Scuba Diving In Thailand - Great Adventure

Thailand is one of the best places to go scuba diving. Just head to the island of Phuket and you will be minutes away from fabulous, world-class dive sites where you will come upon both natural and artificial reefs that are ideal for all levels of divers. To be able to enjoy scuba diving, you should take PADI courses first. Dozens of PADI dive centers are in Phuket, but it’s always best to choose a center with a 5-star rating to ensure professionalism and the highest standards of safety.

One of the best ways to enjoy scuba diving in Thailand is to using a liveaboard package. You can save a lot of time on travel and enjoy the open waters for much longer. In a liveaboard arrangement, you stay on a boat or yacht instead of hotels on land. Liveaboards offered are ideal for all types of travelers, whether you are on a budget or looking to splurge. Just book your liveaboard scuba diving adventure with a reputable PADI center or travel operator. There are usually four types of liveaboards:

1.    Economy – For the budget-conscious, economy liveaboards are an excellent way to meet other travelers who also share your love for adventure or diving.

2.    Comfort – One step up from economy, comfort liveaboard offers private accommodation and boats with more amenities.

3.    First Class – This type of liveaboard usually includes delicious and world-class meals. Some ships even have massage services onboard as well as housekeeping.

4.    Luxury – If you don’t want to follow a particular itinerary and want to travel around Phuket’s Andaman Sea as you please, this is the liveaboard for you. Almost anything you wish can be arranged, from the cuisine that you want to be served to drinks that you want onboard, like champagne and wine.

Phuket - An Amazing Destination for Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is one of the top reasons why visitors come to the island of Phuket. This area is an excellent jump off point for visiting the world-class dive sites of Thailand. Here are some locations you might want to visit while there:

•    Koh Doc Mai – This limestone island looks a little bit like a muffin. It has a garden of soft and hard corals and is ideal for all levels of divers. The current can be moderate to high, and visibility is up to 15 meters. You can spot octopuses, sharks, moray eels, and tropical fishes in Koh Doc Mai.

•    Racha Islands – To the south of Phuket lies Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. Both granite islands have hard and soft corals and usually have moderate currents. These islands are suitable for beginners. Scuba divers can usually find moray eels, stingrays, turtles, and tropical underwater. If you are a little apprehensive of diving or are with non-divers, Racha Islands are also ideal for snorkeling.

•    Anemone Reef – Its name Hin Jom translates to Submerged Rock. This limestone pinnacle is ideal for beginners to advanced divers. Some of the sea life you can spot include schools of lionfish and clownfish.

•    Richelieu Rock – If you want to spot some manta rays and whale sharks, this is the place to go. Only advanced divers are allowed to go to Richelieu Rock as the current is usually high.

If you are going to Phuket, book with a PADI dive center beforehand to get the best advices and prices. When intending to visit during high or peak seasons, you need to book your diving course way in advance because slots run out. Those who are looking to enjoy the full-on experience of visiting Phuket can also try a liveaboard package. Don’t forget to complete your PADI diving course for a better and safer experience.