Thai Ocean Academy
18/7 Moo 1 Bang Bao Plaza, 23170 Trad,, THA
Explore Koh Chang
Thailand’s picturesque Koh Chang island is a nature lover’s dream, with white sandy beaches, warm turquoise water and swaying palm trees. This relaxing island is home to an array of life, both above and below the waves. Mountainous rainforests and jungle host lots of interesting land species, while the surrounding ocean holds breathtaking reefs, rocky pinnacles and a wealth of colorful, thriving marine life. It is the largest of 52 islands that make up the entirety of the Koh Chang Marine National Park.
There are roughly 30 dive sites around the island ready to be explored, including wrecks, reefs, tunnels and swim-throughs. Scuba diving here is suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike. A lot of the sites are around the main island, while there are others peppered around smaller nearby islands where boats make diving trips. Koh Rang National Park is also in this area, and offers more great diving in protected waters where life is overflowing.
There are a few great dive centers on the island, and most have offices at Bangbao Pier, from where the majority of dive trips depart. Divers can also opt to stay in dive resorts, and liveaboards are also an option, though there aren’t a huge number in this small part of Thailand. Koh Chang would also be ideal to take open water dive courses thanks to its calm sea and bustling marine life. Other courses that are great to take here are wreck specialties, as there are some amazing wreck dive sites that absolutely should not be missed.
The best Months to dive in Koh Chang
The great thing about Koh Chang is that diving is excellent all year round. As it enjoys a warm tropical climate, the air and ocean is temperate no matter the season, with very little fluctuation throughout the seasons. The three main seasons are the dry, cool season, which is from November to February, the hot season from March to the end of May, and the rainy season, which normally starts around the end of May and continues until the end of October.
For diving in any of the islands around Koh Chang, the best time is often said to be during the dry, cool season, which normally runs between November and April. In this season, water temperatures linger around a very comfortable 28°C-30°C (82°F-86°F), while air temperatures are about 27°C-30°C (80°F-86°F). This time is also the high tourist season, and the weather is mostly sunny with clear skies, with the odd thunderstorm here and there. The visibility is at its best, which is why many divers choose to dive during this time.
Diving is still great during the rainy season from May to the end of October, and the ocean is very warm. The only change observed is of course more rain, but also lesser visibility, though not dramatically. The seas can be a bit choppier in the rainy season, meaning some dive sites can be difficult to reach, but there are calm periods too. Plus, the ocean critters remain unchanged all year round, so you’re sure to experience fantastic dives no matter when you choose to do so.
Dive Centers
Top Koh Chang Dive Sites
1. HTMS Chang
The HTMS Chang is Thailand's largest shipwreck, perfect for both scuba divers and freedivers. It offers sightings of colorful reef fish, grouper, squid, octopus, and barracuda. Occasionally, whale sharks make an appearance. The site suits advanced divers due to its depth and currents.
2. Wreck of the T11
The T11, a 30-meter-long tugboat, rests at 16 meters, making it ideal for beginner scuba divers. The wreck serves as an artificial reef hosting a variety of marine species. Its shallow depth allows easy access and exploration.
3. Hin Luk Bat
Hin Luk Bat, a large ocean pinnacle, descends over 20 meters, offering an abundance of reef fish and schools of fish. Suitable for both scuba and freediving, it provides an easy to advanced dive experience depending on conditions.
4. Hin Rap
This pinnacle dive site features staghorn coral and diverse reef fish at a shallower depth of around 16 meters. Ideal for less experienced divers and perfect for both scuba and freediving, it provides a stunning underwater landscape.
5. Hin Kaduang
Notable for its two rocky pinnacles reaching depths of around 30 meters, Hin Kaduang is suited for advanced divers. The site offers encounters with turtles, reef sharks, and rich tropical marine life, appealing to scuba divers seeking adventure.