Thai Ocean Academy Pattaya: Scuba Dive Pattaya

Thai Ocean Academy Pattaya serves as a dedicated hub for divers in the Chonburi region, offering access to a variety of underwater environments ranging from shallow reef flats to significant wreck sites. The centre is built on a foundation of marine education and conservation, maintaining a particular interest in the study of local ecosystems.

Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are progressing through technical stages, the academy provides a structured environment for growth. Their operations are centred around daily departures to local sites, ensuring consistent access to the area's diverse marine life throughout the year.

The centre operates as a RAID affiliated training facility, providing a clear progression path for divers moving from recreational levels into technical disciplines. The instruction covers everything from basic skills to professional development, including Divemaster and Instructor training programmes.

The team is focused on marine preservation, integrating conservation awareness into their diving culture. They are specifically involved in research regarding the Neptune's Cup sponge (Cliona patera), reflecting a deeper commitment to the local seabed than a standard dive shop.

The training curriculum is extensive, following the RAID syllabus to cover a wide spectrum of diving expertise. Beginners can start with the RAID Open Water 20, while those looking to advance can pursue the Explorer 30 Advanced Course, the RAID Advanced 35 Dive Training, or the Deep Diver 40m qualification.

For technical divers, the centre offers highly specialised training, including RAID Sidemount Diver, Wreck Diver, and various decompression courses. This includes Nitrox Plus Decompression Training (40m), RAID Full Decompression Diver (45m), and advanced modules such as the RAID Advanced Decompression Diver (50m) and the Normoxic Decompression Diver (60m). Professional tracks are also available through the Dive Master and Instructor Training Programmes.

The academy operates two custom-built dive boats designed with environmental impact in mind, featuring solar panels to assist with power. These vessels are equipped to handle different group sizes, with one boat accommodating up to 40 divers and the smaller vessel holding up to 20.

On board, you will find practical amenities including Western-style toilets and multiple outdoor showers, as well as private indoor showers for after your dives. For full-day trips, the boats provide a hot lunch between sites, supplemented by snacks, fruit, and a selection of hot and cold drinks. Nitrox is available on board for those using enriched air.

The reefs around Koh Larn and Koh Phai are home to diverse coral gardens and various reef species. You can regularly observe clownfish, seahorses, and bamboo sharks among the structures.

For those interested in macro life, the area hosts interesting species such as the Neptune's Cup sponge (Cliona patera). Divers may also encounter barracuda patrolling the water column.

In the deeper or more open sections of the sites, larger marine life such as barracuda can be seen, providing a sense of scale to the reef ecosystems.

Diving in this region is possible year-round. The waters are generally calm, with low currents reported around the Koh Larn and Koh Sak areas, making them suitable for a wide range of experience levels.

Seasonal shifts in the area are minimal, though divers should always be prepared for the typical conditions of the Gulf of Thailand. The environment is characterised by stable conditions that allow for consistent daily boat departures.