Junkyard - Gulf of Thailand

The Junkyard, just off Koh Tao, is one of those sites that sounds a bit… unglamorous. But trust us, it’s a brilliant dive, especially if you’re new to wrecks or just want a relaxed potter around something a bit different. They’ve purposefully sunk everything from old toilets and motorbikes to concrete blocks and even an old Land Rover here. It’s an artificial reef project, but it’s done with real character. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer volume of stuff. Each item has become a little apartment block for marine life. We love watching the damselfish dart in and out of the ceramic pipes, and we’ve seen moray eels peeking out from under the old truck chassis more times than we can count. The way the light filters through the shallow water, dancing over the metal and concrete, gives it a really unique feel. It’s only 11 metres deep, so you get heaps of bottom time to explore every nook and cranny. Our favourite part is navigating through the stacked concrete rings, feeling a bit like an intrepid explorer in a miniature labyrinth. It’s an easy dive, barely any current, making it perfect for beginners and photographers keen to practice their skills on static subjects.

Location
Gulf of Thailand, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.086900, 99.822100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: Suratthani Environmental Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in Gulf of Thailand

The warmest water temperatures in Gulf of Thailand occur in January, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • February: 28.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • March: 28.2°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • April: 28.2°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • May: 28.2°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • June: 28.2°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • July: 28.2°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 28.2°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • September: 28.2°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • October: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 28.2°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • December: 28.2°C (air: 26.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Gulf of Thailand

Nearest Dive Centres to Junkyard

Marine Life in Gulf of Thailand

Home to 167 recorded species including 126 reef fish, 18 hard corals, 7 sharks & rays, 6 seagrass & algae, 2 sea cucumbers, 2 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Junkyard

Based on average water temperature of 28.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories