KOH LANTA DIVING GUIDE 2024

This stunning island in Thailand feratures breathtaking beaches, jungles and one of the best underwater world in the country. Koh Lanta diving is one best you can find in South East Asia and in fact many people come to the island to dive its two famous dive sites, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang.

The reason why I come to the island was for the diving and I alsmot did not do any other thing than diving there, in fact I did 16 dives. It really hooked me, yes I saw a “Guitar Shark” for the first time ever in my life. The island is pretty quiet compared to other more top tourists areas in Thailand and if you are looking for a bit of chill out time and top diving, Koh Lanta is the place for you.

I have created this guide to help you planning your diving trip to Koh Lanta so that you can make the best of your visit. I am sharing here tips and some photos and underwater footage.

ABOUT KOH LANTA

Koh Lanta  is a district in Krabi Province, Thailand, consisting of several islands, with Koh Lanta Yai being the largest and most visited.

Koh Lanta yai is very well known by its beaches, transparent waters and chill out vibe. This island is the place for people seeking a silent retreat. With its charming villages, and stunning coral reefs and lush jungles the island offers a wide range of experiences for every type of traveler.

The island original habitants were the Chao Leh people or Sea Gypsies and later the island got migrations from other parts of the country. Its strategic location made a trading hub connecting routes between the Malay Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent.

The island went through the influence of various civilizations and with time it became a place with a mix of cultures blending different traditions that inhabited the island.

Koh Lanta evolved into a fishing community during the 20th century and wth the rise of tourism in Thailand in the 80s and 90s the island started to be a popular destination for travelers.

The island is not only a great place for diving but there many other things to do in Koh Lanta. You can also to get in touch with the local culture as despite being a top tourism destination is has kept is cultural heritage intact.

SCUBA DIVING KOH LANTA VIDEO

This is some underwater footage I took during my scuba diving experience in Koh Lanta. Yes, I manage to catch the guitar shark on video, enjoy it!

MY EXPERIENCE SCUBA DIVING KOH LANTA

Scuba diving in Koh Lanta is an immersive exploration of an underwater paradise. While I was off season and I did not manage to see the Manta Rays or Whales Sharks, that sometimes hang around some of the dive sites, I was able to spot a Guitar Shark for the first time ever in my life and to enjoy a kaledoiscope of colors and vibrant marine life during all my dives.

Each dive unveiled a bit more of the underwater landscape of this top diving destination in Thailand and I just could not keep on asking for one more day diving.

While the island is beautiful on the surface I missed a lot of it because the underwater world kept me hooked and busy almost everyday during my stay in the island.

WHAT MAKES DIVING IN KOH LANTA SO UNIQUE?

Diving in Koh Lanta is a unique experience of biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes, while visiting the island when you are not under the water is a true Thai cultural immersion.

The island has a strategic location in the Andaman sea and this guarantees access to a diversity of top dive sites, being the most famous ones Hin Daeng and Hin Muang,  that attract divers from all over the world as there is a chance of pelagic encounters, such as Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.

Koh Lanta is commited to a sustainable tourism way which ensures the preservation of its marine life ecosystems, allowing divers to enter a world of untouched beauty.

While on the surface the diving experience is enriched by a genuine Thai experience, a relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming local community. Diving Koh Lanta is an unforgettable experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCUBA DIVE IN KOH LANTA

The best to dive Koh Lanta is from February to April as there are the months with higher chances to have whale sharks and manta rays encounters and the visibility is great.  In general for weather conditions the best time to scuba dive Koh Lanta is from November to April as during this period the weather is dry and the sea conditions are calm and offer great visibility.

However these are the months of the high tourist season in Thailand, so the island will be bustling with visitors and prices will be slightly higher.

The monsoon season, from May to October, brings rougher seas and reduced visibility, making diving less favorable during this time.

THE BEST SCUBA DIVING SITES IN KOH LANTA

Hin Daeng

The Hin Daeng dive site is one of the most beautiful diving experiences in the world. There are three small pinnacles above the water surface that are a sign of the underwater stunning reef.

There is a gradual slope down to 25 meters before a vertical wall down to 45 meters. The dive site is brimming with a diversity of marine life and it features breathtaking underwater landscapes.

There is a chance to encounter some majestic manta rays if you visiting the dive site at the right season. You can also encounter schools of silver jacks,, barracudas.

As you progress in yout dive you will see some red soft corals, anemones, and colorful clownfish and you will swim through some pinnacles with chances to encounter moray eels, moorish idols, snappers and nudibranchs.

Depth: 45 meters

Experience level:  Advanced Open Water divers

Visibility: 10 – 30 meters

Current: Medium to strong

Hin Muang

Hin Muang is a longer geological formation that its companion Hin Daeng. It is the tallest submerged verticall wall in Thailand and it goes down to 70 meters ( only sutiable for technical divers).

It you are going in the right season there is a big chance to encounter whale sharks and manta rays in this dive site.

You will find a variety of enchanting pruple soft corals that give the rock its name. The site is a great place for macrophotography enthusiasts.

Depth: 8- 70 meters

Experience level:  Advanced Open Water divers

Visibility: 10 – 20 meters

Current: Medium to strong

Koh Haa – The Five Islands

Koh Haa, known as the Five Islands dive site is a breathtaking underwater paradise. The dive site is suitable for divers at all levels and present some pretty fascinating underwater landscapes.

The location is surrounded but five stunning little island and surrounded by crystal clear water, making it dream dive site. You can find some underwater cavers and reefs teeming with marine life.

You can encounter a diverse range of marine species, including colorful clownfish swirling around the  anemones, sea turtles gliding through the water, playful dolphins dancing in the distance, and majestic whale sharks making occasional appearances.

It is in Koh Haa that I saw the guitar shark and this was a very rare encounter as the diver master who was guiding us told me he had never seen one in his life.

Depth: 5- 30 meters

Experience level:  All levels

Visibility: 10- 30 meters

Current: Moderate

The Bida Islands

The Bida islands are not only Koh Lanta dive sites but Koh Phi Phi dive sites. If you want to find more information about them check it in the Koh Phi Phi diving guide.

Kled Keaw wreck

The wreck off the coast of Koh Lanta is not only a historical site but also a top dive site, home to a vast array of marine life.

Some coral colonis have taken over the wreck attracting colorful reef fish, such as angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish.

You can also encounter schools of barracudas and groupers around the wreck.

The wreck also is the place where maney  invertebrates congregate, including crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, as well as mollusks such as octopuses and nudibranchs. Divers may also spot fascinating macro life like colorful sea slugs and camouflaged frogfish hiding amongst the wreckage.

Depth: 18- 30 meters

Experience level:  Advanced divers

Visibility: 15- 30 meters

Current: Mild to moderate

Koh Waen Train wreck

The Koh Waen Train Wreck is a adventure dive site located off the coast of Koh Lanta in Thailand. This sunken relic offers divers a unique opportunity to explore the remains of a historic train submerged underwater. Resting at a depth of approximately 15 to 20 meters (50 to 65 feet), the wreck provides an intriguing backdrop for underwater exploration. Amidst the rusted remains, divers may encounter colorful marine life, including vibrant coral formations, schools of tropical fish, and occasionally, larger pelagic species cruising by. With its blend of history and marine biodiversity, the Koh Waen Train Wreck promises an unforgettable diving experience for enthusiasts.

Depth: 15 – 20  meters

Experience level:  Advanced divers

Visibility: 10- 20 meters

Current: Mild to moderate

WHERE IS KOH LANTA LOCATED?

Koh Lanta is an island district in the Krabi Province of Thailand, situated in the southern region of the country.

Find here a pin with Koh Lanta location.

HOW TO GET TO KOH LANTA

Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Lanta offers a mix of transportation options, blending convenience and adventure. The journey typically involves a combination of flights, buses, and ferries, covering approximately 800 kilometers.

Start your journey in Bangkok, where you can catch a flight to Krabi International Airport, the nearest major airport to Koh Lanta. Airlines like Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Thai Lion Air offer regular flights to Krabi, with a flight duration of around 1.5 hours.

Upon arrival in Krabi, you’ll need to transfer to the Klong Jilad Pier, about 15 kilometers away, which can be reached by taxi or pre-arranged transfer. From the pier, board a ferry bound for Koh Lanta. The ferry ride takes around 1-2 hours, depending on sea conditions and the type of ferry.

Alternatively, you can opt for a bus or minivan from Bangkok to Krabi, which typically takes around 10-12 hours. Several companies operate overnight and daytime services, offering varying levels of comfort and amenities. Once in Krabi, follow the same steps to reach Koh Lanta via ferry.

For a more streamlined journey, some travelers opt for a combination ticket that includes transportation from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, bundling flights, ground transportation, and ferry transfers into one package. These tickets can be booked through travel agencies or online platforms, offering convenience and potentially cost savings. Regardless of your chosen route, the journey to Koh Lanta promises breathtaking scenery and a memorable travel experience.

WHERE TO STAY IN KOH LANTA

There are plenty of accommodation options where to stay in Koh Lanta. Find here my four top picks. Make sure to book in advance as the island can get pretty busy.

Phusea Lanta Resort:  This resort is located in Ban Ru Yai and it offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, terrace, free private parking, and WiFi. The villa boasts 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower, all allergy-free. Additionally, guests can enjoy the convenience of airport transfers and a bicycle rental service. For those craving caffeine, there’s an on-site coffee shop. Should you wish to explore further, a car rental service is also available at the villa. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Phusea Lanta Resort provides the perfect retreat for your stay.

Sea Sand Sun Resort: This resort on the shores of Klong Khong beach is a tranquil scape a 10 minutes drive from the Saladan pier. The resort features a lovely outdoor swimming pool with comfort and air conditioned villas with private balconies.

There is a spa in the resort where guests can enjoy some quality traditional Thai massage on a relaxed setting. There is also a 24 hour front desk available for the guests needs.

Coco Lanta Resort: This resort presents some modern air conditioned rooms locted 9 Km rom the Saladan Centre. The resort features an outfoor pool and good wifi connection.

You can get good quality Thai massage on the resort.

KOH LANTA DIVING FAQs

IS KOH LANTA GOOD FOR DIVING?

Yes, Koh Lanta is known for its excellent diving opportunities and is considered one of the top diving destinations in Thailand. The island offers a variety of dive sites suitable for divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.

WHERE SHOULD I DIVE IN KOH LANTA?

The most famous five sites and the reason why many people come here  are Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. They are famous dives sites as you can have whale shark and manta ray encounters.

KOH LANTA DIVING CONDITIONS

Koh Lanta, Thailand, offers excellent diving conditions with clear waters and vibrant marine life. Visibility ranges from 15 to 30 meters, ideal for exploring coral reefs teeming with diverse species including reef sharks, turtles, and colorful fish. The island boasts various dive sites suitable for all skill levels, making it a popular destination for diving enthusiasts.

MORE BANGKOK AND THAILAND GUIDES

I have been several in Bangkok and have spent in total months there during several stays in the city arriving from Europe or just on the way to other several destination in Thailand. Check here some more Bangkok guides;

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