Explore Rayong Province

Rayong Province, located in the Gulf of Thailand, offers a distinctive diving experience characterized by its tranquil, uncrowded sites and diverse marine life. The region's most popular diving spot, Koh Samet, is a haven for both beginners and seasoned divers. New divers can explore stunning reefs, while experienced ones can take on challenges like the Alhambra Pinnacle. The area is also famous for liveaboard trips that provide access to the best diving locations in Rayong.

Diving in Rayong typically involves exploring vibrant coral reefs, boulder and pinnacle sites, and even a shipwreck, the intriguing Phetra Wreck. The reefs are teeming with tropical marine life, including macro species, an array of reef fish, eels, octopuses, sea snakes, and cuttlefish. Divers often delight in sightings of turtles and reef sharks. Unique to this region are coral species like the magnificent elephant ear sponge colony at the Sand Terrace dive site.

The ideal diving season is from November to April, when conditions are most stable, with water temperatures between 28°C–30°C/82°F–86°F. While diving is possible from May to October, reduced visibility and choppier seas can be expected, offering a quieter experience with potential discounts on accommodation and diving packages.

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Thailand

Thailand

The 37m Thailand Master is a purpose-built sailing liveaboard designed by divers, for divers. Accommodating up to 18 guests in 7 air-conditioned cabins, it offers comfortable en-suite bathrooms with hot water, fresh towels, and storage space. Laid out to maximize comfort and functionality, Thailand Master provides the perfect balance between relaxation and serious diving adventure.Guests can unwind on the sundeck lounges or enjoy meals in the indoor and outdoor dining areas, where meals are served buffet-style with vegetarian and other dietary options available. Between dives, relax with a book from the onboard library—ideal for identifying marine life spotted underwater—or enjoy movies and games in a welcoming social atmosphere designed for like-minded divers.The shaded dive deck offers personal setup areas, dedicated storage, and nitrox refills. Rental equipment is available, and a diving tender ensures easy access to sites. Itineraries explore Thailand’s top dive destinations, including Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock, Koh Phi Phi, King Cruiser, Hin Muang, and Hin Daeng. From December to April, the Thailand Master also ventures into Myanmar’s spectacular Mergui Archipelago, visiting renowned sites such as Black Rock, High Rock, Tower Rock, and Torres Island.Best marine life in ThailandThailand is renowned for warm tropical waters and vibrant coral reefs playing host to a wide variety of marine life.The country’s most famous visitors are Manta Rays & Whalesharks, which can be seen on both coasts if you are lucky. The dive spots most renowned for sightings are Richeleu Rock - just north of the Similan islands, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang in the Southern Andaman & Chumpon Pinnacle in the Gulf.Leopard Sharks are another sought after encounter, found most commonly on the dive sites around Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. These elegant, bottom dwelling sharks are at their graceful best if you are fortunate enough to see them swimming.Turtles are found on both coasts of Thailand, although more regularly on the Andaman coast. Green and Hawksbill Turtles are the most common species seen.Thailand’s dive sites also play host to a wide variety of smaller marine life, including some very special finds. Octopus and Cuttlefish are regularly seen, while Seahorses, Ghost Pipefish and Harlequin Shrimps are delights for the eagle-eyed diver. Scorpionfish, Lionfish, Glassfish and Snapper are just a few of the other fish you might encounter while diving in Thailand.When is the best time to dive in Thailand?Thailand’s east and west coasts ensure that there are good diving possibilities throughout the year. When the seasonal monsoons affect one coast, the other normally has good diving conditions.On Thailand’s Andaman coast the best diving season is from November through to late April or early May. The wind direction during these months brings calm sea conditions and also the best weather. As the high season on the Andaman coast develops, humidity tends to increase ,but diving conditions remain excellent and sea temperatures are also at their warmest, sometimes in excess of 85 degrees Fahrenheit.Trip Requirements :To ensure everyone enjoys the diving safely, participants must have:Minimum 25 logged divesAdvanced Open Water Diver certificationNitrox (Enriched Air) certificationCome experience Thailand's incredible underwater world with High Sierra Divers and create memories that will last a lifetime!

High Sierra Divers, 217 Palm Ave, 95603, Auburn, CA, USA
December 7, 2027 +8 More
$3,840.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Rayong Province

Rayong Province, situated along Thailand's eastern seaboard, offers divers an impressive array of sites, from captivating wrecks to vibrant shore dives. One highlight is the HTMS Prab, a shipwreck teeming with marine life, providing thrill-seekers with an engaging underwater exploration. This wreck site is particularly popular among advanced divers, offering a glimpse into history as well as encounters with schools of fish. For those preferring shore diving, Mae Ramphueng Beach is ideal, with its easy access and colorful coral reefs. Night diving here reveals the mesmerizing bioluminescence and nocturnal marine creatures that make the experience unforgettable. Rayong caters to both shore and liveaboard divers, with options to fit different preferences, ensuring a well-rounded dive adventure for all enthusiasts.

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Dive Sites

The best Months to dive in Rayong Province

Rayong Province in Thailand offers year-round diving opportunities with varying conditions. During November to February, water temperatures range from 27°C to 29°C/81°F to 84°F, providing comfortable diving conditions. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 20 meters/33 to 66 feet, though it can be affected by occasional monsoons.

From March to October, temperatures rise to 29°C–31°C/84°F–88°F, and visibility can decrease slightly due to increased plankton. While diving is feasible year-round, the best conditions are from November to April when the weather is more stable, and the seas calmer. Wind and currents are typically mild, but it's advisable to check forecasts before planning dives, especially during the rainy season.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Rayong Province

Rayong Province, located along Thailand's eastern seaboard, is renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystems, particularly in areas such as Ko Samet and the nearby islands. These waters are teeming with a variety of reef fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish, which are commonly sighted by divers exploring the coral reefs. Visibility and water conditions make these species a frequent delight for underwater enthusiasts. Seasonal highlights in Rayong include the occasional sightings of blacktip reef sharks and hawksbill turtles, especially in the warmer months from March to May. Divers might also encounter blue-spotted rays gliding gracefully over sandy bottoms. While these species are less frequent than common reef fish, visiting during the right season increases the likelihood of such encounters, offering a thrilling experience for those exploring the aquatic landscapes of Rayong.

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

Barracuda

Barracuda

393 Sightings
J
27
F
29
M
52
A
31
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
6
O
94
N
113
D
40

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

29 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
26
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

562 Sightings
J
29
F
37
M
98
A
59
M
22
J
0
J
2
A
3
S
5
O
123
N
99
D
85

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

409 Sightings
J
13
F
40
M
61
A
38
M
19
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
1
O
64
N
99
D
72

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

397 Sightings
J
13
F
35
M
64
A
38
M
19
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
7
O
71
N
85
D
63

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

326 Sightings
J
12
F
37
M
45
A
36
M
14
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
7
O
61
N
72
D
40

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

233 Sightings
J
0
F
23
M
50
A
25
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
46
N
55
D
32

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

228 Sightings
J
10
F
20
M
34
A
11
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
3
O
20
N
71
D
59

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

171 Sightings
J
0
F
11
M
29
A
11
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
3
O
42
N
47
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

169 Sightings
J
0
F
12
M
32
A
9
M
0
J
0
J
8
A
0
S
0
O
30
N
35
D
43

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

155 Sightings
J
0
F
17
M
11
A
12
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
3
O
42
N
41
D
29

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

146 Sightings
J
0
F
15
M
0
A
14
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
5
O
36
N
40
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

144 Sightings
J
0
F
16
M
10
A
22
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
5
O
27
N
38
D
25

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

135 Sightings
J
11
F
27
M
23
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
29
N
33
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

117 Sightings
J
0
F
11
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
6
O
38
N
37
D
25

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

117 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
30
A
10
M
6
J
3
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
17
N
37
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

116 Sightings
J
0
F
10
M
11
A
10
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
6
O
31
N
34
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

116 Sightings
J
0
F
11
M
11
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
26
N
36
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

110 Sightings
J
0
F
13
M
0
A
11
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
3
O
26
N
30
D
26

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

80 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
10
A
10
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
18
N
30
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

42 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
4
N
22
D
11
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse

41 Sightings
J
0
F
17
M
21
A
0
M
2
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

40 Sightings
J
3
F
5
M
6
A
5
M
1
J
3
J
0
A
0
S
3
O
5
N
9
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 50

Frogfish

Frogfish

25 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
11
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
14
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Squid

Squid

24 Sightings
J
0
F
11
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
13
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Emperor

Emperor

22 Sightings
J
0
F
10
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
10
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Stonefish

Stonefish

22 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
22
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

18 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
11
D
0

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