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Scuba Diving in Koh Lanta | Technical & Cave Diving Center
DIVING IN KLED KAEW WRECK
The Kled Kaew Wreck is a former Royal Thai Navy vessel located in the east of Koh Phi Phi Leh. Deliberately sunk in 2014 to create an artificial reef, the 47-metre wreck has become home to a variety of marine life including large schools of fish and smaller marine creatures.
With the upper deck starting at around 18 metres and the wreck reaching approximately 28 metres, Kled Kaew offers a deeper and very different experience from the shallower reefs around Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.
Journey time: 35minutes, distance 30km (speed boat)
Suitable: For Advanced level or higher
Maximum depth: 30m allowed for recreational divers
The Story of Kled Kaew Wreck - From Navy Vessel to Artificial Reef
The Kled Kaew Wreck was originally built for the Norwegian Royal Navy in 1948, before later being acquired by the Royal Thai Navy and the Coastal & Marine Resources Department to be used as an artificial reef.
In 2014, the vessel was deliberately sunk east of Koh Phi Phi Leh. More than a decade later, the wreck has developed into an established artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life, from large schools of fish to smaller macro creatures and sea urchins.
Explore The Kled Kaew Wreck
The Kled Kaew Wreck is approximately 47 meters long and sits almost upright on a sandy seabed. The upper part of the wreck lies around 18 meters deep, with the deepest section reaching approximately 28 meters.
Divers can explore the exterior of the ship, following the wheelhouse in approximately 18m. Below the wheelhouse, there are two further decks to explore. Before the ship was sunk, some openings were created in the hull, but any wreck penetration should only be undertaken by divers with the appropriate training, certification and experience.
A Wreck Full Of Marine Life
As you descend towards the wreck, the first thing you may see is the amount of fish surrounding it. Large schools of snapper gather around the wheelhouse and upper structure, while smaller fish and puffer fish move between the railings, decks and openings.
The wreck is also covered with corals, sponges and other marine life such as sea urchins. Look closely and you can find lionfish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, pufferfish, other smaller species and even moray eels hiding inside the wreck.
On days with good visibility, the combination of the wreck's structure and the humungous surrounding schools of fish makes Kled Kaew a beautiful site for underwater photography.
Who Can Dive in Kled Kaew Wreck?
Kled Kaew Wreck is a deep dive site and is suited for advanced level divers or higher.
The wreck is also used for training, including as a deep dive during the Advanced Open Water course and for Wreck Diver course (non-penetrating).
Diving inside the wrecks is not part of a standard recreational dive or non-penetration Wreck Diver course. Entering the wreck requires special training, appropriate equipment, experience and a dive plan specific to the environment.
Interested in diving inside the wrecks? Talk to our team to find out more about the available training.
A Day Trip to Kled Kaew Wreck From Koh Lanta
When conditions allow, Kled Kaew is included in our dive schedule, offering the opportunity to explore one of the area's deeper wreck sites. The wreck is particularly sensitive to currents because of its exposed location. Depending on the day's itinerary, the wreck dive is normally combined with another dive site in the Phi Phi area such as Koh Bidas.
Join us for a day of diving at Kled Kaew. Our day trip includes two dives (one at the wreck), with equipment, hotel transfers (between Saladan and Klong Nin Sri Lanta resort being the last stop), breakfast, drinks, fruit and lunch provided. After the dives, we return to Koh Lanta around midday.
2 dives — 3,800 THB
National Park fee not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kled Kaew suitable for beginner divers?
No. The dive site is deep and advanced level is required.
How deep is Kled Kaew Wreck?
The upper section of the wreck lies at around 18 meters, while the deepest part reaches approximately 28 meters.
Who can dive Kled Kaew Wreck?
Kled Kaew is suitable for advanced and experienced divers. It can also be used as a training site for an Advanced Open Water deep dive or a Wreck Diver course (non-penetration).
Can you dive inside the Kled Kaew Wreck?
Fun dives or other recreational course dives at Kled Kaew do not include wreck penetration. Entering the wreck requires special training, equipment, experience and a dive plan designed for the environment.
What marine life can I see at Kled Kaew?
The wreck is covered with corals, sponges and other marine life such as sea urchins. Large schools of fish swam around it and you might spot puffer fish, lion fish or scorpion fish and smaller macro life.
How long does it take to reach Kled Kaew from Koh Lanta?
About 35 minutes by speedboat.
Can I do my Wreck Diver course at Kled Kaew?
Yes. Ask our team about the available Wreck Diver courses.
You Might Also Want To Explore
Ko Haa
Koh Haa is formed of five limestone islands surrounded by coral reefs, underwater walls, caverns and swim-throughs. With more than 30 possible dives to explore, the area offers a range of underwater landscapes suitable for beginners, experienced recreational and technical divers, as well as underwater photographers and snorkelers.
