On the 4th of May 1997, the King Cruiser, a 85 meter car ferry operating from Phuket to Phi Phi, ran aground on a reef and the impact tore a large hole in the vessel’s hull. ( Can you believe this happened whilst the crew was watching Titanic )(OK, I made the last bit up.)

The vessel took only 17 minutes to sink and fortunately it settled in an upright position. now lying on the seabed in 30 meters of water. Thankfully all 561 passengers on board at the time were rescued and taken to safety.

Wow! is all I can say. I have dived here for over four years and today was my first time diving the King Cruiser Wreck. ( Normally I am the unlucky one teaching in the swimming pool or having a day off when the boat goes there). Today though I was very lucky.

We had gone out to do 3 dives during this day. King Cruiser, Shark Point, and returning home, Koh Bida Nok. I was lucky enough to have a fun dive on the Wreck as my customers only wanted to do 2 dives. ( When they saw the videos I took they were really gutted). I decided to take my camera as I was diving with my friends Olivia and Vera. Hope you enjoy them.

When going down the buoy line we could not see the top of the boat, excitement and anticipation were mounting. When you finally come atop the wreck the first sight you see is 3 toilets which brought a smile to my face.

The wreck now is classed as impenetrable as the middle is unsafe but Just swimming around at 20mtrs was an awesome experience, I think it’s the size of the ship that impressed me the most which you only really got a feel for when you spotted divers coming past you near the bow and the captain’s cabin.

Also you have quite eerie feelings when recognizing where people once walked and worked on the vessel, now a decade gone by.

Lion fish, snappers, turtles, trevally and on one side of the boat maybe 20 nudibranchs all together where spotted by me.

This dive site is also frequented by the Lanta Liveaboard on its 4 day trips. On the 2nd Day you can dive: King Cruiser, Shark Point, Anemone Reef, Hin Bida / 3 Day dives & 1 Sunset dive.

Sign me up for the next trip is all I can say – but watch out for that rock Captain!!!