MOUSQUET - Koh Lanta & Phi Phi

The Mousquet is a proper piece of history, a French destroyer from 1903, sunk by the German raider Emden during WWI. We love that it’s not just some accidental debris; there’s a genuine story here. It rests upright on the sand at 16 metres, which is a comfortable depth for a good, long bottom time. You can make out the bow and stern, though the mid-section has collapsed over the years, leaving a more fragmented profile. We usually drop onto the stern and work our way forward, letting the mild current carry us along. Keep an eye out for the torpedo tubes – they’re still fairly recognisable. The wreck itself is covered in soft corals and sponges, a beautiful contrast to the steel. Lionfish are always lurking, and we’ve seen some hefty groupers making their home in the deeper recesses. While it’s not an penetration dive, you can peer into some of the larger openings. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate historical context as much as the marine life, a gentle wreck dive for anyone comfortable at this depth.

Location
Koh Lanta & Phi Phi, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
5.631333, 100.196170
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Nearby Dive Sites in Koh Lanta & Phi Phi

Nearest Dive Centres to MOUSQUET

Marine Life in Koh Lanta & Phi Phi

Home to 185 recorded species including 156 reef fish, 13 hard corals, 7 seagrass & algae, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 other, 1 starfish.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at the MOUSQUET dive sites?
The MOUSQUET dive site, a fascinating destroyer wreck, is typically found at a depth of 16 meters. This makes it accessible for divers with intermediate experience. It's a great opportunity to explore a historical vessel underwater.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at MOUSQUET?
At the MOUSQUET dive site, divers can explore the impressive 88.4m x 7.6m destroyer vessel, built in 1903 and sunk in 1914. You'll observe its historical features, including Normand boilers, triple expansion engines, and armaments like one 9PDR, six 3PDR guns, and two torpedo tubes. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks like this often become artificial reefs, attracting diverse aquatic species; you can learn more about common species in our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites around MOUSQUET, and are there options for beginners?
The MOUSQUET dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, and is also noted as a Dangerous wreck. Due to its classification and nature, it is not typically recommended for beginners. Divers should have appropriate experience and training for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to go diving at MOUSQUET for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the MOUSQUET dive site. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Koh Lanta & Phi Phi, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive at MOUSQUET?
While specific certification requirements for the MOUSQUET dive site are not explicitly provided, its classification as an intermediate and Dangerous wreck suggests that divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specialized wreck diving training is also highly recommended to safely explore such sites.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at the MOUSQUET dive sites?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the usual current or visibility conditions at the MOUSQUET dive site. Divers should consult with local dive operators in Koh Lanta & Phi Phi for up-to-date information before planning their dive.