Chon Buri Province
The eastern province of Chonburi in Thailand is one of the busiest beach destinations in the area, w
Explore Eastern Gulf
Diving in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand offers an enchanting underwater experience like no other. This region's unique geography, where the country curves around the Gulf, provides a diverse array of dive sites. The bustling beach town of Pattaya is a prime location, renowned for its captivating wreck dives. Here, divers can explore the HTMS Kood, a former US warship, surrounded by the graceful movements of sharks and turtles. The surrounding islands, known as the Near Islands, Far Islands, and Samae San Islands, each offer their own underwater treasures, from vibrant reefs to intricate wrecks. Further east, Mu Koh Chang National Marine Park presents a diver's paradise with its bustling reefs and majestic rock pinnacles. This area is particularly inviting between October and April, offering the chance to witness the grandeur of whale sharks and manta rays from February to May. Whether you're embarking on a boat dive from Pattaya or exploring the serene macro sites of the Samae San Islands, the Eastern Gulf's rich marine life and varied dive environments promise an unforgettable adventure for divers of all levels. From the fascinating mix of shallow dives to the exhilarating thrill of exploring sunken ships, every dive in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand tells a different story. With its blend of common and rare marine life, this region's diving scene stands out as a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts seeking both excitement and tranquility.
Top Regions to Explore
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Diving in Eastern Gulf
The Eastern Gulf of Thailand captivates divers with its diverse underwater offerings, perfectly balancing shore and liveaboard diving adventures. Among the top dive sites, the "Blackthorn" and "Sheridan" wrecks stand out, offering not only intriguing historical narratives but also a habitat teeming with vibrant marine life. These wrecks cater to divers of various skill levels, providing thrilling experiences beneath the waves.
For enthusiasts of shore diving, Anna Maria Island is a prime spot, boasting vibrant reefs ideal for exploration. Night dives here reveal a magical underwater realm, where bioluminescent creatures light up the sea. The region is renowned for gatherings of nurse sharks and playful dolphins, ensuring that each dive is an unforgettable adventure. Whether opting for shore dives or liveaboard expeditions, the Eastern Gulf offers a captivating dive experience for all.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Eastern Gulf
The Eastern Gulf of Thailand is a diver's paradise, teeming with vibrant marine life. Common reef fish such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish are abundant, providing a colorful backdrop for underwater exploration. Among the reefs, divers will often encounter blue-spotted stingrays gliding gracefully along the sandy bottoms, while moray eels peek out from rocky crevices. Seasonal highlights include the occasional sightings of hawksbill turtles, especially between May and October when the waters are warmer. Whale sharks make sporadic appearances during the same period, delighting those lucky enough to encounter these gentle giants. Nurse sharks are more commonly sighted around deeper dive sites, particularly near submerged rock formations. Overall, the Eastern Gulf offers a diverse array of marine life, making it an exciting destination for both novice and experienced divers.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
818 Sightings
J
89
F
115
M
123
A
76
M
7
J
2
J
5
A
21
S
20
O
100
N
171
D
89
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
707 Sightings
J
34
F
50
M
43
A
56
M
52
J
81
J
100
A
96
S
46
O
43
N
54
D
52
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
439 Sightings
J
21
F
32
M
63
A
41
M
30
J
52
J
82
A
26
S
32
O
29
N
26
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
320 Sightings
J
28
F
21
M
45
A
20
M
0
J
20
J
31
A
20
S
20
O
12
N
79
D
24
iStock/Extreme Photographer
Whale Shark
71 Sightings
J
46
F
15
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
10
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
1.1k Sightings
J
61
F
99
M
106
A
123
M
78
J
77
J
64
A
65
S
41
O
89
N
210
D
113
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
1.1k Sightings
J
58
F
79
M
141
A
143
M
69
J
60
J
35
A
55
S
29
O
155
N
161
D
97
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
1.1k Sightings
J
46
F
101
M
103
A
94
M
103
J
94
J
80
A
47
S
46
O
104
N
162
D
90
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
906 Sightings
J
17
F
84
M
98
A
116
M
72
J
72
J
66
A
75
S
58
O
56
N
98
D
94
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 80
iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays
873 Sightings
J
34
F
52
M
81
A
102
M
72
J
61
J
125
A
95
S
94
O
80
N
45
D
32
The best Months to dive in Eastern Gulf
The Eastern Gulf of Thailand offers favorable diving conditions throughout the year, making it a sought-after destination for divers. Water temperatures range from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F, ensuring comfortable dives in all seasons. Visibility typically extends from 10 to 30 meters/33 to 98 feet, though it can vary with seasonal changes.
While diving is possible year-round, the months from November to March are particularly ideal with calmer sea conditions and reduced rainfall. During the monsoon season, from May to October, divers may experience stronger currents and occasional storms, slightly affecting visibility and accessibility to certain dive sites. However, protected areas and sheltered bays often remain accessible, allowing for enjoyable diving experiences even during this period.
