Dive Site: Hin Tai Nam (Blueberry Hill)

About Hin Tai Nam (Blueberry Hill)

Hin Tai Nam, often called Blueberry Hill, is a welcoming dive site located near Koh Chang in the eastern Gulf of Thailand. This beginner-friendly site features a gentle underwater hill that rises from the sandy seabed, creating a concentrated and thriving reef habitat. Its topography is characterized by a beautiful garden of elephant ear coral and abundant soft corals, making it a visually rich environment at manageable depths. The site supports a diverse marine community, with a remarkable variety of fish species, though not exceptionally large pelagics. Schools of snapper and fusiliers are common, alongside various reef fish, moray eels, and crustaceans nestled in rocky crevices. Blue-spotted stingrays can be found resting on the surrounding sandy areas, while sea anemones host clownfish, offering classic tropical reef encounters. Diving Hin Tai Nam provides an enjoyable experience due to its moderate depths and typically calm conditions, making it an excellent choice for less experienced divers or as a relaxed second dive. The clear, warm waters and healthy coral growth contribute to a pleasant underwater exploration, highlighting the authentic reef diving available in this quieter region of Thailand.

Dive site facts: Hin Tai Nam (Blueberry Hill)

Depth

5–18 m

Typical dive

12–18 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild

Visibility

15–25 m

Water temperature

29–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Reef, coral slope, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Koh Chang / Gulf of Thailand

Coordinates

8.7196° N, 98.0789° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Hin Tai Nam are typically mild, making for an easy and enjoyable dive experience suitable for all skill levels. While generally calm, it is always wise to be aware of the potential for slight movements. Entry is usually a simple boat drop, and conditions remain manageable for a comfortable descent and ascent. The site's protected nature contributes to its often-calm waters and good visibility, which can range from 18 to 25 meters, depending on seasonal factors and recent rainfall. Divers can expect consistent water temperatures around 29-30°C. This combination of factors ensures a relaxed dive profile, allowing ample time to observe the rich marine life without significant challenges.

Marine life & sighting chances

Snapper

common

Fusilier

common

Barracuda

occasional

Moray eel

occasional

Blue-spotted stingray

occasional

Shrimp

occasional

Sea anemone

common

Clownfish

common

Nudibranch

occasional

Soft coral

common

Hard coral

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Hin Tai Nam typically begins with a descent onto the gentle slopes of the underwater hill, which starts at around 5 meters and gradually extends down to 18 meters. Divers explore the reef by circumnavigating the main formation, observing the rich soft coral gardens and the diverse fish life that congregates around the coral-covered rocks. The route often involves following the contours of the hill, allowing for a gradual depth progression that keeps most of the dive within the 12-18 meter range. Sandy patches surrounding the main reef can be explored for resting blue-spotted stingrays. The dive concludes with a slow ascent, often incorporating a safety stop in the shallower sections of the reef or along the mooring line, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable return to the surface.

Underwater photography

Hin Tai Nam offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse reef topography and abundant marine life. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive soft coral gardens and schools of fish across the underwater hill, especially given the site's good visibility. For macro enthusiasts, a macro lens will be highly rewarding, allowing you to focus on the intricate details of nudibranchs, crustaceans, and the vibrant life within sea anemones. Buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing delicate corals and sandy areas, particularly when getting close to smaller subjects. Natural light is often sufficient in the shallower parts, but a strobe can enhance colors and bring out details in deeper sections or for macro subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• T11 Wreck

  A nearby shallow wreck dive often combined with a coral reef.

• Hin Raab

  An intermediate rocky reef characterized by flat formations and rich marine life.

• Secret Reef

  A shallow pinnacle reef known for diverse macro and pelagic life.

• Hin Luk Bat

  A pinnacle dive featuring corals, groupers, and schooling fish.

Getting there & logistics

Hin Tai Nam is located near Koh Chang in Thailand's eastern Gulf and is primarily accessed by day boats from dive centers on the island. While specific operators for this site are being developed, typical dive trips often combine Hin Tai Nam as a second dive due to its accessible conditions and shallower depth. Divers flying into Thailand would usually arrive at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), then connect to Trat Airport (TDX), followed by a ferry or speed boat transfer to Koh Chang. Daily dive excursions range from half-day to full-day trips, with equipment rental readily available through local dive shops. There are no reported specific park fees for this site.

Safety & environment

For diving Hin Tai Nam, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is highly recommended. The nearest recompression chamber facilities would typically be in mainland Thailand, requiring significant evacuation time in case of a serious incident. Divers should always plan their dives within their certification limits, paying close attention to maximum depth and bottom time, especially since the maximum depth is 18 meters. While currents are generally mild, maintaining good buoyancy control is essential to protect the delicate coral formations and avoid contact with any marine life. Boat traffic can be a hazard at the surface, so always deploy an SMB during ascents to signal your position. Always dive with a buddy and follow your dive guide's instructions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Hin Tai Nam (Blueberry Hill) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Hin Tai Nam (Blueberry Hill)

These liveaboards may visit Hin Tai Nam (Blueberry Hill) on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Mandarin Queen 9

Thailand

26 guests37.5 m

$205/day

Manta Queen 8

Thailand

24 guests

$127/day

The Junk

Thailand

18 guests33 m

$163/day

Deep Andaman Queen

Thailand

23 guests30.5 m

$194/day

Explorer

Thailand

16 guests25 m

$150/day

Andaman

Thailand

20 guests26 m

$108/day

Stingray

Thailand

8 guests24 m

$247/day

Seatopia

Thailand

24 guests24 m

$156/day