King Cruiser Wreck
Explore the King Cruiser Wreck, a former ferry transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life off the coast of Phuket.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, clear visibility
King Cruiser Wreck
Best Time
Calm seas, clear visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the King Cruiser Wreck, a former ferry transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life off the coast of Phuket.
"Big wreck with lots of soft corals! Saw some lionfish, stonefish, moray eel too."
🎯 AOW Recommended
Consider AOW certification for deeper dives (30-35m) and better enjoyment of the wreck.
🐠 Look for Eels!
Keep an eye out for moray eels and lionfish hiding amongst the wreck's structures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Wreck
Phuket, Thailand
Explore the imposing structure of the King Cruiser, now a thriving artificial reef teeming with marine life.
Vibrant Marine Life
Around the wreck
Witness schools of fish, barracudas, lionfish, and even the occasional moray eel and stonefish.
Soft Coral Gardens
On the wreck's surfaces
The wreck is beautifully adorned with soft corals, creating a colorful and dynamic underwater landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive Certification Matters
Best Dive Season
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 AOW Recommended
Consider AOW certification for deeper dives (30-35m) and better enjoyment of the wreck.
🐠 Look for Eels!
Keep an eye out for moray eels and lionfish hiding amongst the wreck's structures.
📸 Capture the Colors
Bring your underwater camera to photograph the vibrant soft corals and diverse marine life.
🛥️ Dive Tours Available
Many dive operators in Phuket offer day trips to the King Cruiser Wreck.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 AOW Recommended
Consider AOW certification for deeper dives (30-35m) and better enjoyment of the wreck.
🐠 Look for Eels!
Keep an eye out for moray eels and lionfish hiding amongst the wreck's structures.
📸 Capture the Colors
Bring your underwater camera to photograph the vibrant soft corals and diverse marine life.
🛥️ Dive Tours Available
Many dive operators in Phuket offer day trips to the King Cruiser Wreck.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Divers rave about the King Cruiser Wreck's impressive size and the vibrant soft corals that have colonized its structure. The abundance of marine life, including schools of fish and barracudas, makes it a memorable dive. While generally calm, some divers note the depth requires advanced certification.
"Big wreck with lots of soft corals! Saw some lionfish, stonefish, moray eel too. Water was clear and current was not strong. What a site to do my 50th dive here! (Bottom: 30-33m; require AOW)"
Victor Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The King Cruiser Wreck is typically accessed via a boat tour from Phuket. Dive operators will arrange transportation to the dive sites, which are usually part of a multi-dive day trip.
Day trips often combine the King Cruiser Wreck with nearby sites like Shark Point and Koh Doc Mai, offering a varied diving experience. +1
The King Cruiser Wreck is primarily a dive site. Snorkeling is generally not feasible due to the depth and the nature of the wreck.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the King Cruiser Wreck is usually included in the price of a dive tour package. You'll book a day trip with a dive operator.
Dive tours typically depart in the morning and return in the afternoon, with the exact schedule depending on the operator and the number of dives planned.
The cost varies depending on the dive operator and the number of dives included in the package, but expect prices to range from $100-$200 USD for a day trip.
While there isn't a strict age limit for the wreck itself, standard dive certification age requirements apply. Children must be certified divers to participate.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The King Cruiser Wreck sits at a depth of approximately 30-35 meters (98-115 feet), making it suitable for advanced divers.
You can expect to see abundant schools of fish, barracudas, lionfish, stonefish, moray eels, and various invertebrates that have made the wreck their home.
Visibility can vary, but it's often good, especially during the dry season. Currents can sometimes be present but are usually manageable for experienced divers.
Due to its depth and potential currents, the King Cruiser Wreck is generally recommended for divers with Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience.
The King Cruiser was a car ferry that sank in 1997 after colliding with a reef. It has since become a popular artificial reef and dive site.
📸 📸 Photography
The wreck itself, the abundant marine life like schools of fish and barracudas, and the colorful soft corals offer fantastic photo opportunities. +1
A good underwater camera with wide-angle capabilities is recommended to capture the scale of the wreck and the marine life. Strobes can help bring out the colors of the corals. +1
Look for barracuda schools, moray eels, lionfish, and the intricate details of the soft corals growing on the wreck.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The King Cruiser Wreck: A Dive Site's Story
The wreck lies at a significant depth, typically between 30 to 35 meters (98-115 feet), making it a prime destination for advanced divers. The depth, combined with potential currents, necessitates proper training and experience. Many divers find the experience incredibly rewarding, with some even celebrating significant dive milestones here.
Exploring the King Cruiser is more than just a dive; it's an immersion into an ecosystem that has flourished in the absence of human activity. The sheer scale of the wreck, coupled with the abundance of fish and invertebrates, makes it a highlight for many visiting Phuket's dive sites.
Marine Life Encounters
Beyond the larger pelagics, the wreck provides shelter for a variety of smaller creatures. Moray eels are commonly found peeking out from crevices, and stonefish, masters of camouflage, can be spotted blending in with the seabed. The wreck's surfaces are also adorned with a rich tapestry of invertebrates, adding to the visual complexity and appeal for underwater photographers.
This abundance of life is a testament to the success of artificial reefs in supporting marine ecosystems. The King Cruiser Wreck serves as a prime example of how a man-made structure can foster a vibrant and healthy underwater environment, offering unforgettable encounters for divers and snorkelers alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit