Diving in Ko Losin, Thailand

 It's been quite a while since I wrote. Since the beginning of 2023, I've been travelling a bit, went for a couple of dives and santai trips. But recently I did my first Live On Board or LOB diving trip. It was quite an experience!!!

KO LOSIN

Located on the eastern part of Thailand, about 150 km off Songkhla port. The location is a lighthouse on a rock outcrop in the Gulf of Thailand. Basically, it's located in an open sea and it took about 10 hours to reach the place. 

    Lighthouse on left, Sunset at Ko Losin                      Location of Ko Losin

ISSARA LOB

Our LOB was aptly named Issara, in Thai it means Independent. Indeed it was an independent LOB as we practically was self sufficient and had everything catered for us.

The ISSARA LOB

The LOB can cater up to 22 passengers, either on a double or twin rooms. The rooms are not big but comfortable for 2 persons. There is an a/c lounge where you can gather to party of just watch a movie, karaoke, or just chill. What I like most is the top deck, an open deck with some chairs to enjoy the evening breeze and amazing sunsets. The dining area is an open sided but covered upper deck at stern of the LOB, While the lower deck is where all the diving happens, our gears, washing areas and storage.

The lounge and twin rooms (below pics)

DIVING IN KO LOSIN

Since Ko Losin is an open sea, we basically did a negative entry to the bottom and explored around the pinnacles. There are 2 pinnacles, the first one is where the lighthouse is situated while the second one is located south of the first pinnacle. Both pinnacles are rich in marine life and the corals are lively. During the 3 days of diving, we managed to spot a lone Barracuda, some eagle rays and baby moray eels. Other marine life includes plenty Bat fish, Angel fish, Parrot fish etc.

Upon ascend, we encountered big swells almost every dive, thankfully, the crew were on hand to assist with immediate boarding after each dive. 

Issara crew assisting after each dive

Fortunately, we had good weather and amazing visibility throughout our dives. We managed to gather all our friends for an unforgettable photo shoot under the sea !!

Overall, the trip was amazing, the LOB was a first experience for me and I enjoyed it very much (despite the TKO I had during the first day), from the living on board, the ever attentive and accommodating crew who took good care of me and my friends (1st class service), the yummilicious, mouth-watering and tasty meals every day, but above all, the ever amazing wonderful friends I was with throughout my trip. 

Would I do another LOB, I probably will but albeit better prepared for the trip.

PS: we learnt a new hand signal for diving, one, that you should never allow to happen!!