Gain Revitalizing Experiences at Different Diving Destinations of Thailand

The Andaman Sea offers itself to scuba divers of every skill level. This part of Thailand has some of the best scuba diving destinations in the country, if not the world, among the most sought after of which are the Red and Purple Rocks (Hin Daeng and Hin Muang dive sites), which offer world-class dive spots that deserve to be in every diving enthusiast's top 10 dive sites to take on. Apart from these locations, other amazing sites to target include the Surin and Similan Islands.

October through early May or April is the best times to visit the Andaman Sea. If you want to catch a glimpse of giant manta rays and whale sharks, they arrive at the Similans between the months of January and April. However, heavy rainfall usually hits in May, starting at the West Coast. Heavy downpours usually continue until September, during which the East of the country is a better option for diving. Here, the best diving is found in Koh Tao, but you may want to avoid the crowds during peak months.

Thailand is known for its crystal clear waters. The average sea temperature is a relatively comfortable 28 degrees, which is good for most divers. Because many of the dive sites around Thailand are considered national treasures, Thai authorities are very strict in protecting their natural environment, particularly the coral reefs, even closing dive sites when necessary. They have strict control over their Marine National Parks, which is also why these places have retained their beauty and diversity throughout the centuries.

The maximum dive depth in marine parks is 40 meters and as a rule, no diver may do more than four dives per day. Across Thailand are a total of 26 marine parks, 16 of which can be found in the Andaman Sea, while the remainder can be found in the Gulf of Siam.

Scuba Diving In Phuket: Best Diving Destination in Thailand

Phuket is an excellent departure destination to dive sites that can rival other dive sites around the world. It boasts an extraordinarily rich marine life, thanks to the proper environmental care enforced by the Thai government. Many diving professionals and enthusiasts can easily access Phuket via affordable direct flights. What’s more, divers can come any time as Phuket boasts year-round scuba diving.

There are plenty of diving areas in Phuket that can suit people with different diving levels. If you want to encounter manta rays, head to Koh Bon, which is part of the Similan Islands National marine park. To see harlequin shrimps, seahorses, and schools of colorful fishes, travel to Richelieu Rock. This rock formation is shaped like a horse shoe that provides shelter to marine animals. Another dive spot for dainty fish is the Boonsung wreck - a nursery for marine life. If you want to see something amazing, dive to Koh Racha, which is home to Siam Bay’s underwater statues. You can find giant statues of mythological Thailand guardian demons, yaks, and elephants encrusted with corals. Another “man-made” wonder you can see under the sea is the King Cruiser. This ferry, which sank off Phuket in the 90’s, has become an artificial reef.

Phuket Island has plenty of natural wonders that can take days and months to explore. If you are going on a diving excursion, make sure to book with a reputable diving school or dive tour provider. Make sure that it is certified by PADI. If it is your first time to dive, don’t worry. PADI dive schools offer intensive courses by elite instructors. If you are a little nervous of diving into the sea, make sure the dive center you go to offers a pool for practice dives. This allows you to go diving in a controlled environment so you can gain enough confidence before finally splashing into the underwater wonders of Phuket, Thailand.

Phuket Scuba Diving Courses: The Lighthouse in the World of Diving

Considered as one of South Asia’s best diving destinations, Phuket attracts millions of visitors each year. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a professional diver as there is always a dive spot for every skill level. Some of the major dive areas in Phuket include the west coast, Koh Raya, Tarutao group, Ko Phi-Phi, Koh Doc Mai, and the cluster of King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, and Shark Pont.

Due to the popularity of diving in Phuket, there are many diving schools in the area. Find a diving school that is certified by PADI as a 5 Star dive center. It is important that the diving school adheres to strict rules and regulations so you will be safe during your trip. If you are a little nervous about diving directly into the sea, don’t worry. Diving schools in Phuket offer courses where you take classes and do practice dives in swimming pools. Elite PADI instructors can do more than just teach you how to dive - they also include lessons on safety and what to do if certain events arise while you are at sea. They also open your eyes about the environmental issues of the area.

Phuket has a diverse marine ecosystem, and it is kept that way because the establishments here follow the strict rules and regulations imposed by the Thai government. PADI Diving schools usually join environmental programs to protect sea life.

Once you find a diving school that can offer the PADI course that you need and follows the highest requirements for training, check if it offers packages. There are schools that can simply offer daytrip dives and beginner’s courses while others can offer excellent dive trips and even Liveaboards diving. Some can even provide luxury trips where you can go as you please on a private yacht. All dive boats should have a qualified and well trained crew.

Similan Islands Liveaboard: Cloud Nine for Diving Aficionados

One of the top 10 dive destinations in the world, the Similan Islands can be found just about 100 km northwest of Phuket. The region was declared a National Park in 1982 and has since been well protected to preserve its natural beauty. The Similan Island group is comprised of 9 granite islands, running north to south, along with numerous smaller rock outcroppings, white sand virgin beaches, and a tropical garden above water. These collectively create spectacular dive sites with crystal clear warm waters below the surface of the sea.

Liveaboards to the Similans run seven months per year, between mid-October and early May. From May to end of September, Similan islands are closed for diving, snorkeling or any tourist activities in order to allow to marine life to recover and preserve the extraordinary beauty of Similan Islands. Diving varies from magnificently dizzying landscapes to gently sloping coral reefs and deep rocky gorges. East coast dive sites are hard coral reef dives although soft corals also exist. The area also boasts an abundance of marine life. Diving here is relaxed, with weak to moderate currents.

West coast sites, on the other hand, are a little more challenging because of their depths and the complex currents. The area is known for its submarine rock formations and huge granite boulders. Advanced divers will also enjoy giant sea-fan corals and exciting swim-through. This unique mixture of dive sites is exactly what makes diving cruises to Similan Islands the best experience for diving aficionados who find the undersea endlessly fascinating.

Other famous dive sites that you should consider visiting include the East of Eden, the Elephant Head, Christmas Point and the world famous Richelieu Rock. These dive sites open to a world of underwater caves, huge boulders, eerie narrow passages, and over 500 species of soft and hard corals inhabited by an incredible variety of marine life, ranging from guitar rays to leopard sharks, manta rays, turtles, and whale sharks, all waiting to be explored. For underwater photographers, the Similan Islands are also a paradise for muck and macro photography.