Rayong Dive Center

Located in the Chankkapong sub-district of Rayong, this centre has been a fixture of the local diving community for more than 30 years. It holds the distinction of being the only PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre (IDC) in the Rayong province, making it a primary hub for professional diver training in the region.

The location is designed for ease of access, with boat departures taking place directly in front of the main office. This allows you to move seamlessly from your accommodation to the water, as the centre also operates its own beachfront facilities featuring garden and sea view rooms.

As an IDC centre, the team is geared towards both recreational training and professional development. They host a range of staff capable of guiding you through everything from your first bubbles to advanced professional certifications.

Local dive leaders guide the excursions, bringing decades of knowledge regarding the specific currents and topography of the Rayong seabed. This local expertise ensures that whether you are a student or an experienced diver, you are navigating the most efficient and safe routes to the best sites.

The training programme is comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI certifications. You can begin with Discover Scuba Diving or the Scuba Diver course and progress through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver.

For those looking to increase their safety and skill levels, the centre offers Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response training. Professional pathways are also a core focus, with courses available for Divemaster and the IDC Staff Instructor programme.

Boat departures are organised directly from the centre's beachfront, meaning you can walk straight from the office to the vessel. The excursions cover a variety of local sites including Koh Samed and Koh Thalu, with the proximity of the sites making for efficient boat trips.

For those looking to extend their bottom time, the centre offers an optional third dive on full-day trips. Nitrox is available for those who require it to manage nitrogen loading during multi-dive days.

The centre provides full equipment hire for divers who prefer not to carry their own kit. This includes all the essentials required for a comfortable day on the water.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their no-decompression limits. For those staying on the property, the centre offers accommodation that includes breakfast, situated on a private beach area.

The reefs are home to a diverse array of fish, including various species of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Parrotfish (Calotomus). You will often see schools of Fusilier (Caesio) and yellowtail fusiliers moving through the water, alongside larger predators like Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and various species of Jack (Carangidae).

In the sandy areas and near the reef edges, look for Southern stingray (Hypanus americanus), blue spot stingrays, and various species of stingrays. You may also encounter Bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium) or small blacktip reef sharks patrolling the bottom.

Macro life enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, including Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of shrimp and crabs. Cuttlefish are also present, particularly during certain seasons.

Large pelagics are a highlight for many, with occasional sightings of Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the wider area. Turtles, including the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), are also part of the local ecosystem.

The marine currents in the Rayong area are generally not strong, which makes the region an excellent choice for students working on their Open Water Diver certification or those looking to conduct refresher dives. The relatively shallow nature of the sea here also facilitates easier learning.

The best time to visit the region is between October and the end of April. It is generally advised to avoid the period from May to September due to the monsoon season.