Wreck diving in Koh Tao offers an experience unlike any other on Thailand’s diving island. With three military wrecks now resting on the seabed, Koh Tao has established itself as one of the best wreck diving destinations in the Gulf of Thailand. The HTMS Sattakut — a World War II veteran scuttled in 2011 — and its two newer companions, the HTMS Suphairin and HTMS Hanhak Sattru, both sunk in 2023, form an extraordinary trio of artificial reefs. At The Divers Boat, we organise fun dive trips to all three wrecks from Mae Haad pier.

HTMS Sattakut — the legendary wreck dive of Koh Tao

The HTMS Sattakut is undoubtedly the star of wreck diving in Koh Tao. Originally a US Navy landing craft infantry vessel (LCI-724), this 48-metre ship took part in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II before being transferred to the Royal Thai Navy. In June 2011, it was deliberately scuttled to create an artificial reef near Hin Pee Wee, off the north-west coast of Koh Tao.

Today, the Sattakut rests upright on the sandy bottom, its superstructure reaching up to 18 metres. Thanks to its many well-lit entry and exit points, penetration diving is accessible to Advanced Open Water certified divers. On board, two historic guns — a 76 mm and a 40 mm — serve as reminders of the ship’s military past, while marine life has colonised every part of the structure.

HTMS Suphairin — wreck diving Koh Tao’s newest north site

Scuttled in 2023 near No Name Pinnacle on the north side of Koh Tao, the HTMS Suphairin is one of the two new wrecks on Thailand’s diving island. A former Royal Thai Navy fast attack craft, this vessel rests between 16 and 28 metres. Thanks to its intermediate depth, the Suphairin is accessible to a broader range of certified divers than the deeper Sattakut.

Although relatively recent, the wreck is already progressively covered in soft corals and hosts a growing community of marine life. Furthermore, its position close to No Name Pinnacle makes it ideal for pairing with a second dive on the nearby reef — creating a varied and complete day on the water.

HTMS Hanhak Sattru — wreck diving on Koh Tao’s quiet east coast

The HTMS Hanhak Sattru is the sister ship of the Suphairin — same class of vessel, same year of scuttling — but with a completely different location: the entrance to Aow Mao bay on the east coast of Koh Tao. This side of the island sees far less boat traffic than the west coast, which means calmer diving conditions and less disturbed marine life. With its shallowest point at just 13 metres, it is also the most accessible of the three Koh Tao wrecks in terms of depth.

Moreover, like the Suphairin, the Hanhak Sattru is a wreck in constant evolution: marine life continues to colonise the structure month by month, making each dive a slightly different experience from the last. It is precisely this “living wreck” aspect that makes the site so compelling for regular Koh Tao divers.

What level do you need for wreck diving in Koh Tao?

All three Koh Tao wrecks are recommended for divers holding at minimum an Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification. Their depths — ranging from 13 to 30 metres — exceed the 18-metre limit of a standard Open Water certification. However, the shallowest parts of each wreck remain accessible to OW divers when accompanied by an experienced guide.

For those who wish to penetrate the wreck interiors, the Wreck Diver SSI specialty is strongly advised. In addition, Nitrox (Enriched Air) is particularly well suited to these deeper dives: it extends bottom time and allows you to make the most of every minute on the wreck. Simply book it in advance when making your reservation with The Divers Boat.

Wreck diving Koh Tao with The Divers Boat

The Divers Boat organises wreck fun dive trips in Koh Tao from Mae Haad — the main pier on Thailand’s diving island. Our blue boat is exclusively dedicated to certified divers: small groups, attentive multilingual dive guides and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere far from the island’s larger, busier operations.

In practice, each wreck pairs naturally with a second site for a full day of diving: the HTMS Sattakut with Hin Pee Wee, the Suphairin with No Name Pinnacle, or the Hanhak Sattru with east coast sites. Contact us to build your ideal wreck dive day and book your Nitrox in advance.