Koh Chang diving is a busy and vibrant scuba scene with many different sites, good well-run dive companies, competitive pricing and plenty to see, including the wreck, HTMS Chang.
The diving runs throughout the year, but the best time is from November through to May when the seas are calmest and visibility is usually very good, 10 metres at least but often more. Koh Chang’s lack of strong currents or great depths make it a great place to learn to dive or to refresh your skills.
Sites | Wreck Diving | Guide Prices | Companies
Dive Sites – Koh Chang Diving
The principal dive sites are the rocky formations of Hin Luk Bat, Hin Rap, Hin Nam Tai (Blueberry Hill), Hin Rua Tek (Banana Rock), Saam Sao Hin, Hin Rap North which all lie 3 to 5 kilometres south and south west of Koh Chang.
Down in Marine Park itself at Koh Rang, the sites and reefs include The Pinnacles (Hin Daeng Ga), Koh Yak and Koh Laun, Koh Thain West and Kuak Hin Ma (3 Finger Reef).
Depths range from 8 to 30 metres with the usual dive time at 1 hour.
Staghorn, Christmas Tree, Table, Gorgonian Fans and Soft coral are found across the sites, with fish, often seen in large shoals, ranging from Moray Eels, Groupers, Trigger, Barracuda, Angel, Clown, Porcupine to Stingrays, with plenty of Nudibranches and Sponges, Sea Turtles and the odd Whale Shark.
For a detailed guide to all the dive sites, please do have a look here at BB Divers round-up.
Wreck Diving
HTMS Chang, sunk in November 2012 around 5km off the coast of the island, is, at 100 metres, the largest diving wreck in Thailand. It sits upright in 30 metres of water, with the main deck at 20 metres.
It is suitable for all qualified divers, with Open Water able to dive around the tower, the captain’s cabin, above deck and the gun turrets, whilst Advanced can go deeper with some very good swim-throughs.
All the companies offer Nitrox and wreck speciality courses.
Guide Prices – Koh Chang Diving
Prices are consistent across the companies with little aggressive undercutting but companies do offer deals on courses, multiple days of diving, groups and accommodation and prices might go down a little at the end of the main tourist season or during the rainy season.
Prices also vary slightly on location, with dives more expensive down at the Marine Park in Koh Rang, simply because it is further. Pool dives are used for instruction as needed during the courses.
| Course | Guide Rates per person (in Thai Baht) |
|---|---|
| DSD – 2 boat dives (Discover Scuba Diving) DSD - 1 beach dive Bubblemaker (8 to 10 years) - 1 beach dive | 4,500bt to 6,000bt 3,000bt 3,000bt |
| Scuba Diver – 2 days, 2 boat dives Accredited to 12m only, not PADI | 11,000bt to 12,000bt |
| Open Water – 3 to 4 days, 4 boat dives PADI qualified, 18m | 14,500bt to 15,500bt Add 1,000bt for Android Touch |
| Advanced Open Water – 2 days, 5 dives | 13,500bt to 14,500bt |
| Fun Dives (2 dives) (PADI qualified) Dive Packages (6 dives) Night Dive Extra Dive | 3,300bt to 3,500bt 7,500bt to 8,500bt 1,000bt to 2,500bt 1,000bt |
| PADI Tune-Up Scuba Review PADI Referral | 1,000bt (start of day) 3,000bt 2,000bt |
| Freediving (1 day) No Guide With Guide With Instructor Freediving (2 days) Advanced (2 days) | 1,000bt 2,500bt 3,500bt 10,000bt 10,000bt |
| Snorkeling (Koh Rang or at dive site off Koh Chang) | 1,000bt |
| Marine Park Tax at Koh Rang (Adult/Child) | Divers: 400bt/200bt Snorkelers: 200bt/100bt |
Dive Schools – Koh Chang Diving
BB Divers
Shops in White Sand Beach and Bang Bao
Owned by Belgian, Kristel, senior Koh Chang dive shop with 20+ years experience. Wooden boats, pool in Lonely Beach, professional staff, well-maintained equipment, cited as benchmark company. 5 Star PADI IDC, wreck diving. Now also based at Cliff Cottage.
Koh Chang Divers
Shop in Bang Bao
Run by an experienced UK diver, 12 years+ on Koh Chang, small company offering friendly, personable service. All courses taught, fun dives, DAN, wreck diving, reef check and kids programs. Charter own local boats according to daily requirements.
Chang Diving Center
Shop in north Klong Prao
PADI 5 Star Dive Resort center, Dutch owned popular school which teaches all courses, wreck diving. Have their own boats, well maintained equipment, Nitrox compressor, air testing.
Dolphin Divers
Shop in south Klong Prao
10 years+ on Koh Chang, Swiss owned company which uses a speedboat. All courses taught, fun dives and accommodation offered for duration of courses, with 5 star PADI Dive Resort accreditation. additional branches in KC Grande, Paradise Resort. Gym in Kai Bae.
Scuba Squad
Shop in Bang Bao
PADI courses from beginner to advanced, fun dives and packages, wreck diving, night diving scooter diving. Have their own boat, well maintained equipment, Nitrox, air testing, DAN Insurance. Teach in both German and English.
Thai Ocean Academy also has a centre at Bang Bao in Koh Chang for diving on request. The company operates from Bangkok – contact them here.
Dive Supply, just along from Suvarnabhumi Burapa Bus office at the southern end of White Sand Beach, has all the equipment needed, well stocked with the top brand names.
UPDATED June 24
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