MAE PING - Koh Tao

Mae Ping, for us, is all about the descent into that inky blue. Dropping down to 52 metres, you really feel the pressure change, and then the ghostly outline of the tanker emerges. She went down in heavy weather back in '82, taking on water in the engine room, and you can sense that history as you explore. We love how intact the wreck still is, considering her age and depth. You can fin past the bridge, peer into cargo holds now home to schools of fusiliers, and really get a sense of her scale at 53 metres long. It’s definitely a dive for advanced deep divers, someone comfortable with longer bottom times and solid buoyancy. The thermoclines can be quite noticeable, a cool rush against your skin as you pass through. We’ve often seen giant groupers lurking in the shadows, and we once even spotted a lone reef shark cruising by. Our favourite part has to be exploring the stern, where the propeller still sits, encrusted with soft corals that wave gently in the faint current. It’s a proper wreck dive, dark and moody, a stark contrast to some of the shallower, sun-drenched sites around Koh Tao.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
10.918667, 100.413500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

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 MAE PING

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 MAE PING

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth range at Mae Ping?
The Mae Ping dive site is a deep wreck dive, with a reported depth of 52 meters. This makes it suitable for experienced divers comfortable with deeper profiles and appropriate decompression planning.
What kind of underwater visibility can be expected when diving in Mae Ping?
Information regarding typical underwater visibility at the Mae Ping dive site is not available in the current data context. Divers should check local conditions closer to their dive date for the most accurate information.
What marine life or underwater features are commonly seen at Mae Ping dive sites?
The primary underwater feature at Mae Ping is the impressive tanker vessel wreck itself. This non-dangerous wreck, measuring 53.2m x 9.6m, was sunk on September 11, 1982, and offers a unique exploration opportunity. Specific details about commonly seen marine life are not available in the provided data, but wrecks often attract a variety of reef fish and pelagic species over time.
What is the best time of year for scuba diving in Mae Ping for optimal conditions?
The provided data context does not specify the best time of year for scuba diving at Mae Ping for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving in the Koh Tao region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What level of diving certification is required for scuba diving in Mae Ping?
Given the reported depth of 52 meters and an "intermediate" difficulty rating, diving at Mae Ping requires a certification level beyond entry-level. Divers should possess advanced training, such as an Advanced Open Water certification with deep dive experience or a Deep Diver specialty, to safely explore this site.
Are there strong currents or challenging conditions for divers in Mae Ping?
The Mae Ping dive site is classified with an "intermediate" difficulty, indicating that divers should be prepared for potentially challenging conditions. While specific details about strong currents are not provided in the data, the intermediate rating suggests that factors like depth, potential currents, or other environmental elements may require a higher skill level and experience.