Ko Lanta Diving Center

Ko Lanta Diving Center operates out of Saladan, providing access to the rich marine biodiversity of the southern Andaman Sea. From their base on Koh Lanta, they run daily trips to some of the region's most significant underwater landscapes, ranging from vibrant reef flats to deep-water walls.

Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are an experienced diver seeking pelagic encounters, the centre is set up to handle a variety of needs. Their operation is centred around a dedicated dive ship, ensuring that the focus remains on the diving and the marine life.

As a PADI Dive Center, the team is structured to maintain high safety standards and personal attention. They operate with a strict guide-to-diver ratio, ensuring that no more than three divers are assigned to a single guide during excursions.

Training is a core part of their identity, offering everything from initial entry-level courses to professional Divemaster programmes. For those looking to refine their skills, they also provide specialised training such as Peak Performance Buoyancy and EFR.

The centre provides a comprehensive range of PADI courses for all levels of experience. Beginners can start with the Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver courses, while those looking to progress can move through the Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver levels.

For divers looking to specialise, the centre offers PADI Nitrox, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and EFR training. Professional paths are also available for those aiming to become a Divemaster.

The ChockSomBoon 1 is a 20-metre dive ship that serves as the centre's primary platform for daily excursions. It can accommodate up to 35 divers across two decks, allowing for a spacious environment even when the boat is at capacity.

Onboard, you will find amenities designed for comfort between dives, including free meals, snacks, and soft drinks. The vessel is fully equipped with safety gear, including emergency oxygen and a defibrillator. Nitrox is available for those who require it, and the boat serves as a base for trips to Koh Haa, Koh Bida, and the deep walls of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

The centre offers a full range of equipment hire for divers who do not wish to carry their own kit. This includes regulators, BCDs, and fins, ensuring you have everything required for your dives in the Andaman Sea.

Safety is prioritised on-site with the availability of emergency oxygen and a defibrillator. For those looking to identify the species they encounter, the centre provides books specifically for identifying tropical marine fish.

The reefs around Koh Lanta are teeming with life, from colourful reef fish to large predators. You can expect to see blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata), and various species of rays and sharks. Large pelagics, including manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), are the highlights for many divers visiting the deeper walls.

The walls and reefs are covered in a rich tapestry of fixed life, including various soft corals (Alcyonacea), sea fans (Gorgoniidae), and large barrel sponges. You will also find many anemones (Actiniaria) and diverse hard corals providing habitat for the local fauna.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe in the smaller corners of the reef. The area is home to various nudibranchs, seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus). Look closely for scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), frogfish (Antennarius), and various species of shrimp and crabs tucked into the reef structure.

Divers should be prepared for varying conditions depending on the site. While many reef sites are accessible to most, the deep-water walls at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are subject to strong currents and significant depths.

It is important to plan according to the specific requirements of the site, especially when targeting pelagic species or diving the deeper wrecks, as current strength can change the nature of the dive.