Diving Koh Lanta
Diving Koh Lanta
Diving Koh Lanta. Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the water! You discover Koh Phi Phi, a nearby island with over 30 dives, just an hour away from Koh Lanta by speed boat. The variety of the dives around this island is staggering.
Starting with the impressive cliffs that loom above you while diving the Bidah Islands, a small grouping just south of Phi Phi Ley. It teems with marine and reef life- it’s a singular dive that’s likely to include leopard shark sightings.
Shark Point
Diving Koh Lanta
Speaking of sharks, between Phuket and Phi Phi, lays a group of underwater pinnacles called Shark Point because of the common sight of leopard sharks lulling in the depths of this 25 meter dive. It’s a particularly populated site, lavish with soft corals, and fishes too copious to list.
Not far from Shark Point is a shallow pinnacle – Anemone Reef, justifiably named as it’s completely covered in anemones. It also hosts a variety of moray eels, the elusive ghost pipe fish, and enchanting seahorses.
Wreck Diving
Phi Phi even has a wreck dive! In 1997, a passenger ship sunk near Shark Point and is now a compelling natural reef. The ship was 85 meters long by 35 meters wide; there are four decks with large walkways and windows.
Peer through the portholes to watch the residents unawares; it shelters huge schools of pufferfish, batfish and snapper. But be careful, the wreck is crawling with scorpion and lion fish. It is also home to a large sea turtle, which you may glimpse in his assents for air. This wreck dive is over 30 meters deep and has strong currents; you will need sufficient experience to attempt it. But what a perfect goal for beginners, to someday dive the intriguing wreck at Phi Phi!
Diving Koh Lanta
What could possible make these wonderful dive experiences more rewarding? Giving back. If you are planning to live in or visit Thailand frequently and to continue to enjoy the oceans gifts, consider volunteering for Thailand’s marine conservation project which accepts volunteers for their program in Koh Tao.
“Coral Reefs cover less than 2% of the ocean floor but support 25% of all marine life. They are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth, but also one of the most threatened. Research is the only way to get a true idea of what the problems are and what needs to be done to alleviate them.” © Personal Overseas Development Ltd 2013.
Diving Koh Lanta
The program based on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, is where you would reside for the duration of your commitment. There are one to twelve weeks programs with fees that vary according to your diving skills. Is there a better way to learn to dive?!
As a beginner, the program offers SSI Open Water and Advanced Adventurer certification (dive standard equivalent to PADI program). You will then work with marine biologists in a wide range of vital tasks: surveying reefs for health and monitoring delicate species such as seahorses and crown of thorns starfish. You will also perform less glamorous but just as important jobs like beach and reef cleanups and partake in some highly rewarding programs like the sea turtle head start and release events. Return to Koh Lanta with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, having contributed to the health and up keep of one of the world’s greatest treasures.
