Lanta Diver

Situated on the island of Koh Lanta, Lanta Diver has been a fixture of the local diving community since 1999. As a PADI 5-Star dive centre, they provide a structured and professional environment for both recreational divers and those pursuing professional careers.

The centre operates out of a small facility within the Pimalai Resort & Spa, offering a streamlined approach to diving. From here, you can access the diverse underwater topography of the Andaman Sea, ranging from shallow coral reefs to deep, vertical walls.

The team is composed of experienced local instructors and guides who are proficient in English, French, Swedish, German, and Thai. This multilingual capability ensures clear communication during briefings and throughout your training.

Safety and personalised attention are central to their operation, with a strict ratio of no more than four divers per guide. This allows for a more controlled experience, whether you are completing your first Discover Scuba Diving session or working through a professional Divemaster programme.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses catering to every stage of a diver's development. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to advance can progress through Advanced Open Water Diver, Deep Diver, and Peak Performance Buoyancy.

For professional divers, Lanta Diver provides training for the Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and Instructor Development Course. They also offer several PADI Specialty courses, including Sidemount, Navigation, AWARE Fish ID, and Search & Recovery. Emergency First Response training is also available on-site.

The centre utilises three boats to reach the various dive sites, including large boats for comfort and speedboats for more rapid access to specific locations. Depending on your chosen itinerary, you will head out to sites like Koh Haa on the larger vessels or reach the Hin Daeng pinnacles via speedboat.

On full-day trips, the boats are well-equipped to look after you. You can expect a Western-style breakfast including eggs, bacon, and toast before departure, followed by a Thai lunch on board. Non-alcoholic drinks, including water, sodas, and electrolytes, are provided throughout the day.

Lanta Diver provides full equipment hire as part of their diving packages, ensuring you have the necessary kit for your excursions. For those looking to extend their bottom time or dive deeper, Enriched Air Nitrox is available.

For guests staying on the west coast, the centre provides pick-up services to transport you directly to the dive centre before your departure.

The Andaman Sea around Koh Lanta is home to a vast array of pelagic species. During the high season, you may encounter Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and Manta ray (Mobula alfredi). Other large species often seen include various sharks, such as the Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata).

The reefs are vibrant with life, including colourful schools of Snappers (Lutjanidae), Barracuda (Sphyraena), and various species of Fusilier (Caesio). You will also find many species of colourful reef fish, such as Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and various species of Grouper (Epinephelus).

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) and various species of shrimp to Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus) and Seahorse (Hippocampus). Other interesting inhabitants include Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and various species of Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae).

Fixed life is abundant, with extensive displays of Soft coral (Alcyonacea), Gorgonian (Gorgonacea), and various sponges providing the backdrop for the dive sites.

Diving conditions in the area vary by site. While many reef locations experience low to moderate currents, the pinnacles at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang can experience moderate to strong currents.

The best period for diving in this region is from November to April. It is important to note that the Koh Lanta marine park is closed for diving and snorkelling annually between 1 July and 31 August.