Koh Man Wichai

Pattaya FAR Islands

Koh Man Wichai Pattaya Far Islands

Learn about Koh Man Wichai Pattaya Far Islands Dive Site

Koh Man Wichai is a small, long, finger-shaped island located in the Pattaya far island cluster, just north of Koh Rin. It offers some of the best diving conditions in the region, with calm and clear waters for most of the year.

Location: North of Koh Rin in the Pattaya far island cluster
Depth: Max 22 meters, Min 5 meters – Average 14 meters
Type of site: Rocky formations with coral reefs, walls, and drop-offs
Level: Suitable for all diver certifications
Conditions: Calm and clear waters, especially on the southern tip; some exposure to winds on the eastern and southwestern points
Average Visibility: 10 meters to 30 meters

Where are the dive sites at Koh Man Wichai?

Koh Man Wichai is referenced into three main dive sites, all part of the general main dive site area:

Koh Man Wichai Fingers: Rocky formations extending from the island like “fingers,” creating gorges teeming with sea life.
Koh Man Wichai Wall: A dramatic wall dive area with hard corals and vibrant marine life.
Koh Man Wichai Bay: A more tranquil area suitable for beginners and exploration.

What Aquatic Life is Common at Koh Man Wichai?

Koh Man Wichai hosts a rich variety of marine life, including:

Hawksbill Turtles: Frequently spotted throughout the dive sites.
Sting Rays: Often found in the sandy patches between rock formations.
Nudibranchs: Colorful and abundant, adding vibrant hues to the underwater scenery.
Sharks: Including Bamboo Sharks and occasional sightings of Blacktips.
Groupers and Lion Fish: Commonly found around the rocky areas.
Puffer Fish and Barracuda: Juvenile yellowtails and solitary fully grown great barracudas are a common sight.
Snappers, Damsels, and Fusiliers: Abundant in the waters around the island.
Jack Fish: Often seen patrolling the reef.

Highlights: The Fingers and The Wall

The standout features of Koh Man Wichai are the Fingers and the Wall:

The Fingers: This area is characterized by rocky formations that extend from the island like fingers, creating small valleys and mounts. These formations are covered in soft corals, sea whips, and hard corals, making it a dive in itself. The sandy patches between the fingers are great for finding macro life such as shrimps, nudibranchs, and small fish.
The Wall: The Wall area is located to the left side of the rocky cove where dives usually begin. It features a dramatic wall that extends to about 14 meters deep and rises above the surface. The wall is adorned with vibrant corals and sea fans, creating an epic atmosphere where shafts of light illuminate the underwater scene. This is a hot spot for turtles and nudibranchs, making it a must-see for divers.