Phuket, a rainforested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, mostly situated along the clear waters of the western shore. But beyond its sandy stretches and vibrant nightlife, Phuket holds a treasure trove beneath its waves, a world of color and calm, an underwater adventure that beckons divers from all over the globe. This article isn’t just a guide; it’s a deep dive into the cerulean heart of Phuket’s undersea universe. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone looking to take their first breath underwater, this guide is your companion into the deep.
Why Diving in Phuket?
Phuket isn’t just a diving destination; it’s an underwater odyssey. The island is surrounded by a tapestry of dive sites, each with its unique topography and marine biodiversity. You can explore everything from vast fringing reefs and dramatic drop-offs to granite walls and sunken shipwrecks. These underwater landscapes are teeming with life, offering a visual feast for divers and snorkelers alike.
Read More: 11 Diving Sites in Phuket and Beyond: Full Guide 2024
Marine Life: A Kaleidoscope of Colors
Diving in Phuket is like swimming in a giant, living aquarium. The waters are a sanctuary for a plethora of marine creatures, ranging from the majestic manta rays and whale sharks to the elusive seahorse and ghost pipefish. The boulder formations and thriving coral gardens serve as the perfect backdrop for this vibrant ecosystem, making every dive an unforgettable experience.
When to Dive: Phuket’s Diving Calendar
Phuket is a year-round diving destination, with warm waters that rarely dip below 77ºF/25ºC. However, the best time to dive is between November and May when the National Marine Park is open, and visibility can reach up to 40m. During this period, the sea is calm, and the underwater world is at its most vibrant.
Night Diving: A Different World
As the sun sets, the underwater landscape of Phuket transforms. Night diving here is a unique experience, with the moonlight illuminating a different cast of nocturnal critters. The fluorescent plankton and the mysterious creatures of the night turn the dive sites into an alien planet, offering a whole new perspective on your favorite spots.
The Best Dive Sites in Phuket
Racha Islands – A Day Trip to Paradise
An hour from Phuket lies the Racha Islands, an idyllic pair known as Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. These islands are more than just picturesque; they’re underwater havens. With visibility often extending beyond 30 meters, the Racha Islands offer a kaleidoscope of coral reefs teeming with life. Here, you might find yourself swimming alongside barracudas, eagle rays, and even the occasional manta ray. It’s a mesmerizing world where each dive is a unique adventure. Read More >>
Shark Point – A Coral Garden
Despite its name, Shark Point is more famous for its stunning corals than any shark encounters. Here, the seabed is adorned with soft pink and purple corals, creating a surreal landscape. While the sharks might be elusive, the site is a bustling metropolis for grouper, scorpion fish, morays, and snappers. The beauty of this site lies in its vibrant coral gardens, making every dive an exploration of a colorful underwater city.
King Cruiser Wreck – An Underwater Chronicle
The King Cruiser wreck is a testament to an accidental yet fascinating underwater feature. This 87m ship, now resting at about 30m deep, has become a sanctuary for marine life. As you navigate through the wreck, you’re likely to encounter schools of yellowtail barracudas, lionfish, and porcupine fish. It’s an eerie yet captivating experience, diving through a piece of history that nature has claimed as its own.
Anemone Reef – A Living Tapestry
Between Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands lies the Anemone Reef. True to its name, the reef is blanketed in a stunning array of anemones, creating a soft, waving bed on the ocean floor. This rich habitat attracts a myriad of sea creatures, making it a bustling spot for divers. It’s like diving into a living tapestry, where every inch is covered with life.
Koh Dok Mai – A Wall Diver’s Dream
For those who enjoy the serenity of wall diving, Koh Dok Mai offers a perfect spot. This limestone islet presents a sheer wall that drops 30m below the surface, adorned with cavities and overhangs. As you drift along, keep an eye out for tiger-tail seahorses and ornate ghost pipefish. It’s a dive where the joy comes from the details, the small discoveries that make each moment special.
Kata Beach – Close and Easy
Kata Beach is a hotspot for those looking to explore a bustling reef close to the shore. The diving season here runs from October to May, offering the best visibility and conditions. The site is particularly famous for its night dives, where the underwater world presents a completely different face, alive with nocturnal creatures and the dance of bioluminescent organisms. Read More >>
Don’t Miss The Best Tours in Phuket
Learning to Dive: The PADI Open Water Course
Phuket is not just a great place to dive; it’s also the perfect place to learn. With a plethora of dive operators and schools, the island is one of the most popular places to take the PADI Open Water course. Prices are competitive, but it’s essential to shop around and find a dive center that maintains high standards of safety and service.
Diving Courses and Experiences: What to Choose?
Discover Scuba Diving
If you’re new to the underwater world, “Discover Scuba Diving” courses are the perfect introduction. These courses are designed to give you a taste of what it’s like to breathe underwater. They usually involve a short theory session, a pool dive to get comfortable with the equipment, and an open water dive to experience the ocean. It’s a supervised and safe way to decide if scuba diving is for you.
Open Water Diver Certification
For those who are ready to commit, the Open Water Diver Certification is your gateway to the underwater world. This 3-day course is comprehensive, covering dive theory, pool practice, and open water dives. By the end, you’ll be a certified diver, ready to explore the oceans of the world.
Advanced and Specialty Dives
For certified divers, Phuket offers a plethora of advanced courses and specialty dives. From deep diving to underwater photography, there’s a course for every interest. Night dives at Kata Beach and wreck dives near the Phi Phi Islands are popular choices for those looking to add a little adventure to their logbooks.
Best Phuket Diving Tours: A Snapshot
Phuket Scuba.com
Phuket Scuba.com is renowned for its daily scuba diving tours from Kata Beach and other areas around Phuket. They offer a rich variety of diving destinations such as Shark Point, Phi Phi Islands, Racha Islands, and the illustrious Similan Islands. They also provide liveaboard diving tours to exotic locations like Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock.
Private Diving on Shared Trip at Racha Noi and Racha Yai
Racha Yai and Racha Noi are two of the most popular dive sites around Phuket, and this full-day tour is ideal for first-time or uncertified divers. You’ll benefit from the undivided attention of an expert instructor as you enjoy three thrilling scuba dives. Keep your eyes peeled for marine creatures such as moray eels, lionfish, and scorpionfish. Plus, enjoy a hearty breakfast and lunch on board. This tour is perfect for those looking for an all-inclusive diving experience.
SSS Phuket
SSS Phuket stands out as a premier dive center offering a vast array of water activities. Their services include scuba diving, freediving, snorkeling, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. With a focus on safety and fun, SSS Phuket ensures a memorable experience for all skill levels.
Full-Day Racha Yai Private Scuba Diving Course
Embark on a captivating full-day diving adventure featuring multiple exhilarating dives. Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to complete two immersive open water dives, each lasting 50 minutes. Witness a mesmerizing array of marine life, potentially encounter intriguing shipwrecks, beautiful colorful corals, and relish breathtaking vistas both above and below the water’s surface. Your experience is further enriched by hearty meals, expert guides, top-notch equipment, and the convenience of hotel pickup.
Full-Day Racha Yai Scuba Diving Course All-Inclusive
This full-day multiple dive excursion includes 2 scuba dives (each 50 minutes) where you’ll encounter marine life and observe fantastic landscapes. The northern end of Koh Racha Yai is known for its beautiful clear waters and white sandy beaches, making it an ideal location for diving. Rich marine life and stunning underwater landscapes await you. Your tour includes all necessary equipment, breakfast, buffet lunch, beverages, and a round-trip hotel transfer from selected hotels.
From Phuket: 3-Day SSI/PADI Open Water Diver Certification
If you’re serious about becoming a certified diver, this 3-day SSI/PADI Open Water Diver Certification tour is the way to go. You’ll receive comprehensive diving lessons and gain a ticket to a lifetime of leisure diving adventures. Dive into the world of scuba diving and explore the depths of the Andaman Sea.
Phuket Dive Tours
As a premier 5-star diving resort and training center, Phuket Dive Tours offers an extensive array of scuba diving experiences. They cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced divers, and offer liveaboard trips to the Similan Islands. With both PADI and SSI certifications available, divers can find courses tailored to their skills.
Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners (Non Certified Divers)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater and explore the wonders of the sea? Try scuba diving with this basic intro course. It includes one pool training session followed by one beach exploration dive at Kata Beach Reef. No certification is needed to begin your diving adventure, as your PADI/SSI certified instructor will provide all the necessary information and briefing for a safe and enjoyable experience. Dive in two beautiful bays known for their clear waters and white sandy beaches. Your tour includes all equipment, breakfast, buffet lunch, beverages, and a round-trip hotel transfer.
Scuba Diving Kata Beach Night Dive for Certified Divers
For certified divers seeking a unique experience, the Kata Beach Night Dive is a must-try. Kata Beach is known as Thailand’s premier macro diving destination, offering the opportunity to witness amazing sea life. Dive at night to explore the underwater world when it comes alive with nocturnal creatures. The best time to dive at Kata is between October and May when visibility is at its best. Kata Beach offers various dive sites, including the reef, the cubes, the sand, and the corner. With a small group, you’ll have the chance to explore these diverse sites and encounter a wide range of marine species.
Scuba Diving Lesson for Beginners (1 hour)
If you’re new to scuba diving and want to dip your toes into this exciting underwater world, the one-hour scuba diving lesson for beginners is a great choice. This introductory experience includes pool training followed by a beach exploration dive at Kata Beach Reef. No previous experience is required, making it suitable for beginners of all ages. You’ll learn to use the equipment in a safe environment and explore the marine life in the shallow reef. Your tour includes all necessary equipment and a health questionnaire prior to diving.
Blue Dive Center
Blue Dive Center, a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort, offers a comprehensive range of diving experiences from Discover Scuba Diving to advanced certification courses. They provide opportunities to explore the stunning marine life around Racha Islands, Phi Phi Island, and the Similan National Park.
Private Full-Day Scuba Diving in Phuket
Enjoy a wonderful day of diving on a comfortable and relaxing diving vessel that will take you to different locations around the Phuket diving area. This is not a charter boat; it’s a shared trip with a private guide. Explore Racha Islands, Phuket Marine Park, and Phi Phi Islands, all of which offer incredible dive sites suitable for divers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, this tour promises unforgettable underwater experiences.
Aussie Divers Phuket
Aussie Divers Phuket is a PADI 5 Star CDC Dive Centre specializing in a wide range of PADI courses. They offer day trips, liveaboard excursions to the Similan Islands, and various diving packages. Known for their professional education and enthusiastic instructors, they provide a quality underwater adventure.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners
Ever wondered what it’s like to scuba dive with the fishies? Join Aussie Divers on an introduction experience with the PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. This introductory experience is not a certification course, but it allows you to scuba dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters at sites around the Racha Islands under the guidance of a professional instructor.
Your adventure begins with paperwork at the training center in Chalong before boarding the boat to Racha Islands. During the boat ride, your PADI instructor will brief you on safety and required skills for scuba diving. You’ll have the opportunity to learn basic skills during your first dive and then explore the underwater world in subsequent dives with your instructor’s guidance.
Aloha Diving
Aloha Diving™ in Phuket is a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre known for offering serene and eco-conscious diving experiences. As the first PADI Eco Center in Phuket, they demonstrate a strong commitment to environmentally sustainable diving practices.
Try Scuba Diving with Aloha Diving
For those curious about scuba diving but not ready for a full course, the Try Scuba Diving excursion with Aloha Diving is an excellent choice. Join a small group and learn the basics of scuba diving from professional instructors. Head to shallow dive sites and experience the thrill of breathing underwater while observing local marine life like fish and corals. The package includes breakfast, lunch, bottled water, and all scuba diving equipment.
Premium Guided Scuba Diving Day Trip for Certified Divers
Welcome aboard M/V Matchanu, a charming dive boat that accommodates a maximum of 12 divers. Enjoy a full-day scuba diving excursion with Phuket’s most relaxed diving boat. Explore multifaceted dive sites with mysterious underwater landscapes and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or a dive professional, there’s something for everyone. The flexibility of the schedule and unrestricted dive time allow you to create a personalized and unforgettable diving experience.
Conclusion: Diving in Phuket
Phuket’s diving tours in 2024 promise thrilling underwater adventures, stunning marine life encounters, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there are tours and experiences tailored to your preferences. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Phuket and discover the wonders that lie beneath the waves.
If You Liked Our Article About Diving in Phuket, You Also Might Like
- 9 Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket: Best Tours & Experiences (2024)
- Tiger Kingdom in Phuket: Ticket Prices & Opening Hours 2024
- Andamanda Water Park in Phuket: Hours & Tickets (2024)
- Big Buddha in Phuket: History, How to Get & What to See 2024
- 14 Best James Bond Island Tours from Phuket (2024)
- How to Get to Phi Phi Islands: Ferries, Speedboats from Phuket, Krabi & More (2024)
- 36 Things to Do in Phuket with Family: Top Attractions & Activities (2024)
- 12 Best Museums in Phuket: Art, History & Entertainment 2024
- Waterfalls in Phuket: Locations, Times & Entry Fees (2024)
- Fun & Cool Things to Do in Phuket Old Town (2024)
Don’t Miss The Best Tours in Phuket