King Cruiser Wreck - Similan Islands

The King Cruiser is a big boat, and it demands respect. We often hear divers describe it as "just another wreck," but we think that misses the point entirely. This car ferry sank in 1997 after hitting Anemone Reef, and it settled upright on the sand at around 30 metres, the top deck usually sits at 16-18 metres. What we love about the King Cruiser is its sheer scale and how the ocean has absolutely taken over. Drop down and you're immediately struck by the size – it’s 85 metres long and 25 metres wide. You can spend an entire dive just exploring the upper deck. We’ve had some fantastic moments here, drifting through the old passenger compartments, feeling the current surge gently through the openings. There are massive schools of snapper and fusiliers that just blanket sections of the wreck, sometimes so thick you have to fin through them. Look closer and you'll spot scorpionfish camouflaged on the railings, and often a few curious turtles will cruise past. We’d suggest going in the morning if you can; the light filtering down through the open decks is something else entirely. It’s a proper wreck dive, best for those comfortable with deeper profiles and a bit of overhead environment, even if you’re just peeking in.

Location
Similan Islands, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
7.802467, 98.643320
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu ko Phi Phi

Best Time to Dive in Similan Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Similan Islands occur in May, averaging 30.8°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.6°C
  • February: 29.0°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.6°C
  • May: 30.8°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 29.3°C
  • September: 29.0°C
  • October: 29.0°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Similan Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to King Cruiser Wreck

Marine Life in Similan Islands

Home to 183 recorded species including 127 reef fish, 38 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 4 sharks & rays, 2 other, 1 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for King Cruiser Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 7 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