Koh Lanta recommendations

[Steelyeyes]

We will be going to Koh Lanta early next year and are trying to get information on the best places to stay and the best outfit to dive with. My wife and I are very experienced (~800 dives for her, ~1000 for me) we're kind of picky and prefer small groups to cattle boats.

 

[Centrals]

Koh Lanta is quite big and has many beaches along the coast. Unless you are staying on Eastern side of the island or extreme south, most if not all operator offer FREE pick up and drop off for diving trip and excursion. Breakfast, drink, lunch are all included in the rate.
The dive sites are far so the boat is big and can accommodate large number of diver/snorkeller. I have used THREE operators and only Lanta Diver has a small speed boat but for certain sites ONLY. There might be other so please enquire with various operator.
Blue Planet has a big and fast boat to dive the famous Hin Daeng/Muang. The boat is very nice.

As for accommodation? There are so many to choose from to suit one's budget.

Experience Paradise at Pimalai Resort and Spa: Your Premier Beach Resort on Koh Lanta, Krabi

Embrace the Beauty of Krabi and Koh Lanta at Pimalai Resort and Spa: Nestled Within 100 Acres of Tropical Forest and Boasting 900 Metres of Pristine Beachfront.

pimalai.com

If you have spare time then Koh Lipe is interesting, only 3hrs by bumpy speed boat transfer if the sea is relative rough but can be really really bumpy if.....

 

[JonnieB]

There are many good shops, but my recco is Andamen Dive Adventure. A smaller more personal operation than others. Hit the main sites at Ko Phi-Phi, Hins Daeng/Muang, and Ko Haa.

 

[Centrals]

There are many good shops, but my recco is Andamen Dive Adventure. A smaller more personal operation than others. Hit the main sites at Ko Phi-Phi, Hins Daeng/Muang, and Ko Haa.

The galley is tiny and of course if you do not mind to sit on the floor for your breakfast, lunch etc etc on the upper deck. LOL.
BTW, there is NO seat for anyone outside the galley, so you either lie down or sit on the floor.
I have been on the boat, the operator is OK but not the boat.
Do you know what boat ADA is using for the trip to Hin Daeng/Muang?

 

[Centrals]

we're kind of picky and prefer small groups to cattle boats.

Nothing wrong with that but what is your definition of "cattle boat"?
My own definition : big boat with several operators sharing it. This is very common in Phuket and much less so in Koh Lanta.

I am returning to Koh Lanta in Nov and Lanta Diver is the one that I will use again. The boat is the main reason as there is a proper bench to sit and table to hold the drink/food.

 

[Centrals]

Diving trips Koh Lanta, Thailand

Lanta Diver Diving trips Koh Lanta will take you to some of the best Dive- and snorkeling sites in Thailand. Welcome onboard!

lantadiver.com

They also has a branch down at Pimalai Resort. Speed boat and weather permitting.

 

[mortenscuba]

I also recommend Lanta Diver. My wife and I have been diving with them for many years.

They have both large boats and a speedboat, so you can choose between full day trips with 2 or 3 dives or half day trips with 2 dives. I like the large boats better, because they are more comfortable, and I like to have 3 dives on the days I dive. Most, if not all of the dive boats on Lanta leave from Saladan (you can dive with Lanta Diver from Sivalai in the south, but not every day).

In my opinion, it is better to stay at a resort on Klong Dao beach or Long Beach, so that you are closer to the dive center. We have our own apartment, so I don't have any recommendations for any specific resorts.

When we dive with Lanta Diver we never dive in groups of more than 4 divers, but most of the time we dive in a group with just me and my wife.

If you want to have a look at some UW-photos from around Koh Lanta, have a look at this page:

Koh Lanta - Mortens Underwater Photos

Koh Lanta - Mortens Underwater Photos. Gefällt 44 Mal. My underwater photos from Thailand. I am a retired amateur photographer with an apartment on Koh Lanta. I always dive with a camera. My wife is...

www.facebook.com

 

[Centrals]

If you want to have a look at some UW-photos from around Koh Lanta, have a look at this page:

Koh Lanta - Mortens Underwater Photos

Koh Lanta - Mortens Underwater Photos. Gefällt 44 Mal. My underwater photos from Thailand. I am a retired amateur photographer with an apartment on Koh Lanta. I always dive with a camera. My wife is...

www.facebook.com

Picachu nudi!!
When the guide pointed it out to us(x4), one of the diver literally spent the next umpteen min. on taking picture from various angle. When she got back to the boat, all we could hear was "awesome". She was absolutely ecstatic.
She did request it before the dive and her wish was granted.