Koh Lan

Pattaya NEAR IslandS

Koh Lan Pattaya Near Islands

Learn about Koh Lan Pattaya Near Islands Dive Site

Koh Lan, also known as Ko Lan or Pattaya Coral Island, is the largest island in the near island cluster, situated just south of Koh Sak. This island is a favourite destination for divers, offering a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of experience. Its northern side is bustling with tourist activity, while the southern side hosts quieter, more secluded dive sites.

Location: In the Pattaya Near Islands group, just over 12 km west of Pattaya Beach
Depth: Max 18 meters, Min 3 meters – Average 5 meters
Type of site: Coral reefs, sandy bays, rocky outcrops, drift dives
Level: Suitable for all levels, ideal for Open Water Courses and experienced divers
Conditions: Good protection all year round, generally calm waters with moderate currents
Average Visibility: 5 meters to 15 meters

Where are the Dive Sites at Koh Lan?

Koh Lan offers multiple dive sites, each with unique attractions and marine life:

Koh Lan East: Known for its drift diving opportunities and diverse underwater landscape.
Koh Lan West: This site can be divided into several sub-level dive sites:
- Had Nuan: A popular training ground for PADI Dive Courses, featuring shallow coral reefs.
- South Point: Offers protection from northern winds and features a variety of marine life.
- Saxophone Bay: A long shallow reef with giant starry corals
- Leam Tong: A fantastic site for night dives, known for its multilevel rock shelves and bamboo sharks.
HTMS Mataphon: This Wreck is situated about 800m from Had Nuan Beach at Koh Lan

What Aquatic Life is Common at Koh Lan?

Koh Lan boasts a rich and diverse marine ecosystem, making it a favorite among divers. Common aquatic life includes:

Seahorses: Often seen out over the sand away from the reef during muck dives.
Hawksbill Turtles: Frequently spotted around the reefs.
Giant Starry Puffers: Like to hang around the giant corals and out over the sandy bottoms.
Nudibranch: Colorful and intricate, a delight for macro photographers.
Octopus: Known for their intelligence and camouflage abilities.

Koh Lan The Rings and Leam Tong

Koh Lan’s southernmost point features a unique dive site known as “The Rings.” This site includes six large concrete rings submerged underwater, covered in soft corals and fans. These rings provide a habitat for many reef fish and sea slugs, making it a fascinating spot for divers.

The Rings: Situated about 50 meters from a small concrete platform, these rings are ideal for exploring and spotting diverse marine life.
Leam Tong: Known for its spectacular deep reef, home to many bamboo sharks and even a sunken jet ski. The site’s multilevel rock shelves make it an excellent location for finding sting rays and other marine creatures. In the shallows, blacktip reef sharks can be occasionally seen, adding to the excitement of the dive.

Koh Lan’s combination of protected bays, diverse dive sites, and rich marine life make it a must-visit destination for divers exploring Pattaya’s near islands. Whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, Koh Lan offers an unforgettable underwater adventure.