With so many dive destinations to be enjoyed in Southeast Asia, we thought we would look at 5 reasons for diving in Pattaya. Here they are, hope to see you soon!
- Ecosystems
Pattaya near and far islands have a variety of reefs to explore. While everyone knows about coral reefs, did you know that there are also man-made reefs in the area? They offer a different and fascinating perspective on underwater life, especially colourful invertebrates attached to raised concrete structures. There are also several muck diving locations where you can find all sorts of bizarre fish and critters, such as sea moths, mantis shrimps and seahorses. The water quality is also good, with high levels of plankton derived from agricultural runoff but hardly any industrial pollution. Ask for Rob to find out about our environmental monitoring and rewilding programme.
2. Wrecks
Pattaya is the undisputed wreck diving capital of Thailand. With 3 artificially sunk shipwrecks near Koh Larn, 3 in the Sattahip area and even a sunken aeroplane, it has more to offer wreck specialists than any other diving area in the Kingdom. Professional archaeologists can also dive on ancient pottery wrecks (off-limits to fundivers) and Tec divers regularly venture out into the Gulf to dive on the deeper wrecks that can be found out there. Not a wreck specialist yet? Drop us a line to find out all about wreck penetration with our friendly and experienced instructors
3. Conditions
Pattaya and its surroundings offer a variety of water conditions appropriate for all levels of diver. Going from swimming pool-like conditions with coral patches on white sand for beginners, to strong currents for drift fans, deep wreck penetrations and 90-metre tec dives. With wind and wave conditions varying from flat calm to choppy, it’s a great place to find your sea legs. The captain’s always got seasick pills onboard if you do feel queazy, although these aren’t usuallu necessary.
4. Convenience
With its location within a 2-hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya is often the first or last stop for travelling divers flying in and out of Suvarnabhumi airport. Many of the expats working in Bangkok or cities around the coastline make a weekend trip of it, or just arrive in the morning, dive and then return home in the evening. Pattaya’s facilities rival any other city’s, with glitzy malls, hi-tech hospitals, public and international schools, an airport and all the latest movies straight out in the cinemas. It’s so central that Isaan, Rayong, Koh Chang, and even Hua Hin are easily accessible by bus, car or ferry. Give us a call and we’ll arrange overnight accommodation and hotel pickup for you in the morning.
5. Other activities
The local area offers a lot of alternative activities for holiday-makers who want to do more than just dive, with skydiving, ziplining, tropical gardens, zoos, traditional Thai massage parlours and beautiful temples to appreciate. Although Pattaya’s nightlife is vibrant, it is much more varied than it once was and there exist a lot of live bands, late-night shopping stores, all-night restaurants and dance clubs for divers to enjoy after returning from a day out in the ocean breeze. The nightlife is really very good so be careful not to get pulled into a late one the night before diving! Neighbouring areas such as Jomtien and Nakluea offer a quieter environment, with Jomtien beach a great place to enjoy the sunset over Koh Larn.
