Diving in the waters off Pattaya
Thailand’s coastal waters are a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts, and the seas off Pattaya are no exception. With warm, mostly calm waters year-round and a wide range of marine life, Pattaya has established itself as a prime location for both beginner and experienced divers. Unlike the more storm-prone regions of Krabi or Phuket, the Gulf of Thailand offers a more consistent diving season—making Pattaya a reliable choice.
Just a few kilometres off the coast lie islands with cleaner waters, thriving coral reefs, and even artificial reefs and sunken ships that create unique diving experiences. The area is home to numerous dive schools offering internationally recognised PADI certifications for all levels, from complete beginners to aspiring professionals.
These schools prioritise safety, multilingual instruction, and a relaxed environment tailored to the confidence and pace of each student. Below are some of the top dive centres in Pattaya known for their professionalism and quality training.
Mermaids Dive Centre
Located on Thappraya Road, Mermaids Dive Centre is one of the most recognised names in Pattaya. They offer a full range of PADI courses, including advanced and specialty certifications. Lessons are primarily in English and Thai, and the centre provides convenient city-wide pickup. Their well-regarded diving trips explore the waters surrounding local islands, perfect for those already certified.
Pattaya Dive Centre
Situated at Thip Plaza on Second Road near Pattaya Klang, this respected centre offers courses for all levels. Known for its professionalism and thorough instruction, Pattaya Dive Centre provides globally recognised PADI certifications and daily dive trips. Instruction is offered in several languages to accommodate an international student base.
Neptune Dive Centre
Neptune offers comprehensive diving programs from entry-level to professional certification. Based in Pattaya, they also provide accommodation—ideal for visitors who plan on taking multi-day courses or dive packages. Daily dive trips are available depending on weather and sea conditions.
Jomtien Dive Centre
Located along Jomtien Beach Road, this school offers PADI-accredited courses for both recreational and professional divers. They also provide snorkelling trips, which are perfect for beginners or those not quite ready for scuba. Excursions visit the Far and Near Islands of Pattaya, offering diverse marine experiences.
Seafari Dive Centre
As Thailand’s oldest dive centre, established nearly 50 years ago, Seafari is a trusted name among local and visiting divers. While it focuses on beginner-level training, they also offer intermediate and advanced options. The centre frequently organises trips for both divers and snorkellers.
Real Divers Pattaya
This British-owned dive school is based on Soi Welcome in Jomtien. Courses are taught in English and tailored for all levels, from first-time divers to those looking to upgrade their certification. Real Divers also welcomes snorkellers on their day trips.
Pattaya Scuba Adventures
Also located on Thappraya Road, this centre stands out by offering women-only diving courses in addition to the standard PADI curriculum. Their dive packages range from single-day trips to multi-dive experiences, making it a flexible choice for all types of divers.
Maxi Dive
Based on Naklua Soi 18, Maxi Dive Commercial offers something slightly different—professional-level and commercial diving training. It’s an ideal option for those looking to pursue diving as a career rather than just a recreational activity.