Koh Phai

Pattaya Far IslandS

Koh Phai Pattaya Far Islands

Learn about Koh Phai Pattaya Far Islands Dive Site

Koh Phai is the largest island in the far island cluster, located near Koh Klung Badan, Koh Luaem, and Koh Man Whichai. This island offers some of the best diving opportunities in Pattaya, with its well-protected dive sites that cater to divers of all levels. Location: Far Island Cluster, Pattaya Depth: Max 18 meters, Min 3 meters – Average 10 meters Type of Site: Shallow coral reef, sandy bay, and drop-offs with a mix of hard and soft corals Level: Suitable for all levels, from Discover Scuba Diving programs to PADI Open Water Courses Conditions: Generally calm, with the option to dive in the West or South bays depending on the prevailing winds. Current can be mild to moderate. Average Visibility: 10 to 20 meters

Where are the Dive Sites at Koh Phai?

Koh Phai offers multiple dive sites, including:

Koh Phai West: A fantastic shallow coral dive site, ideal for beginners and those looking to explore vibrant coral gardens. It is also the closest dive site to the nearby wreck dive site HTMS Khram.
Koh Phai South: Starting at a shallow 4 meters, this site gradually drops off as you head toward the South West point. Divers can follow the coral line or navigate deeper along a curving sandbar, showcasing stunning soft and hard corals.
HTMS Khram: This WW2 Wreck is situated right in front of Koh Phai

There are additional diving areas around Koh Phai, but access to these is less frequent due to varying conditions and naval restrictions.

What Aquatic Life is Common at Koh Phai?

Koh Phai’s diverse marine life makes it a captivating destination for divers. Commonly spotted species include:

Giant Clam Shells: Found in the sandy bay, these fascinating bivalves are a highlight for divers.
Blue Spotted Sting Rays: These rays love the local reef areas here at Koh Phai
Gray Sting Rays: Frequently seen gliding gracefully over the sandy bottom.
Various Coral Species: Both hard and soft corals, creating a rich and colorful underwater landscape.

Koh Phai’s dive sites offer a blend of stunning coral formations and a variety of marine life, making it an excellent destination for underwater exploration.

Koh Phai's Muck Diving Highlights: Sting Rays, Seahorses, and Nudibranchs

Koh Phai features two vast sandy bays that are excellent for muck diving. These bays provide a perfect environment for exploring and discovering rare and fascinating macro species. If you enjoy the thrill of finding hidden marine treasures, Koh Phai offers a rewarding experience where you can expect to find:

Seahorses: Often seen among the corals, these delicate and captivating creatures are a highlight for divers. Their graceful movements and unique appearance make them a delight to spot.

Nudibranchs: Known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, nudibranchs are a favorite among macro photographers. Their presence adds a splash of color to the sandy bottom and makes for exciting underwater photography opportunities.

Octopus: These intelligent and elusive creatures are masters of camouflage and can often be found hiding among the rocks and sand. Observing an octopus can be a thrilling experience as they display their fascinating behaviors and rapid color changes.

The sandy bays at Koh Phai are a treasure trove for divers interested in muck diving and macro photography. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a novice, the chance to encounter these remarkable marine species makes Koh Phai a must-visit destination in Pattaya.