Regional season and access context.
Thailand · Pattaya (incl. Samaesarn / Sattahip)
Advanced Samaesarn site with tidal drift and macro on sand.
Advanced Samaesarn site with tidal drift and macro on sand.
Ao Yui is a current-sensitive Samaesarn reef and sand site where hard coral in the shallows gives way to deeper sandy ground that can reward slow macro-focused diving. It is best treated as an advanced local dive because tidal changes can turn the site into a drift, making timing and guide briefing much more important than the modest depth range suggests.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
Currents can pick up during tidal changes and may create drift-dive conditions; advanced experience is recommended.
Access Restrictions
Ao Yui is normally reached by local dive boat and is best dived with a guide who understands the tidal window.
Legal Notes
Trips should follow local operator guidance and any protected-area rules in force for Samaesarn and nearby islands.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Can be a drift dive during tidal changes; advanced level is recommended.
Freediving
Ao Yui is generally less suited to casual freedive sessions because tidal flow can build quickly and the site is better managed as a guided scuba plan.
Snorkeling
Ao Yui is not usually a first-choice snorkel site because current and drift-style conditions can develop during tidal changes.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Regional season and access context.
Local operator context for tide-sensitive Samaesarn sites.
Exact site overview for Ao Yui.

Easy boat reef south of Koh Samae Sarn.

Managed shallow coral park off Sattahip for easy snorkeling.

Tide-driven Samaesan reef with coral lines and drift routes.