KIM SENG NGUAN - Koh Tao

Kim Seng Nguan isn't your typical deep wreck dive, and that's exactly what makes it special. This old steamship, sitting upright with its bow just breaking the surface, is more of a historical marker than a true dive site for most. We love it for the story it tells: a Chinese merchant vessel that ran aground in 1928, now a permanent fixture on Koh Tao's northern coast. You won't be exploring vast holds here, but rather observing the subtle dance of the ocean reclaiming a piece of history. The exposed bow is a roost for seabirds, their calls a constant soundtrack. Below the waterline, in just a metre or two of depth, the hull is a tapestry of algae and small corals. We've often spotted juvenile parrotfish grazing here, and the occasional curious damselfish darting between the rusty plates. It’s a fantastic spot for a snorkel and a history lesson, especially on a calm morning when the water is flat and the light catches the barnacle-crusted metal just right. For certified divers, it’s a quick, easy fin around the perimeter, a chance to appreciate how quickly marine life adapts to new structures, even those barely submerged.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
12.599072, 100.964500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Chonburi Environmental Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in Koh Tao

The warmest water temperatures in Koh Tao occur in May, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.3°C
  • February: 28.6°C
  • March: 29.3°C
  • April: 30.2°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Koh Tao

Nearest Dive Centres to KIM SENG NGUAN

Marine Life in Koh Tao

Home to 56 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 other, 2 hard corals, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for KIM SENG NGUAN

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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