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Phoenix Diver

The Phoenix Diver, sunk just off Koh Tao, is one of our absolute favourite wreck dives in the Gulf. Forget what you think you know about Thai wrecks; this one has some real character. We usually drop onto the bow, which sits in about 18 metres, and start our swim towards the stern. Along the way, you’ll spot a parade of local residents. Schools of big-eye trevally often circle the main mast, their silver scales flashing as they catch the light. Look closely and you’ll find plenty of smaller critters too: high hat triplefins darting in and out of the crevices, and we’ve even seen a few pale-spotted combtooth blennies peeking out from barnacle-covered beams. The real joy of the Phoenix Diver is its approachability. It’s a great introduction to wreck diving for those who might be a little nervous, with plenty of open sections and ambient light. But even experienced divers will find things to love, especially if you take your time. We’d suggest a nitrox tank to really extend your bottom time and soak it all in. Keep an eye out for the resident groupers lurking inside the deeper sections, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a pink anemonefish or two making a home on the scattered branch corals now growing on the deck. It’s a dive that offers something new every time we visit.