from 1 500 THBSnorkelling at the Pattaya Islands · day trip on a dive boat (lunch included)
8.5 h
Tours in Pattaya
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Discover the islands of Pattaya, from Koh Larn to Koh Rin, by snorkelling, diving or private yacht. Book your boat trips from Pattaya with Phi Phi Paradise.
This page is currently in French. A translated version is on the way, our concierge is happy to answer in your language.
About Pattaya
On the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, in Chonburi province, Pattaya is the closest major beach resort to Bangkok, around two hours' drive away. Known for its nightlife, the city also has another side facing the sea: a string of islands offshore, warm water all year round and dive sites famous for their wrecks. Koh Larn, the closest island, offers beaches and reefs less than an hour away by boat; further out, Koh Rin and Samae San Marine Park, to the south, hide shipwrecks, some deliberately sunk to become artificial reefs. On land, the Sanctuary of Truth, a huge carved wooden structure, is well worth a visit. We've handpicked tours run by diving professionals and private yacht charters for groups.
When to Visit Pattaya
In Pattaya, the sea is calm enough to go out almost all year, and diving remains possible in every season in water around 28 to 30°C. The best time to visit is from November to February: drier weather, pleasant temperatures and the calmest seas, ideal for yacht trips and snorkelling. From March to May, it gets hotter, but the sea stays calm. The rainy season runs from May to October: June to August brings mostly afternoon showers, followed by rougher seas in September and October, the choppiest months. Dive sites are then chosen each morning based on the weather. Good to know: when the monsoon closes the Similan Islands and stirs up the Andaman Sea, the Gulf remains a great option for diving. Underwater visibility is best from October to March.
Top Tours & Experiences in Pattaya
Reefs, wrecks, island beaches and days on a yacht: here are our boat trips from Pattaya, for families, beginner or experienced divers, and groups of friends.
Pattaya Islands Snorkelling · Dive Boat Day Trip
Two snorkelling stops around Koh Larn, towards Koh Rin or Samae San Marine Park depending on the sea, aboard a proper dive boat run by professionals. Equipment, lunch on board and hotel transfer included.
Private Yacht for Large Groups · 4, 6 or 8 Hrs, Up to 25 People
A fully renovated classic 66-foot motor yacht, privately chartered from Na Jomtien Marina to Koh Larn, Koh Sak or further afield. Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling, fishing and a tender for landing on the beaches.
Private Sport Yacht · 4, 6 or 8 Hrs, Up to 18 People
A fast 64-foot yacht that zips over to Koh Larn, Koh Sak or Koh Rin, giving you more time there. Flybridge with barbecue, towable rides, paddleboard, snorkelling and fishing included.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving · 1 or 2 Dives
Your very first dive at sea with a PADI instructor, no experience needed: a discover dive followed by snorkelling, or two dives down to 12m. Online theory, equipment and lunch included, from age 10.
Wreck Diving at Samae San Marine Park
For Advanced divers: the wrecks of the Hardeep, T-94 and T-95, plus Shark Fin Rock, south of Pattaya. Two guided dives, lunch on board and hotel transfer included.
Diving at the Pattaya Islands · Reefs and Wrecks
Two guided dives for certified divers around Koh Larn, Koh Sak and Koh Phai, including the Kut, Mattaphon and HTMS Khram wrecks. Hawksbill turtles are often spotted along the way.
PADI Open Water Course · 3 Days
The first internationally recognised dive certification, down to 18m: online theory before you arrive, a day of skills practice, then four open water dives. Small groups, 1 to 4 students per instructor.
PADI Advanced Open Water Course · 2 Days
Five adventure dives to progress from 18 to 30m, including the deep dive and navigation dive, with the Gulf's wrecks as your playground. Dive computer and equipment included.
How to Get to Pattaya
Pattaya is around 1.5 to 2 hours' drive south-east of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, and around 2.5 hours from Don Mueang Airport. The most comfortable option is a taxi or private transfer straight to your hotel; direct buses also run from Suvarnabhumi, and buses and minivans connect the Ekkamai and Mo Chit bus terminals to Pattaya. U-Tapao Airport, around an hour to the south, also receives flights. Locally, songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) run along the main roads; our snorkelling and diving trips include hotel pick-up, while yachts depart from Na Jomtien Marina, which you reach on your own or via a minibus on request. Pattaya combines easily with Bangkok, or with Koh Chang and Koh Kood further east.
Where to Stay in Pattaya
Pattaya spreads across several districts, each with its own distinct vibe. The city centre, around Beach Road and Walking Street, is home to the nightlife, bars and many hotels: handy for going out, though noisier at night. To the north, Naklua and Wongamat Beach are quieter, with large resorts and the Sanctuary of Truth nearby. Between Pattaya and Jomtien, Pratumnak Hill offers peaceful hotels, a few coves and lovely views over the bay. Jomtien, to the south, has a long, more family-friendly and relaxed beach, while Na Jomtien, further south still, is close to the marina where the yachts depart. For families and couples, Jomtien, Pratumnak and Wongamat are usually the best choices.
Pattaya Tours · Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the best time to visit Pattaya?
- From November to February, when the sea is calmest and the weather is drier. Diving and snorkelling remain possible all year; September and October are the roughest months, and dive sites are chosen each morning based on the weather.
- How do I get from Bangkok to Pattaya?
- Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Suvarnabhumi Airport, by taxi, private transfer or direct bus. Buses and minivans also depart from the Ekkamai and Mo Chit bus terminals in Bangkok.
- How many days should I plan for Pattaya?
- Two to three days is enough for a day at the islands and a diving or yacht trip. Allow three days for an Open Water course and two for Advanced. Pattaya fits in nicely at the start or end of your trip, before or after Bangkok.
- Can I dive at Pattaya with no experience?
- Yes. The PADI discover scuba dive is open to anyone aged 10 and up, with an instructor, in one or two dives from the boat, and the theory is completed online before the trip. If you love it, the Open Water course then lets you dive down to 18m anywhere in the world.
- Which tours should I do in Pattaya?
- With family or friends, a snorkelling day trip to the islands; for a group or a party, a private yacht charter for 4 to 8 hours; for divers, the wrecks at the Pattaya islands and Samae San. The Samae San Marine Park entrance fee is paid in cash, only if the trip goes there.
- How do I book and pay for a tour in Pattaya?
- Book online at least 48 hours in advance: Pattaya trips are paid in full online at booking. For yachts, the marina ticket, meals and drinks are extra, all detailed on each tour page.