King Cruiser Wreck

The King Cruiser is a large wreck dive between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi in the Andaman Sea, and the most accessible wreck dive in southern Thailand. This 85-meter car ferry sank in May 1997 after striking the submerged Anemone Reef, settling upright on the sandy seabed with her decks at 12–18 meters and keel at 32 meters. All passengers were safely evacuated before sinking. In the decades since, the wreck has become an artificial reef teeming with marine life. The superstructure is collapsing gradually — the upper vehicle deck has partially caved in, and the bridge section is deteriorating — but this process creates new habitats and open passages that fish colonise quickly. Massive schools of lionfish gather under overhangs, some of the highest concentrations seen anywhere. Barracuda circle the wreck in impressive numbers, and large groupers have taken up residence in the engine room and lower decks. Scorpionfish and stonefish camouflage on every flat surface. Nudibranchs and seahorses can be found with patient searching on the hull. The wreck is far enough from shore to attract open-water visitors — barracuda, trevally, and occasionally whale sharks pass by. Day boats from Phuket reach the site in about 90 minutes, and it is commonly combined with Shark Point and Anemone Reef for a three-dive day. Visibility varies significantly from 5 to 25 meters depending on season and current, with the best visibility in the November to February window.

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