ME Diving Khaolak Co Ltd

ME Diving Khao Lak has been a fixture of the local diving community since 1996. Managed by Maew and Ernst, the centre was a pioneer in organising daily excursions from Khao Lak, providing reliable access to the most celebrated dive sites in the Andaman Sea.

Located in Taknapa, directly opposite the Bang Niang 7/11 market, the centre serves as a base for divers heading to the Surin Sea. From here, you can reach the granite boulders of the Similan Islands and the vibrant pinnacle of Richelieu Rock via organised speedboat transfers.

The centre is affiliated with SSI and is run by an experienced team that has been operating in the area for nearly three decades. The staff focuses on maintaining a professional yet relaxed atmosphere for both beginners and certified divers.

Instruction is available in English and German, ensuring clear communication during briefings and training sessions. The team is well-versed in the local conditions and the specific requirements of the various reefs and pinnacles in the region.

A full range of SSI training is available, starting from Try Scuba for those new to the water through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications. The centre also offers Refresher courses to help you get back into your buoyancy and skills.

For those looking to specialise, the curriculum includes Deep Diving, Navigation, Wreck, and Perfect Buoyancy. You can also take specific courses in Computer Diving, Search & Recovery, and biological studies such as Coral Identification and Fish Identification.

The centre operates speedboats for daily excursions to the offshore islands. These vessels are equipped with a sunshade to provide cover during the journey and offer snacks, fruit, and local pastries on board.

You can also enjoy spiced tea during the trips, and for those on the larger boats, a freshwater shower is available. Nitrox is provided on board for those who require it.

The reefs are home to a variety of large species, including reef sharks, turtles, and various snappers. You will frequently see fusiliers and trevallies moving in large groups through the water column.

At sites like Koh Bon, you may encounter larger pelagics such as manta rays and eagle rays. The open water and ridges are also known for the presence of barracudas.

On the sandy patches near the Similan Islands, leopard sharks can often be found resting. The surrounding reefs are also populated by glass fish and various species of snapper.

Conditions in the Andaman Sea can vary significantly depending on the site. Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai are known for having strong currents, which can make these sites more challenging for less experienced divers.

Other sites, such as Koh Bon and the Similan Islands, typically experience moderate currents. Divers should always be prepared for the movement of the water when planning their dives.