Thailand’s Pimalai Resort & Spa offers group and private charters to fascinating dive locations and shipwrecks in Koh Lanta for beginner and advanced divers.
Koh Lanta, in the South Andaman Sea, provides access to numerous dive sites year-round with PADI-accredited Lanta Diver which operates Pimalai’s Dive Centre. Guests have the option of the Lanta Diver boat pick-up from Pimalai’s beachfront subject to weather, tide and wave levels from November 2024 to April 2025.
The most popular location for snorkelling and diving at all levels is Koh Haa. For open water divers, Koh Haa and Koh Bida are recommended whilst, for advanced divers, Hing Daeng/Hing Muang is the preferred location.
From 1 July to 31 August 2024, Koh Lanta Marine Park is closed by Thai National Parks for annual marine conservation. However, during this period, dives are offered at Bida islands, Phi Phi islands and shipwrecks – Kled Kaew and Koh – all accessible year-round subject to weather conditions.
When Koh Lanta Marine Park reopens on 1 September 2024, additional diving will be available at Koh Haa, Hin Daeng/Hin Muang and Koh Rok.
Koh Haa is famous for the Cathedral where divers can explore two large caverns and stunning coral walls and mingle with schooling fish and unusual aquatic life. A beautiful lagoon provides a protected area for diving and snorkelling and is suitable for all levels and ages.
Hin Daeng/Hin Muang (Red Rock/Purple Rock) is probably the most famous and spectacular site accessible from Koh Lanta as a day trip recommended for advanced divers who have dived recently. These giant pinnacles offer dramatic underwater scenery, with steep walls covered in soft red and purple corals, dropping down to 60 metres as Giant Manta Rays and Whale Sharks glide past.
The Koh Rok islands feature soft white sandy beaches and lush trees combined with clear waters and are suitable for all dive levels. Marine life includes schools of Snapper, Moray eels, Powder blue surgeon fish, Clownfish (Nemo) and Turtles.
Koh Bida Nok/Nai and Hin Bida are in the Phi Phi National Marine Park which is easily accessible from Koh Lanta. The Bida islands offer diving with pelagic fish surrounding the reefs, which are often seen hunting the smaller glassfish, and for spotting sharks including Black Tips and Leopard Sharks. 
The Koh Maa shipwreck park, designed to promote conservation and environmental awareness and encourage existing ecosystems, currently offers diving to 11 purposely sunk ships whilst at another location, Kled Keow, a former Thailand Navy support vessel, also presents a fascinating spectacle. Divers are encouraged to observe how nature begins to engulf everything in its path in and around the vessels with baby corals and schools of fish establishing themselves where once there was nothing.
Pimalai Resort & Spa is offering Early Bird
The Unique Tourism Collection represents Pimalai Resort & Spa in Australia and New Zealand.
Contact Svetlana Jovanovic svetlana@uniquetourism.com or www.pimalai.com.
