Scuba diving and snorkelling

Pattaya is the nearest and most convenient diving location from Bangkok. Although it may not be interesting enough to most advanced divers, it is a very suitable place for beginners. There are many scuba diving shops in Pattaya that offer PADI or NAUI certificate courses with competitive prices. And the trips are centred around Ko Lan, Ko Sak and Ko Khrok. One-day and half-day excursions to these islands are also available at quite reasonable prices.

For accomplished divers, the outer islands of Ko Man Wichai and Ko Rin which have better visibility are offered. Also worth visiting are the several wrecks off Pattaya's shore, especially the Hardeep and the Bremen. The Hardeep, a 420-metre long ship that sank in 1942, is considered the most interesting dive site in this area.

Windsurfing

Best at Jomtien Beach , where tuition is available for beginners, October through June are the best months, with ideal water and wind conditions for windsurfing.

Sailing

Sailing is a year-round sport in Pattaya's waters, and the most popular craft to rent are Lasers, Prindles and Hobie Cats. For more information, visitors should contact their hotel travel desk, or the Royal Varuna Yacht Club at Tel: 0 3825 1115.

Parasailing

This sport is widely available throughout the resort.

Water Skiing

The most popular venues are the northern and southern parts of Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach and Ko Lan, while freshwater skiing is available at Lakeland Cable Water Ski at Km 150.5 on Sukhumvit Highway (Tel: 0 3823 2690-2).

Game Fishing

Expeditions are organized by many operators, with the waters around Manwichai, Rin and Khram islands popular for the pursuit of marlin, king mackerel and barracuda.