The King Cruiser wreck dive in Phuket is one of the most popular wreck dives in Thailand. The wreck is an 85-meter long, 25-meter wide car and passenger ferry that sank in 1997 after hitting a submerged rock. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.
The wreck sits upright on a sandy bottom in around 30 meters of water. The shallowest part of the wreck is now around 18 meters deep, as the upper deck has collapsed. The wreck remains largely in one piece, although some of the superstructure has collapsed.
The King Cruiser wreck is a popular dive site because it is easily accessible and offers a variety of dive depths and features to explore. The wreck is home to a diverse range of marine life, including lionfish, scorpionfish, trevally, snappers, barracudas, fusiliers, batfish, puffer fish, octopuses, moray eels, and even nurse sharks.
Primary features of the King Cruiser wreck dive include:
The stern: This is the simplest and safest point of entry to the wreck. Divers can explore the car decks and see the machinery that is still sitting on the deck.
The wheelhouse: This is located at the top level of the wreck and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The passenger deck: This level is located at a depth of 18-22 meters and is a good place to see marine life.
The interior of the wreck: The interior of the wreck is not recommended for penetration, as it is unstable and there is a risk of collapse. However, divers can still explore the exterior of the wreck and see through the windows and doorways.
The King Cruiser wreck dive is a great dive for all levels of experience. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with wreck diving, such as entanglement and collapse. Divers should always dive with a qualified dive guide and buddy.
History: The King Cruiser wreck is a relatively new wreck, having sunk in 1997. However, it has quickly become one of the most popular wreck dives in Thailand. This is due to its easy accessibility, variety of dive depths and features, and diverse marine life.
Primary features: The primary features of the King Cruiser wreck dive include the stern, the wheelhouse, the passenger deck, and the interior of the wreck. The stern is the safest and simplest point of entry to the wreck. The wheelhouse offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The passenger deck is a good place to see marine life. The interior of the wreck is not recommended for penetration, but divers can still explore the exterior.
Tips for diving the King Cruiser wreck:
Dive with a qualified dive guide and buddy.
Be aware of the risks associated with wreck diving, such as entanglement and collapse.
Use caution when exploring the wreck, especially if you are diving in the interior.
Be mindful of your surroundings and be aware of other divers.
Do not touch or remove anything from the wreck.
Enjoy the dive! The King Cruiser wreck is a beautiful and fascinating dive site.
