Koh Lanta, situated on the western coastline of the Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand is without a doubt a beautiful, laid back Island. Like many other destinations in the Krabi Province it is now getting recognized for its spectacular scuba diving. It really is one of Thailands best dive destinations.
Octopus on the move at Hin Daeng
Koh Lanta’s main dive sites include Koh Ha with its usually amazing visibility, caves to explore and an impresive variety of marine life including Ghostpipefish, Harlequin Shrimps and Nudibranch.
Koh Bida and the Phi Phi Islands where normally you will find a Leopard Shark, Seahorse, Turtles and Cuttlefish.
King Cruiser Ship Wreck which has created a great artificial reef. But most people travel to the Island to dive two of the best dive sites in Thailand, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. On these two dive sites if your lucky you will be able to witness one or two Manta Rays being cleaned and if your really lucky the occasional whale shark may even be passing.
Manta Ray at Hin Muang
There are several ways you can visit Koh Lanta’s Dive sites.
Day trips which do 2 dives a day. ( 3 dives can be done on request ) Choose from relaxing and enjoying the day on a comfortable Slow Boat which normally takes around 2 hours to the dive sites or choose a Speedboat and get to the dive sites in 30-45 minutes. The best way to visit the many dive sites and also save money is by doing a 3 day dive package.
Koh Lanta also has a Liveaboard. The M.V Flying Seahorse visiting the best Lanta has to offer with a 2 day 1 night trip with 6 dives and a 4 day and 3 night trip which includes 14 dives. These trips are especailly good for night dive enthusiasts and people who want to take it easy.
They also specialise in 5 day Liveaboard trips leaving from Koh Lanta which take in the impressive Similan Islands so you can visit the best the Andaman Sea has to offer. With all the staff diving around Koh Lanta and The Similans for many years you will always be shown a few special secrets.
For the true romantics and people who like adventure take a Sailing boat trip to the dive site. These trips can be tailor made and can include a 2 day 1 night dive experience. With up to 4 persons this trip is the ultimate in personal experiences.
Leopard Shark swimming at Hin Bida
Koh Lanta’s dive season is open all year round!
October and November is when the tourism on Lanta picks up. If you dive in these couple of months expect empty dive sites but also as its coming out of the monsoon season you may have some rain.
December and January is peak season on Lanta. Expect the boats and dive sites to be very busy especially around Christmas and New Year. Booking trips in advance is strongly recommended.
February to May is the best time to come to Koh Lanta for diving. The weather will be good, the seas should be flat and the dive conditions perfect. In April the tourism slows down so the dive sites will be quiet and in May your nearly gauranteed to be the only dive boat at Koh Ha and Hin Daeng.
June to September with the wind changing directions and unpredictable weather the dive shops do not go to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. They stay around Koh Ha and Koh Phi Phi. Also if the weather is not suitable the trip will be postponed until the next day.
Swimming with a Turtle is an awesome thrill! This video was taken at the Koh Bida Islands.
Don’t miss out on the fun!
If you have not tried diving before Koh Lanta is the perfect place to Learn Scuba Diving. If you take an Open Water Course which normally takes between 3 and 4 days after completion you will get a full Padi diver certification. With a nice relaxed pace to the course and some of the best dive sites in Thailand you are guaranteed an amazing and unforgettable experience.
If you do not have enough time then you can undertake a one day Discover Scuba Diving trip. On these trips you will get a short introduction to diving followed by 2 dives. This one day trip does not give you a diving certification tho.
If you can already dive why not continue your education. Koh Lanta is the perfect place to gain more experience and dive knowledge with the Advanced Open Water Course, Rescue Diver or Divemaster courses all being available.
Diving is for all the family – if you have children 10 years and over they can also complete the Open Water Course but as a Junior Open Water Diver or enjoy the Discover Scuba Diver one day trip.
If you really don’t fancy diving but would love to view the wonders of the sea then you could join the speedboat or the big slow boat as a snorkeler. Everybody is welcome so don’t miss out on the fun!
Dive Insurance For Koh Lanta
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities including scuba diving, as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
If you are travelling to Koh Lanta please check out our page on How to get to Koh Lanta. We can help you organise fast boat transfers or minivan transfers.
