Koh Chang offers a wide selection of dive centers that will give you an unforgettable underwater experience. Here is an overview of the best of them:

1. Koh Chang Divers Co Ltd. This dive center enjoys an excellent reputation among divers from around the world. With an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5, Koh Chang Divers Co Ltd stands out for the professionalism and dedication of its instructors. Customers especially praise instructor Sean for his unique approach and ability to create memorable experiences. The center offers both courses for beginners and advanced dives for experienced divers. An added bonus is the modern and well-maintained equipment and the tasty lunches served on the boat between dives.

2nd Chang Diving Center This is another highly regarded dive center on the island, with a rating of 4.8. Chang Diving Center is known for its professional approach and friendly atmosphere. Instructors such as Andi are praised for their patience and ability to impart knowledge. The center offers a variety of courses, including specializations such as deep or wreck diving. Divers emphasize that the dive sites chosen by Chang Diving Center are characterized by beautiful coral life and a small number of divers, providing a more intimate experience.

3 Thai Ocean Academy Koh Chang With a full 5-star rating, Thai Ocean Academy stands out from the competition. Customers praise instructors like Trent for their professionalism, patience and ability to create a safe environment for divers of all levels. The center offers courses ranging from basic Open Water Diver to advanced specializations. Another advantage is the friendly, family atmosphere and individual approach to each client.

4th Local Divers Koh Chang This dive center, also with a 5-star rating, stands out for its personal approach and professionalism. Instructors such as Tea and Carmen are praised for their hospitality, patience and ability to adapt to each diver's needs. Local Divers offers both beginner and advanced diving courses. Customers emphasize that they feel like guests and not just 'reservations,' which creates a unique atmosphere during dives.

When choosing a dive center on Koh Chang, there are several key aspects to consider:

• The experience and qualifications of the instructors
• The condition and quality of the equipment
• Reviews from other divers
• Courses and specializations offered
• Approach to safety
• Atmosphere and individual approach to clients

All the dive centers listed meet these criteria to a high standard, offering a safe and memorable diving experience on Koh Chang. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, you'll find professional care and the opportunity to discover the beauty of this Thai island's underwater world.

Koh Chang offers divers a number of fascinating sites for exploring the underwater world. Here is an overview of the most interesting locations:

1. HTMS Chang Wreck Without a doubt, the most famous and exciting dive site on Koh Chang is the HTMS Chang shipwreck. This 100-meter-long warship was deliberately sunk in 2012 to create an artificial reef. Today it is a vibrant underwater city, attracting divers from all over the world.

Characteristics:

• Depth: from 5 to 30 meters
• Visibility: usually good, often exceeds 20 meters
• Marine life: huge variety, including bat fish, barracuda, sea turtles and sometimes even whale sharks

The HTMS Chang wreck is accessible to divers of all experience levels. Beginners can explore the upper decks, while more advanced divers can venture deeper, exploring the interior of the wreck. This site offers an unforgettable experience and the opportunity for spectacular underwater photos.

2 Koh Rang Marine Park Koh Rang Marine Park is a protected area that offers some of the most beautiful dive sites in the region. It is characterized by crystal clear waters and abundant marine life.

The best dive sites in the park:

• Hin Luk Bat: known for its huge coral formations and schools of colorful fish
• Hin Raab: popular with underwater photographers for its variety of small sea creatures
• Koh Yak: an ideal place to observe sea turtles and reef sharks

3. Blueberry Hill This dive site is famous for its amazing rock formations and abundant marine life. It is an ideal location for both beginners and advanced divers.

Characteristics:

• Depth: from 5 to 18 meters
• Visibility: usually very good
• Marine life: schools of fish, cleaning shrimp, moray eels and sometimes even bamboo sharks

4. Hin Rap Hin Rap is an underwater mountain that attracts divers with its unique topography and rich marine life.

Characteristics:

• Depth: from 12 to 25 meters
• Visibility: variable, but often excellent
• Marine life: huge schools of fish, stingrays, sometimes reef sharks are encountered here

Comparison of dive sites:

• Accessibility: HTMS Chang is the most accessible, being close to the main resorts on Koh Chang. Koh Rang Marine Park requires a longer boat trip, but offers a more pristine environment.
• Level of difficulty: The HTMS Chang Wreck and some sites in Koh Rang Marine Park are more suitable for advanced divers, while Blueberry Hill is ideal for beginners.
• Marine life: All sites offer a wealth of marine life, but Koh Rang Marine Park stands out for having the greatest variety of species.
• Visibility: Generally, the best visibility is found at Koh Rang Marine Park, although this can vary depending on the season and weather conditions.

Regardless of the site you choose, diving on Koh Chang offers an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to interact with a fascinating underwater world. Remember to always dive with a certified dive center and follow safety and environmental rules.

To fully enjoy diving on Koh Chang and ensure a safe and memorable experience, there are a few practical tips to consider:

1. the best time to dive Diving on Koh Chang is possible all year round, but the best conditions are from November to May. During this period, the sea is calmer and underwater visibility is best. However, it is worth remembering that dive sites can be more crowded during the peak season (December-February).

2 Choosing a dive center As mentioned earlier, there are several reputable dive centers on the island. When choosing one, it is worth noting:

• Koh Chang Divers Co Ltd: Known for their professionalism and excellent customer service.
• Chang Diving Center: They offer great specialized courses, especially wreck diving.
• Thai Ocean Academy Koh Chang: An excellent choice for beginners, known for their patient approach.
• Local Divers Koh Chang: They stand out for their personal approach and family atmosphere.

3. courses and certifications If you don't already have a diving certification, Koh Chang is a great place to get one. Most centers offer PADI or SSI courses at various levels. Popular options include:

• Discover Scuba Diving: a one-day course for beginners
• Open Water Diver: a basic certification course
• Advanced Open Water: for those who want to develop their skills

4 Safety. Safety should always be a priority. Make sure the dive center you choose adheres to all safety standards. Always dive as a pair and do not exceed your limits. Before diving, inform your instructor of your level of experience and any concerns you may have.

5 Environmental protection The underwater world of Koh Chang is fragile and needs to be protected. Follow the rules for responsible diving:

• Do not touch or pick up anything underwater
• Avoid contact with coral reefs
• Do not feed the fish
• Pick up any trash you find

6 Equipment Most dive centers on Koh Chang offer quality equipment for rent. If you have your own equipment, it's a good idea to bring it, especially a mask, fins and a wetsuit. The water temperature ranges from 27°C to 30°C, so a thin foam (3mm) should suffice.

7 Insurance Make sure you have adequate dive insurance before you leave. Many standard travel policies do not cover diving, especially at greater depths.

8 Acclimatization Give yourself time to acclimatize before diving, especially if you have flown in from far away. Avoid diving on arrival day and make sure you are well hydrated.

9. underwater photography If you plan to take photos underwater, consider renting or purchasing a waterproof camera or housing. Many dive centers also offer GoPro or similar camera rentals.

10 Learn about local marine life Before diving, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local marine life. This will help you identify species underwater and enhance your enjoyment of diving. Many dive centers offer evening presentations on local flora and fauna.

Diving on Koh Chang is an unforgettable experience that allows you to discover the beauty of the Gulf of Thailand's underwater world. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, the island offers fascinating dive sites and professional centers to ensure you have a safe and exciting underwater adventure. Remember to always follow safety and environmental rules so that future generations can enjoy the beauty of Koh Chang's coral reefs.