King Cruiser Wreck

The King Cruiser Wreck Dive: A Challenge for Advanced Divers

The King Cruiser Wreck was originally a Japanese car ferry that was converted to transport passengers between Phi Phi and Phuket. In 1997, it sank after striking Anemone Reef while en route to Phuket, with over 100 passengers onboard. Fortunately, everyone survived the incident.

A Dive for the Experienced

This site is recommended for advanced certified divers only, as it is a challenging dive. Divers must have recent experience and a minimum of 30 logged dives to safely explore this wreck. The top of the wreck is at an average depth of 20 meters, with the bottom resting at 32 meters. The wreck, measuring 85 meters long and 35 meters wide, sits upright but is now in very poor condition, being mostly broken up, and collapsed, it is considered unsafe for penetration. Strong currents and limited visibility can make this dive site particularly challenging, requiring divers to be well-prepared and cautious.

A Thriving Marine Habitat

Despite the potential visibility challenges, the wreck has become a thriving habitat for marine life. Divers are often amazed by the sheer number of fish that inhabit the area. Vast schools of snappers, barracuda, fusiliers, rabbitfish, and goatfish have made the wreck their home, sometimes becoming an even bigger attraction than the wreck itself. On days when visibility is good, the dive can be truly stunning.

Safety Considerations

When diving at this site, caution is essential. Strong currents and difficult diving conditions require divers to be vigilant. The wreck is littered with protruding metal objects, posing potential hazards. Additionally, the site is home to many black Diadema sea urchins, which should be avoided due to their sharp spines. Due to the wreck’s depth, divers should monitor their dive computers closely to avoid exceeding their no-decompression limits (NDLs).

Overall, the King Cruiser Wreck offers a challenging but rewarding experience for advanced divers seeking adventure and an opportunity to witness a diverse array of marine life.

Getting There

Dive boats go to Phi Phi & Shark Point every day of the week (weather permitting) as a part of the Phi Phi & Shark Point, 3 dive day trip from Phuket.

All scuba diving sites are chosen at the discretion of the tour leader on the day of the dive. The selection of dive sites depends on weather conditions, currents, safety considerations, and the suitability for the majority of divers on the boat. Therefore, we cannot guarantee specific dive sites before the boat departs.