Koh Tao wreck diving 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. Moreover, Koh Tao wreck diving with The Divers Boat means small groups, attentive multilingual guides and daily departures from Mae Haad pier.

HTMS Sattakut — the star of Koh Tao wreck diving

The HTMS Sattakut is undoubtedly the star of Koh Tao wreck diving. 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. Indeed, this wreck is also an ideal site for Deep Diver, Nitrox and Wreck Diver SSI specialty courses.

HTMS Suphairin — the 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 additions to Koh Tao wreck diving. A former Royal Thai Navy fast attack craft, this vessel rests between 16 and 28 metres. Thanks to its intermediate depth, it 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. As a result, this site is becoming increasingly popular among regular Koh Tao divers.

HTMS Hanhak Sattru — on the 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 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 wreck diving enthusiasts. In addition, its east coast location pairs naturally with sites such as Hin Wong Pinnacle.

What level do you need for Koh Tao wreck diving?

All three 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.

Book your Koh Tao wreck diving with The Divers Boat

The Divers Boat organises wreck fun dive trips 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. Furthermore, check our fun dive prices for all available options.

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.