding with the region's dry season. During these months, divers enjoy the calmest sea conditions, water temperatures around 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F), and visibility that can extend up to 20 meters (66 feet), perfect for uncovering the island's underwater secrets. While diving in Koh Chang is available year-round, this period offers the most favorable conditions for a comprehensive exploration of its diverse marine landscapes.

Top Dive Sites in Koh Chang

Koh Chang's dive sites are renowned for their beauty and diversity: The HTMS Chang Wreck, the largest shipwreck in Thailand, lies off Koh Chang's coast, offering a captivating dive for advanced explorers. This former U.S. Navy ship, scuttled to create an artificial reef, now hosts a diverse ecosystem, including large groupers and schools of barracuda. The wreck's size and complexity present an exciting challenge for wreck enthusiasts. Situated within Koh Chang's marine park, Koh Rang National Park is a pristine diving destination, boasting crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Its protected status ensures abundant marine life, from colorful coral gardens to myriad fish species. Suitable for divers of all levels, it's a perfect spot for both wide-angle and macro underwater photography. Koh Wai, a tranquil island near Koh Chang, offers serene dive sites characterized by soft corals and an abundance of small to medium-sized marine creatures. Ideal for beginner divers and snorkelers, its clear, shallow waters provide a safe and gentle introduction to diving while offering plenty to explore, including sea turtles and reef fish. Secret Reef, a hidden gem near Koh Chang, is known among seasoned divers for its untouched beauty and abundant marine life. This dive site features a variety of hard and soft corals, home to a vibrant array of tropical fish, nudibranchs, and occasional pelagics. With moderate depths and currents, it's suitable for intermediate divers seeking a less crowded dive experience.

Koh Chang Diverse Marine Life

Whale shark

Whale shark

Blacktip reef shark

Blacktip reef shark

Eagle ray

Eagle ray

Anemone fish

Anemone fish

Box fish

Box fish

Octopus

Octopus

Shrimp

Shrimp

Sea anemone

Sea anemone

Soft Coral

Soft Coral

Hard Coral

Hard Coral

Dolphins

Dolphins

Turtle

Turtle

Barracuda

Barracuda

Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish

Lionfish

Lionfish

Parrot fish

Parrot fish

Koh Chang Marine Life Sighting Calendar

HHigh chance
MMedium chance
LLow chance
-No sighting
ANIMAL
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Whale shark

Whale shark

LLMMLLLLLLLL
Soft Coral

Soft Coral

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Anemone fish

Anemone fish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Shrimp

Shrimp

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Sea anemone

Sea anemone

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Lionfish

Lionfish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
The marine life in Koh Chang's waters is both abundant and varied, offering divers encounters with a wide array of species. From the gentle giants like whale sharks to the intricate beauty of nudibranchs and colorful reef fish such as angelfish and butterflyfish, Koh Chang's reefs are teeming with life. Divers can also expect to see turtles, moray eels, and perhaps even the elusive rays, making every dive an opportunity to witness the splendor of the Gulf's biodiversity.

Koh Chang Diving Conditions

Recommended scuba diving level
Beginner and above

Water temperature27°C - 30°C
Underwater visibility5M - 25M
Underwater currentMild to Moderate
Depth15M - 30M
WeatherTemperature: 28°C - 35°C Monsoon season: Jun - Oct
Underwater hazardDown current
Water Temperature: Warm throughout the year for comfortable dives.

Visibility: Peaks during the dry season, providing excellent conditions for underwater exploration.

Currents: Vary across dive sites, with options suitable for all levels of experience.

Depth: Ranges from shallow coral gardens to deeper wrecks, catering to novice and advanced divers alike.

Weather: Best diving conditions are experienced from November to April, though Koh Chang is a great diving destination year-round. Hazards: Normal precautions should be taken for boat traffic and natural marine life interactions to ensure a safe diving experience.

Diving in Koh Chang offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Gulf of Thailand's underwater world. With its diverse range of dive sites, vibrant marine ecosystems, and ideal diving conditions, Koh Chang is a prime destination for divers seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the ocean's depths. Whether exploring the majestic HTMS Chang wreck or marveling at the coral reefs of Koh Rang National Park, Koh Chang promises an adventure that divers will cherish.

Explore Which Experience Is Best For You

Discover your perfect Koh Chang scuba diving tour with Giant Stride! We offer a variety of options and price ranges to fit your budget and diving style. Browse our collection of dive center vendors to find your ideal experience.

Ready To Book Your Adventure With Giant Stride?

Giant Stride is the destination for booking and comparing scuba diving adventures and prices in Koh Chang and across Thailand. Explore our website to find the perfect experience for you, from beginner dives to advanced expeditions.