This dive site, Koh Waen, is located off the coast of Thailand and is renowned for its unique blend of natural beauty and artificial reef structures. Navigation primarily involves exploring diverse hard coral formations and meandering through "Swiss-cheese" swim-throughs. The main attraction is a fascinating artificial reef featuring a sunken train with railway cars and a locomotive, creating an intriguing underwater landscape. This site serves as a testament to successful reef rehabilitation and offers a captivating environment for exploration.
The marine life at Koh Waen is vibrant and varied. Schools of snapper and barracuda frequently congregate around the artificial reef, offering a dynamic display for divers. Beyond the larger fish, the site is a haven for macro enthusiasts, boasting abundant nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimp hidden among the corals and wreck structures. Diverse hard coral species thrive here, forming healthy ecosystems that support this rich biodiversity.
The best time to visit Koh Waen typically aligns with Thailand's dry season, offering optimal visibility and calm conditions. This site is particularly appealing for divers seeking a mix of wreck exploration and macro photography opportunities. While the maximum depth is 14 meters, making it accessible, the swim-throughs and wreck elements mean it's best enjoyed by divers with some experience. Freedivers will also find the shallow depths, clear waters, and interesting topography, including the train wreck and swim-throughs, highly suitable for breath-hold diving.
