Racha Yai Wrecks
Overview
Racha Yai has multiple boat wrecks and an artificial reef located around bays 1 and 2 on the east side of the island. These have all been arranged and funded by the Phuket Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).
MV Meditation (Sunk in 2023)
The MV Meditation, a new wreck at Racha Yai, was formerly a luxury liveaboard allegedly seized by the government and subsequently donated to the Phuket Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Positioned approximately 200 meters south of the Harruby wreck, the MV Meditation rests between Bays 1 and 2. With its bottom at around 22 meters and the top at about 14 meters, it is an accessible wreck for divers of all certification levels. The MV Meditation, like the Harruby, is expected to be in excellent condition, offering opportunities for training for the PADI Wreck Specialty Course, and penetration for wreck-certified divers. The wreck is already attracting diverse marine life, including batfish, barracuda, scorpionfish, and bannerfish. Divers should also keep an eye out for ornate ghost pipefish and nudibranchs, adding to the site’s appeal. The proximity of the MV Meditation to the Harruby creates a compelling dive experience with two intriguing wrecks to explore within a short distance of each other.
Harruby Wreck (Sunk 2011)
The Harruby Liveaboard is situated between Bays 1 and 2. The bottom of the wreck is at around 20 metres with the top at about 10 metres. This makes it an accessible wreck for all levels of certified divers. The wreck is in excellent condition and is the best wreck in the area for conducting the PADI Wreck Specialty Course and penetration for wreck-certified divers. The loveable schooling Batfish have made the place home and large schools are always found here. Barracuda, Scorpion fish and Bannerfish also inhabit the wreck. On occasions, Ornate Ghost Pipefish can be found along with the odd Nudibranch. My favourite creature is the snake eels that can be found sticking their heads up out of the sand close to the wreck so keep your eyes peeled for those.
Old Fishing Boat
The old Thai wooden fishing is located a little further east off the bow of Harruby. The wreck is rapidly deteriorating but is still an interesting site to see. It is a little deeper with the top of the wreck at about 24 metres. It contains a lot of your common reef fish. It cannot be penetrated due to its poor state however it has an eerie feel about it and makes for some wonderful underwater photo opportunities.
Marla’s Mystery
Marla’s Mystery is a barge wreck that was purposely sunk approximately 150 metres east of the centre of Bays 1 and 2 and is lying at about 34 metres. It was attempted to sink the wreck shallower however sadly it moved away from the island on descent. It is not often dived which makes it difficult to locate and is for experienced divers only. Prior notification should be given if you wish to dive on this wreck.
Getting There
Dive boats go to Racha Noi every day of the week as a part of a 3-dive combo with Racha Noi/Yai.
All scuba diving dive sites are at the discretion of the tour leader on the day. Dive sites are selected based on the weather conditions, currents, safety and suitability to majority of divers on the boat. We cannot guarantee specific dive sites prior to the boat departing.
Inisights
Difficulty
Marine Life
Coral
Currents
Depth:
5-40m
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