Diving at Koh Chang, daytrip with 2 dives

Exploring Koh Chang’s Underwater World: A Detailed Review of the 2-Dive Day Trip

Koh Chang, Thailand, is famed for its lush landscapes and relaxed vibe, but it’s also a standout destination for diving enthusiasts. This full-day tour offers two memorable dives, showcasing some of the most famed sites around the island, including the legendary HTMS Chang wreck and pristine coral reefs within Koh Rang National Park. Guided by knowledgeable and attentive professionals, the trip promises a blend of adventure, beauty, and comfort wrapped into roughly 8 hours of underwater exploration.

What we particularly love about this experience is its small group setting, which ensures personalized service and attentive guidance. The inclusion of all necessary equipment and free drinks and snacks keeps things hassle-free, allowing you to focus purely on enjoying the underwater scenes. Plus, a tasty buffet lunch on board is a real bonus, giving you the energy to keep your enthusiasm high for the second dive.

One consideration worth noting is that this tour is only suitable for certified divers—so beginners or those not certified will need to look elsewhere. And while the price point of around $132 per person offers good value considering the inclusions, the national park fees are not included, so budget accordingly if you plan multiple visits. This trip caters best to experienced divers eager to explore exciting wrecks and vibrant reefs in a relaxed, well-organized setting.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a certified diver looking for a day of underwater discovery in Koh Chang, this experience is a perfect fit. It appeals especially to those who value personalized guides, quality equipment, and a well-organized itinerary. Snorkelers or non-diving friends might not find this suitable unless they are content to relax on the boat or snorkel in the protected areas during your dives.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience with professional divers, including knowledgeable guides like Marcus and Francois.
• Two top dive sites, including the impressive HTMS Chang wreck and coral reefs within Koh Rang, offering diverse underwater sights.
• All equipment and food included, making the trip stress-free and convenient.
• Small group size (max 4 travelers) for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Buffet lunch, snacks, and drinks ensure you stay energized and hydrated.
• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel included, saving you logistical hassle.

The Itinerary: What To Expect

Morning Pickup and Departing for the Dive Sites

Most trips start sharply at 8:00 am from the BB Divers PADI dive center, located conveniently in Koh Chang. You’ll appreciate the prompt hotel pickup, as reviews consistently mention how well-organized and punctual the team is. The vehicle transports you comfortably to the dive boat, which is described as large and spacious, allowing for a relaxed start to the day without feeling cramped.

First Dive: The HTMS Chang Wreck

This is the highlight for many divers visiting Koh Chang. The largest shipwreck in Thailand, the HTMS Chang, is a compelling sight for certified divers of all levels. It offers a mix of easy navigation over its structure and plenty of marine life to observe, including schools of fish, vibrant corals, and possibly even a whale shark, depending on the season. Multiple reviewers mention how professional and attentive the guides, such as Seb and Markus, are in ensuring safety and maximizing the experience.

Midday Break with Buffet Lunch

After the first dive, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch on the boat, with fresh, well-prepared dishes and plenty of snacks and drinks. Reviewers rave about the quality and variety of the meal, which keeps everyone energized for the second half of the day. This is a prime opportunity to relax, share stories, and prepare for the next dive.

Second Dive: Koh Rang National Park

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Koh Rang Marine Park, a protected area with calmer waters and shallow reefs, perfect for a different underwater experience. This site features vibrant coral formations and an abundance of tropical fish. The multiple stops within the park allow for varied underwater scenery and a chance to spot nudibranchs, reef sharks, and maybe even a gentle whale shark, as some reviews suggest it’s not uncommon.

Return and Drop-Off

The day winds down with a comfortable ride back to your hotel, often around 4 pm or so. With the journey and dives completed, you’ll be left with plenty of memorable moments and a newfound appreciation for Koh Chang’s underwater riches.

The Value of the Experience

At roughly $132 per person, this tour offers excellent value for certified divers. You get two dives at iconic sites, including the wreck, which is a major attraction for wreck enthusiasts. The inclusions of equipment, food, drinks, and hotel transfers significantly ease the planning and logistics, making it accessible even for those new to organized diving trips.

The small group size (max 4 divers) enhances safety and allows guides to give personalized attention, which many reviewers note as a major plus. The professionalism of guides like Oscar, Francois, and Sebastian shines through in their careful briefings and focus on safety – crucial for a worry-free day.

The diversity of sites—wreck and reefs—makes this trip appealing to those seeking varied underwater environments. The presence of coral gardens teeming with fish, combined with the thrill of exploring a historic wreck, balances adventure with relaxation.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides like Marcus, Francois, and Sheila, who go above and beyond to ensure safety and fun. One reviewer mentioned how Sheila, an instructor, made their first diving experience particularly memorable, emphasizing her kindness and attentiveness.

Others appreciated the smooth organization—from booking via WhatsApp to the seamless transfer to the boat—even during busy periods like Songkran, when the team arranged extra boats to accommodate all guests. The top-notch equipment was also a recurring praise point.

Many travelers noted how good the food was—varied, fresh, and plentiful—which adds to the overall value of the tour. The inclusion of free snacks and drinks kept everyone comfortable throughout the day, and some even mentioned how the boat’s spacious layout enhanced the experience.

A Few Caveats

While the tour is highly praised, it’s worth mentioning that national park fees are not included, so you might need to budget for this extra if planning multiple visits. Also, since the tour is limited to certified divers, beginners or non-certified travelers will need to consider other options if they wish to snorkel or learn diving.

Weather can sometimes be windy, leading to choppier boat rides, but the guides are experienced in handling such conditions, and Koh Rang’s calmer waters tend to mitigate this issue during the actual dives.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Koh Chang diving expedition offers a well-rounded, professionally guided experience that balances adventure, comfort, and authenticity. It’s best suited for certified divers eager to explore wrecks and reefs in a relaxed environment, with a small group for personalized service. The inclusions of lunch, snacks, and transfer make it a convenient, one-price package that delivers great value.

If you’re passionate about underwater photography, marine life, or wreck exploration, this tour will meet your expectations. The guides’ expertise and the quality of the sites make it an enriching experience, even for seasoned divers. For those seeking a hassle-free, memorable day on Koh Chang’s waters with expert support, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Do I need to be a certified diver to join this tour?
Yes, this trip is specifically for certified divers. You’ll need to present proof of your certification before participating.

What’s included in the price?
You get all necessary diving equipment, two dives at selected sites, buffet lunch, snacks, drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Are there additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, national park fees are not included in the price, so budget for this if you plan to visit the Koh Rang Marine Park.

Can I do more than two dives?
Additional dives may be available for an extra fee (around 1000 Baht), but this depends on availability and your certification level.

Is the trip suitable during windy or rough weather?
While guides are experienced in handling weather variations, some reviews mention choppy boat rides during windy days. Once at the sites, the waters tend to be calmer.

What if I have special dietary needs?
Please advise at the time of booking; the tour provides a buffet lunch and snacks but can accommodate specific dietary requirements.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is four, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

In essence, this Koh Chang diving day trip offers a fantastic mix of adventure, comfort, and stunning scenery—all delivered with professionalism and genuine care. Whether you’re into wrecks, colorful reefs, or simply want to enjoy the underwater beauty of Koh Rang, this tour is a smart choice for experienced divers seeking a memorable day out on the water.