Pattaya Dive Centre

Located on the main beach road in Pattaya, this centre is a mainstay of the local diving community. It is the only centre in the area to have maintained the same ownership and location for over two decades, offering a sense of continuity and stability for both transient divers and those looking for long-term training.

The centre is ideally positioned for those travelling from Bangkok, providing easy access to the diverse marine environments of the Gulf. Whether you are looking to explore the artificial reefs of the Samae San Marine Park or the deeper wrecks nearby, the operation is built around a fleet of three custom-designed boats.

As a PADI 5 Star IDC centre, the facility is equipped to handle everything from entry-level Discover Scuba Diving to professional-level Instructor Development Courses. The team is English-speaking, ensuring clear communication during both recreational dives and technical training sessions.

The centre is also actively involved in local marine conservation projects, reflecting a commitment to the underwater environments they explore. This professional approach extends to their training programmes, which range from PADI Bubble Maker for children to the highest levels of PADI professional certifications.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering the entire PADI spectrum. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the PADI Open Water Diver course, while those looking to progress can undertake the PADI Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver, and Master Scuba Diver programmes.

For professional aspirants, the centre is a significant training hub, offering Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Instructor Development Courses (IDC). They also provide specialised technical training, including PADI Tec 40, 45, and 50, as well as Tec Trimix 65 and 90, alongside Sidemount and Self Reliant Diver courses.

The centre operates three custom-designed dive boats, specifically built to facilitate daily excursions to nearby islands and wreck sites. These vessels serve as the base for day trips, including night dives and excursions to the Samae San Marine Park.

On full-day trips, the boats are equipped to provide lunch, which includes Thai, Western, and vegetarian options, along with snacks and water. Nitrox is available for divers who require it for their excursions.

A full range of rental equipment is available on-site for divers who do not wish to carry their own kit. This includes everything needed for a complete dive, though divers should note that dive computers and underwater torches are available as additional daily rentals.

The centre is well-equipped for technical diving, offering support for rebreather users and providing Trimix and Nitrox capabilities. For those looking to enhance their underwater photography, camera and photographer services can be arranged.

The marine life in this region is diverse, with rocky pinnacles and reefs hosting large schools of yellowtail fusiliers (Caesio), jacks (Carangidae), and barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda). You will often encounter various species of turtles (Cheloniidae), including hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and reef sharks (Carcharhinus) patrolling the deeper sections.

On the sandy bottoms and near the reefs, look for Southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus), blue spotted stingrays, and bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium). Larger pelagics like whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) may be seen during their seasonal migrations.

The reef structures themselves are vibrant, featuring a wide array of hard and soft corals, whip corals, sea fans, and anemone gardens. These habitats support a variety of colourful fish, such as angelfish (Pomacanthidae), butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and lionfish.

For macro enthusiasts, the sites offer plenty of smaller treasures, including nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), shrimp (Caridea), and various species of crabs (Brachyura). You can also find moray eels (Muraenidae), stonefish, and various species of pufferfish (Arothron hispidus) amongst the coral crevices.

Diving conditions vary depending on the specific site chosen. While many reef sites like Koh Sak are well-protected from prevailing winds, certain areas around the caps of islands or specific wreck sites can experience strong currents.

Visibility fluctuates between 5 and 30 metres depending on the location and seasonal conditions. The water temperature remains warm throughout the year, typically starting at 28°C.