Know About the Best Package for Scuba Diving in Phuket

Phuket is known as one of the top-notch diving destinations in South Asia. It is one of the islands of Thailand, and along with Phi Phi and Racha islands, Phuket offers a range of dive spots that will suit all skill levels and other activities, including snorkeling, PADI certified scuba diving courses, beach dives, and dive trips. To make the most of scuba diving in Phuket, consider signing up for one of the diving packages offered by reputable PADI certified dive centers. The best dive centers guarantee a fun, safe, and comfortable dive aboard their own yacht, with the most experienced and knowledgeable guides and instructors.

Explore the selection of the best scuba diving packages in Phuket offered by a reputable dive center. Similan liveaboard packages can take you on a diving trip that is good for three to five days or more, depending on the provider and the package that you want. You will have to live in a yacht for days, too, so bring only the essentials. Cabins are clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned. Liveaboard packages come with meals, and some providers offer buffet-style meals and snacks aboard their yachts. Some liveaboards come with day trips and hotel accommodation. Take note that some packages are available only for a limited time, such as Similan liveaboard season, which typically runs from mid-October to early May.

If you prefer day trips, leading scuba diving centers can organize a diving day trip package during low and high season. They allow you to choose from their selection of diving holidays and day trips that come with accommodation. The best package for scuba diving in Phuket comes with diving insurance per every diver. If anything goes wrong, you can be sure that any damages or injuries will be covered by insurance. Take note that insurance may be provided per day, so be sure to check with the dive center.

Best Sites in Phuket for Scuba Diving

Phuket, Thailand is one of the most coveted locations for amateur and professional scuba divers worldwide. Its lush marine life and vibrant surroundings make diving more than just a trip underwater, but a truly memorable experience that you will fondly look back on. The diving spots in Phuket are breathtaking—and it’s easy to see why people from all over the world travel far to bask in its beauty. Situated to the south of Phuket Island is the Group of Racha Islands, which consists of the northern island or the Racha Yai and southern island or the Racha Noi. This groups of islands is the most popular amongst first-time or beginner divers because its numerous dive sites offer colorful coral reefs, abundant reef, various sea creatures, and good visibility.

Ko Racha Yai is easy to navigate with its coral reef slope and white sand-covered flat bottom. This diving spot is hidden inside a bay that shelters it from strong currents. Visibility can be as good as 20-30 meters all year round, depending on the season. There are also deep diving reefs and wrecks which are suitable for more skilled scuba divers. Siam Bay Dive Site is located to the north of Racha Yai Island and it is known for parrotfish, basslets, butterfly fish, and cuttlefish and stingrays. You can find parrotfish, snapper, angelfish, butterfly fish, grouper and basslets in Staghorn Reef and Lucy’s Reef, also located in Ko Racha Yai.

Ko Racha Noi is roughly 40 minutes from Ko Racha Yai and this is divided into two sections—North End and South End. The crystal blue waters and stunning underwater landscapes are the best advantages of this island. The south end in particular is a great dive site for those who are more experienced. The area is known for its Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. Because it is quite hazardous with its strong currents and complex landscape, it can be quite challenging to five here, and so only advanced scuba divers are allowed.

Scuba Diving Seasons in Phuket

Scuba diving in Thailand is one of the experiences you should not miss. The Land of Smiles is particularly popular for its diving spots in Phuket, an island that can be your starting point for a liveaboard trip or scuba diving trips up the west coast to diving sites in the Andaman Sea. Phuket has everything for beginners, experienced, and professional divers alike, and it is home to world class PADI certified diving schools, too. To ensure the best diving experience, it is recommended that you dive during the best scuba diving seasons in Phuket.

Scuba diving continues throughout the year in Phuket, but the best conditions are from November to April (high season), and at the absolute peak aspect towards the end of that period. Scuba diving in Thailand during low season may be frustrating as the weather tends to be less predictable, with choppier seas and more rain. However, most diving trips to the local sites in Phuket are rarely interrupted by moderate weather conditions. In this case, divers are taken to the sites on the offshore island’s leeward areas.

Liveaboard scuba diving in Thailand is ideal from late October until the middle of May. Monsoons are already common and unpredictable beyond that period until high season starts, making it too dangerous for boats and divers to be in the open seas. Water temperatures in Phuket tend to range from 26 degrees Celsius in January and February, to 30 degrees Celsius in May and June. Thermoclines may occur in March and April, in which temperatures may drop a few degrees. Divers may wear full-length thin wetsuits if they feel uncomfortable with thermoclines.

Be careful when scuba diving in Thailand around April and May, as the titan triggerfish start nesting in the period, especially towards the end of high season. Triggerfish can become aggressive when defending their nests, which they build by digging in a sandy patch of coral. The titan species is notorious for being hazardous to divers.

Tips On How To Fit In Your Wetsuits

One of the most essential gear you must have in scuba diving is the wetsuit, which is designed for buoyancy and thermal insulation. The benefits of wearing a wetsuit will be discussed by your certified instructor during diving lessons in Phuket, but it is important to understand how to fit yours properly. Fitting one should be covered by your diving lessons in Phuket, but here are more tips to help you get the right fit and size:

• Check the brand or manufacturer – Suit manufacturers will vary in their sizing. What is labeled, ‘small’ may not necessarily be the regular small size that you wear when it comes to your everyday garments. Hence, ask for a sizing chart from the manufacturer that made the suit you want. This way, you can be sure that the suit will fit you snugly. Keep in mind that all suits are proportionally sized to your height and weight. 

• Fitting a one-piece suit – Pull the wetsuit all the way up to the waist and reach down to work your arms up one at a time. Let a buddy from your diving lessons in Phuket help you zip you up if the zipper is at the back to minimize zipper damage, as zippers tend to get caught in long hair or snag neoprene. 

• Fitting a two-piece scuba suit – Not all wetsuits are one-piece. There are two-piece suits, too. If that is what you want, start fitting by pulling the pants all the way up before securing the Velcro strap on the shoulder. Next, step through the jacket and pull it on, and reach to your back to put your arms through the suit before pulling it up. Zip up. 

• Inspecting the fit – The wetsuit must conform to the shape of your body. It should fit snugly and you might have a limited range of motion, but that is normal. Walk around for a few minutes and beware of any loss of circulation in your feet and hands. You should be able to breathe and inhale properly without feeling any discomfort. A small crease may be found at the back of your knees or elbows. 

• What if it does not fit? - Not all people will find off the rack wetsuits that will fit them properly. If that is the case, have it altered for a custom fit.

Thinking of Scuba Diving in Phuket? All4Diving is the Right Destination for You

Scuba diving lets you explore the oceans and encounter interesting creatures you simply wouldn’t get a chance to see anywhere else. One of the best destinations to go to for scuba diving is Phuket. Sign up for a scuba diving trip with a reputable diving academy like All4Diving - which is often described as the best diving school in this part of Thailand. For over two decades, it has been a leader in the Thai diving industry and is also among the most awarded PADI diving centers in the world.

All4Diving has new boats and liveaboard luxury boats that can provide comfort and safety even in a difficult weather. Scuba diving trips with All4Diving are suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike.

The academy also offers basic lessons as well as 10 specialty courses that will not only allow you to discover and explore the ocean, but also let you exercise your creativity and learn new skills. These 10 specialty courses are (1) deep scuba diving, (2) wreck scuba diving, (3) enriched air diving, (4) digital underwater photography, (5) diver propulsion vehicles, (6) underwater naturalist and fish identification, (7) underwater search and discovery, (8) coral reef conservation, (9) night scuba diving, and (10) drift scuba diving. These courses typically only take one to two days.

All4Diving also has a spacious retail shop where you can find the best equipment and accessories that will help you make the most of your diving and snorkeling activities. The academy is likewise involved in local and national environmental programs that are in line with their philosophy, which is to protect the environment for the generations to come. One of their specialty courses - coral reef preservation - gives you the knowledge and skills you need to be an ambassador of the coral reef ecosystems. Consider taking it during your holiday so you can share the knowledge with other divers and diving communities back home.

Phuket - A Hot Spot for Scuba Diving

One of the best diving destinations that you can go to - whether you’re a novice or an experienced scuba diver - is Phuket. There are various day trips and liveaboard arrangements that can help you get the best out of your scuba diving holiday. These trips make it easier to reach the many dive sites near the island, where you can revel in the enchanting marine life and history.

Phuket offers a range of dive sites for all skill levels. If you are a beginner and would prefer gentle drift diving, Racha Yai is recommended for you. However, if you are already an advanced diver and can take on stronger currents and deeper waters, then Racha Noi is a good choice. You could also possibly see manta rays there, as well as encounter large schools of tuna, whale sharks, and chevron barracudas.

If you choose to go on a day trip to Koh Dok Mai, you will likely encounter small creatures that just enrich the experience of fun dives and continuing education dives alike. You may be able to see the ghost pipefish, anglerfish, and tiger-tail seahorse. The east wall of Koh Dok Mai has a big and small cave, which makes it a great site for scuba diving. You will be permitted to go inside the small and narrow cave if you are a certified scuba diver.

Another place that is a must-see when you go to Phuket is the Shark Point. It got its name from the leopard sharks that are often seen in the area. Shark Point is 27 kilometers away from Phuket, and is near the King Cruiser Wreck and Anemone Reef.

If you want to have a scuba diving trip in Phuket, it would be best if you go with a diving center that offers day trips and liveaboard diving holidays. Choose a diving academy in Phuket that is among the most awarded PADI centers in Thailand because of its excellence in the domain of professional and recreational diving education.

Enjoy the Natural Beauty by Taking a Liveaboard Diving Tour in Similan Island

Thailand has a lot of dive spots that can give you the opportunity to discover and explore the breathtaking and mysterious life under the sea. The Similan Islands are one of the most popular scuba diving destination, and the best way to explore them is by taking a liveaboard diving tour. In this type of tour, you will live on a yacht or a boat that is specially crafted for diving trips. The boats are large enough for small to big groups. Liveaboards offer the best diving tours and cruises that can let you make the most of your visit to Similan Island, and the best opportunities are offered by seasoned specialists who organize liveaboard diving packages in Thailand.

You can find Liveaboard diving tours in Similan Islands as packages that come with the best deals, like dives to Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai, Koh Bon, and Surin National Marine Park. Diving tours can be arranged as daily or multi-day trips on a Similan liveaboard. Together with the Surin Islands, the Similan Islands cover about 140 square kilometers, so you will need a few days or more to explore every dive spot they have to offer, including Shark Fin Reef. Many islands are uninhabited and unspoiled, so it may feel like you are in a completely different world as you explore their beaches, behold their majestic boulders, enjoy different activities and experiences, and take in the breathtaking views.

Under the sea, the most outstanding scenes and venues await to be explored via a liveaboard diving tour in Similan Island. The seas around the islands are home to a very rich marine life that includes whale sharks and manta rays. Mild temperatures and clear water make ideal diving conditions, and when you join a liveaboard diving tour, you will be accompanied by PADI certified divers, too.

5 Things to Keep in Mind When Going for Scuba Diving Tours in Phuket

Warm weather and beautiful seas make Phuket one of the best destinations for scuba diving tours. Scuba divers of every age and skill level will find Phuket a wonderful venue for diving and exploring the sea life, and specially crafted tours are designed to make their trip more convenient and cost-effective. Scuba diving tours in Phuket offer a great way to enjoy the activity with your companions or in a group, but there are five things you should keep in mind before you go:

1. Pick the right tour provider – Make sure it is an established company that offers a wide range of scuba diving tour packages and courses in Phuket. Find out how long they have been operating and make sure they are a licensed business. One of the leading providers of scuba diving tours in the island has been in business for over 20 years, making them among the most established and reputable companies trusted by local and visiting scuba diving enthusiasts.

2. Explore the options – Find out the tour options and packages being offered by a particular provider. Scuba diving tours and trips typically provide access to major dive areas like the Phuket West coast, Shark Point, the Racha Islands, Ko Phi Phi, the Tarutao group, the Hin Daeng and Hin Muang group, Anemone reef, and the King Cruiser wreck.

3. How can you get to the diving sites? - Reputable scuba diving tour providers in Phuket have a yacht that can take you to the dive sites comfortably and safely. The boat is specially crafted for diving, with specific areas for equipment, lounging, eating, and for getting in and out of the ocean.

4. The number of people who can join the trip – There is safety in numbers, including the maximum number of people who are allowed to join in a group. This way, overloading the yacht can be avoided and you can be sure that it will not be too crowded and that the dive guides can provided personalized attention to everyone.

5. PADI certified – Make sure that you are booking scuba diving tours with a PADI certified dive center. This means that Divemasters and SCUBA instructors are certified PADI too and that they are qualified to accompany you or teach you how to dive.

Scuba Diving in Phuket – The Pearl of The Andaman

Phuket is situated around 862 kilometers south of Bangkok and it is one of the must-see destinations in Thailand, especially if you love water sports and scuba diving. Its nickname, ‘Pearl of the Andaman Sea,’ will make a lot of sense when you see how beautiful it is with its limestone cliffs, vast and tranquil bays, white beaches with powdery sand, and lush tropical forests. Phuket itself is the largest island of Thailand, and its waters have plenty of diving sites that are waiting to be explored by you.

Scuba diving is one of the top activities you should not miss in Phuket. PADI-certified divers go there for a challenge or for fun dives, and beginners and casual divers go there to learn or hone their skill. The best time to go scuba diving in Phuket is during hot season, which is from November to April. That way, you can experience the clearest skies, crystal clear waters, and the freshest sea breeze, and enjoy a pleasant temperature, which averages between 28 to 33 degrees Celsius.

Families, couples, groups of friends, and individuals can arrange scuba diving adventures through a reputable provider of diving trips, holidays, liveaboards, and certified diving lessons in Phuket. Be sure to find provider that is recognized as the leader in the local diving industry and recognized by PADI as a reputable diving center with the best standards for teaching and guiding its students.

Phuket offers many different dive sites such as Racha Noi, a tropical island known for its hard coral reefs, big granite boulders, and excellent visibility that lets you enjoy a view of the underwater life with plenty of fish and manta rays. The King Cruiser wreck is another attraction to see when scuba diving in Phuket. The ferry sank in May 1997 near a reef, and since then, it became inhabited by many species of fish, making it a fascinating diving destination for average to expert divers.

3 Beautiful Phuket Scuba Diving Sites

Scuba diving in Phuket is one of the best experiences you could ever have. Arranging a dive in Phuket should be easy if you book with a specialized provider that offers PADI-certified diving courses and reasonably priced diving trips. Trips are designed for beginners and more experienced divers, and they always come with certified instructors and guides to ensure your safety. There are three beautiful Phuket scuba diving sites you should not miss:

1. Racha Islands – Situated less than two hours south of Phuket, Racha consists of two islands: Racha Yai (the north island) and Racha Noi (south island). These are two of the best local dive sites for first-time or amateur divers. There are more than 10 sites here with many different attractions to see. 

Racha Yai is known for its good visibility that lets you clearly behold abundant reef fish and coral reefs. From there, you can consider a trip to the Harruby wreck located between Bay 1 and Bay 2. At 18 meters deep, you should be able to find spotfin lionfish, different kinds of nudibranchs, some batfish or even yellowtail barracudas. 

Racha Noi is 45 minutes south of the northern island and it is known for its good visibility, too. The underwater environment consists of a white sandy bottom with huge granite boulders. Whale sharks, spotted eagle rays, mantas, and other large pelagics frequent the island because of its current and depth.

2. Koh Phi Phi – Located 46 kilometers east-south-east of Phuket lies the Phi Phi Islands, which boasts turquoise waters and verdant limestone hills highlighting the main island. Scuba diving is one of the main activities in this area where you can find local reefs consisting of soft and hard corals and a diverse marine life. Koh Phi Phi is ideal for all scuba divers regardless of their skill level and expertise.

3. Koh Dok Mai – This small limestone island has hard coral on the west, so the east wall is commonly frequented by divers. Cracks and crevices can be found at all depths, but the popular one is the big and small caves on the east side. The small cave is recommended only to scuba divers who are certified or have obtained specialty in caverns. 

Enjoy This Holiday Season with a Wonderful Scuba Diving Experience in Phuket

The holiday season is coming up. Why don’t you take advantage of your vacation days and head over to Phuket for scuba diving? The high season starts in November and ends in March or April. It’s a great time to visit Phuket and enjoy all the diving sites it has to offer at optimum conditions.

Perfect Weather Diving

The winds change at some point in October, so the sea becomes calm and flat by the time November comes along. This improves underwater visibility for scuba divers and kicks off the best scuba diving season in Phuket. The water is cooler during the rainy season – around 27C but from November starts to get warmer as the high season progresses.

Did you know that some Phuket and Similan’s dive sites are closed from May to September? The government mandates this in order to give the underwater attractions a well-deserved rest from visitors, and also to prevent boating and diving accidents that may be caused by large waves and heavy storms. But don’t worry - they open again in time for the holiday season. This means that you won’t have problems diving famous national parks like the Similan Islands as well as the Surin Islands during this time, well after the monsoon months.

Plan Early

Because the holiday months of November till March are known for providing the best visibility, thousands of divers from all over the world flock to Phuket during this period. Be sure to plan your trip early and book everything at least two months before your arrival. If you want to take diving lessons, inquire about packages as soon as you have confirmed your trip because slots most of the time runs out. And if you intend to join a liveaboard diving cruise, sign up as soon as you’re able if you want to secure your place.

5 Reasons Why Scuba Diving Is Good for You

Scuba diving is a great way to experience another world underwater. Not all people will have the opportunity to scuba dive, so when given the privilege, be sure to take it and give it a shot. Not only is it pleasurable and fun—it may do wonders for your health, too. Read on to find out the five reasons why scuba diving is good for you:

1. It’s a great form of exercise. Scuba diving may be a low impact activity, but spending an hour in the activity can help you burn an average of 300 to 600 calories. That is the same as taking a walk, except you are exploring a mysterious and wonderful underwater scenery. A dive can last about 30 minutes to an hour, and a trip usually consists two to three dives. And because it is a low impact activity, it can be great for those who have bad joints, hips, or knees. A crew is typically there to assist with a heavy tank. Scuba diving may help increase your physical strength, too.

2. Scuba diving can improve blood circulation, since it requires you to use all muscles in your body. Hence, you are experiencing a full cardio workout. Likewise, scuba diving may help your feet and legs become more agile.

3. It lets you get up close and personal with nature. Scuba diving lets you explore an unusual world under the sea, and the breathtaking scenery may help reduce stress levels and make you feel more peaceful and relaxed. You may get to interact with some sea creatures, too, like dolphins and sea turtles.

4. Scuba diving is a good way to relax. It may help relieve stress, especially when you get used to the water and you are more confident and comfortable with your skills. When you scuba dive, it puts you ‘in the moment’. Hence, it lets you forget everything else but the activity. You can focus on what you can see, your buoyancy, and your breathing, and in a way, it can be meditative, too. Likewise, scuba diving can serve as an escape from the real world.

5. Meet new people, make new friends. Scuba diving trips typically involve people from all walks of life and from different countries. Hence, they may provide the opportunity to widen your social circle, too.

Top 3 Local Dive Sites to Explore When Scuba Diving in Phuket

Often called Southeast Asia's Dive Pearl, Phuket is one of the best jumping off points for scuba diving adventures in Thailand. You can choose to join a liveaboard cruise if you want to spend most of your holiday exploring the region’s underwater attractions. Top scuba diving tour operators in Phuket will send you off with PADI-certified professional instructors and divers to make your scuba diving adventures fun and safe. 

There are so many local dive sites to explore in Phuket. Below are just some of them.

1. One of the most popular local dive sites is Racha Noi, which is great for dipping your toes into the many patches of underwater paradise in the Similan Islands. This scuba diving site is known for its colossal granite boulders, highly diverse ocean surface topography, and of course, its rich sea life. Here you will spot tuna, manta rays, jacks, and whales. 

2. Another Phuket scuba diving site you should not miss is Shark Point, which is famous for being home to bamboo sharks as well as leopard sharks. The corals in the area are breathtaking as well. During your dives, you will likely be surrounded by schools of glassfish and spot the usual pufferfish, boxfish, and angelfish. The famous King Cruiser wreck is only a mile from Shark Point.

3. Koh Dok Mai (which means Flower Island in Thai) is another must-see scuba diving attraction in Phuket. It is technically a limestone islet that juts vertically out of the gorgeous sea, perfect for wall dives and practicing penetration techniques. Koh Dok Mai is quite famous with diving enthusiasts because of the diversity and beauty of its walls. If you look hard enough, you will spot yellow tiger-tail seahorses amongst gorgonian sea fans. Can’t see them? Don’t worry—your dive guide will point them out to you, along with other majestic creatures like harlequin ghostpipefish and white-eyed moray eels. Bring your underwater camera because there are lots to photograph here. 

All4Diving Offers Best Scuba Diving Courses in Phuket

Are you looking to take up a scuba diving course during your holiday in Thailand? All4Diving Academy has been a leader in the Phuket diving industry for over two decades. You will feel safe with this company knowing that has made it to the list of the most awarded PADI centers not just in Southeast Asia but also in the world. In fact, this diving school is a PADI 5 Star Career Development Center—the highest distinction given to dive academies.

All4Diving in Phuket provides professional as well as recreational diving education, so you are welcome to enroll no matter what your current skill level is. You will be under the mentorship of friendly PADI Awarded Elite Instructors, so you’re always in good hands.

A quick Google search will reveal that All4Diving Academy has earned hundreds of 5-star reviews from its many satisfied diving students—and it’s easy to see why. The air-conditioned center is well equipped with everything you will need to learn how to dive properly, from spacious classrooms to large private swimming pools designed specifically for training dives. All4Diving also has its own boat named MV Mermaid—and it has already earned a reputation for being the best diving boat in Phuket. MV Mermaid is made of steel and features stabilizing wings that ensure safety and comfort even when the weather goes bad. Aside from this, All4Diving also owns two luxurious liveaboard boats named MV Mermaid I and MV Mermaid II. These liveaboards navigate Indonesian waters and have become crowd favorites in the liveaboard diving community.

Do you need to buy equipment and accessories for snorkeling and diving? All4Diving has a spacious retail shop where you can find whatever you require, and all from top range manufacturers. You will also feel good knowing that you are enrolling in a diving course offered by an environmentally-aware diving academy. All4Diving supports PADI project AWARE, Thailand Authority of Tourism, Shark Guardian, and GoEco Phuket. 

The Breathtaking Scuba Diving Experience in Phuket

Phuket attracts all sorts of divers—from super active families to backpackers to experienced diving enthusiasts. The island is a bustling base for taking PADI courses and is a great jumping off point for diving daytrips as well as liveaboard adventures to the Similan Islands and beyond.

Racha Noi is one of the best of the local dive sites in Phuket. It can give you an impressive taste topography of the Similans and is known for its hard coral formations. The area’s resident manta rays, tuna, and jacks are sure to entertain you.

Shark Point is another excellent site that is alive and truly healthy. Don’t worry—there are no deadly sharks here, only leopard sharks. The real attractions here are the pristine corals. You will also see an abundance of pufferfish, angelfish, and boxfish. Schools of glassfish are a normal sight.

A diving expedition in Phuket won’t be complete without a trip to the King Cruiser passenger ferry. This vessel sank almost 20 years ago without loss of life. It now serves as a shelter for thousands of fish. The wreck is quite deep and the current is mid to strong, so absolute beginner divers might not feel comfortable here. That said, anyone who has logged several dives can enjoy the wreck’s resident mackerel, barracuda, trevally, and much more.

As the gateway to some of Thailand’s best scuba diving spots, Phuket is home to a number of dive shops offering liveaboard diving trips up the west coast to the Andaman Sea. Living on a boat for several days is the most efficient way to truly make the most of your diving holiday in Phuket. It’s more practical than staying in a resort and making do with short day trips. A Similan liveaboard will take you to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. You can choose to a package that suits your budget.

Explore and Discover Wonderful Similan Islands with Liveaboard Boats

Similan liveaboards provide an exciting and unique way to explore the stunning underwater world of the Andaman Sea. The duration of these trips range 2 nights to 8 nights, and there are all sorts of packages for all types of budgets. Budding as well as experienced divers always have lots of fun venturing out to the Similan Islands.

A multi-day liveaboard diving trip is often better than a daytrip because it lets you do more dives and cover more areas. You sleep, eat, and basically live on a boat for the duration of the trip which means you don’t have to waste precious hours going back and forth from Phuket. Liveaboard expeditions are perfect for diving enthusiasts looking to get the most of their holiday, as well as beginners who want to get as much diving experience as they can in one trip.

Below are just some of the key benefits of a Similan liveaboard experience:

•              Economical and efficient

•              More dives and more time at dive sites

•              Great way to improve your diving skills fast

•              Great food (and lots of it)

•              Safe diving schedule

•              Option to explore further afield

•              Great way to meet new diver friends from around the world

All transfers, food and accommodation are included in a liveaboard arrangement, so if you do the math, it’s really not that expensive. You will probably spend more if you choose to stay in a hotel in Phuket and go on multiple diving daytrips.

Most Similan liveaboard holidays will take you to Koh Bon, Richelieu Rock, and Koh Tachai. You will get to immerse yourself in all of these stunning dive sites because you don’t have to hurry back to Phuket. Are you disappointed about missing out on Phuket’s nightlife because you’ll be on the water for several days? Don’t worry—nights on the boat are just as fun and social because you are in the company of other avid divers. The glow of the moon and stars is quite breathtaking, too.

Taste the Fun and Adventure with Professional Diving Lessons in Phuket

Are you traveling to Phuket to go diving? Then you will need to take professional diving lessons on the island. The beach is lined with all kinds of dive shops offering courses—and the selection can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to evaluating a diving center so you can make an informed choice.

First of all, choose a school that uses the latest instructional principles emphasizing hands-on, real-world dive training. The best dive schools are recognized and even recommended by PADI. They boast modern class rooms and a low instructor-to-student ratio (usually 1:2), so you can get personalized attention and instruction. The best providers of professional diving lessons in Phuket have their own large and private swimming pools as well as their own yachts for open sea training.

Also remember to look beyond the price. Are the lessons too cheap to be true? Go somewhere else. Always put your safety above the urge to save money. In the world of professional diving lessons, you truly do get what you pay for.

Here’s another tip: Look around the diving store or office. Does it look well maintained? The condition of the shop or office is often an indication of their work ethic. Check their rental equipment and assess if they are up-to-date. You should also ask questions like the following:

• Can you have a look at their latest test certificates? (These are usually displayed on the walls)
• What is their safety record?
• Are boat logs available?
• Do their instructors have instructor cards? (Ask to see them.)
• Is the dive agency affiliated with PADI?
• How often do they service / repair / clean their equipment?

Do not be shy to ask the staff any questions you might have. After all, it’s their job to answer you and make you feel safe. If the staff seems unwilling to answer you or does not seem to know what they are doing, walk away and go to a different professional diving lesson provider.

Incredibly Fascinating Diving Experience with Similan Liveaboard

Joining a Similan liveaboard trip is an exciting and efficient way to explore the Andaman Sea’s wonderful underwater attractions. Liveaboards range from short 2-day/2-night adventures to weeklong trips, and from cheap-and-cheerful to high-end. No matter what your diving skill level and budget, you will find a Similan liveaboard package that is suitable for you.

There are many benefits to choosing a liveaboard arrangement instead of staying in a hotel. Below are some of them:

1. Save time – Why waste previous hours making the trip to and from the mainland every day when you can live in a boat? You get to relax under the starry sky at night and wake up to dive early the next day way ahead of the day trippers—which means you can enjoy the dive sites before the crowds pile in.

2. Learn more – If you are a beginner diver, a Similan liveaboard adventure immerses you fully in the wonderful world of diving. You will likely meet more experienced divers in the boat and learn from their stories and experiences. Just a few days out at sea and you will soon feel confident underwater. Don’t worry—most adventures start off at the beginner-friendly dive sites and move to advanced sites throughout the journey.

3. Save money – A Similan liveaboard is an economical way to access the best dive sites in the Similan National Marine Park. It is often cheaper than staying in a hotel and joining multiple day trips. A Similan liveaboard allows you to get more dives for your dollar compared to Similan daytrips. Food, drinks, accommodation, and transfers are often included, so you save even more money.

What’s more, you might get to go on night dives! Some Similan liveaboard outfitters provide night dive packages that let you see the nocturnal creatures of the sea. Night diving is often only possible on liveaboard because the sites are too far to access at night from the mainland.

Learn Recreational Diving and Advanced Diving Courses in Phuket

Phuket is one of the best place to explore great dive sites. What makes Phuket so attractive is the fact that is offers different sites suitable for different divers in all levels. So whether you’re an expert diver or a first-timer in exploring the deep blue, Phuket has interesting spots just for you.

Before you choose a diving course in Phuket, it is better to find tour operators or diving centers first. They can gauge what your diving level is and recommend a suitable course. You’ll want a dive center that is instructed by PADI Awarded Elite Instructors and preferably given a five star CDC. The best dive centers can cater to all types of divers, from beginners to professionals as well as budget to luxury travelers.

Kids as young as 8 years old can take a certification diving course. It will only take 1 day and will include 2 pool dives of 35- to 45-minute each in areas. Before you get into the sea, it is important to take a short class and listen to instructors discuss the basics of diving. Throughout the dive, you will be guided and supervised by PADI instructors.

If you want to take a certification PADI course, take a PADI open water diving course where you will get an in-depth understanding of diving. This 3 days course will also usually involve basic swimming pool training & instruction on the first day. For the following two days, you will be brought to beginner-appropriate diving sites in Phuket.

If you are interested in advanced diving courses, you must be a PADI Open water diver. You can expect more training dives on your first day and a combination of training and fun dives in the days after. Always check what is included in the diving course before you sign up. Aside from the necessary equipment, materials, certification, and guidance, it also helps if the course already includes insurance, transfers, and on-board food.

Choose Similan Diving Liveaboards on Your Next Holiday

The Similan Islands is one of the best places to visit in Phuket, Thailand, especially if you are an avid diver. Composed of 11 islands spread in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are best explored via a liveaboard holiday package. It can be a hassle (and a waste of time and money) to go back and forth to your land accommodation after each day of island hopping. Why not live on a boat for the duration of your adventure? When you choose Similan Diving Liveaboard, you will have more time diving and exploring the treasures of the Similan Islands.

With dozens of tour operators in Phuket, you are sure to find the right one to help you enjoy your holiday. Go to a 5 Star dive center where they have elite PADI instructors. It also helps if the dive center can cater to all types of divers, whether you are a beginner looking for a budget option or an expert wishing to go at your own pace with a private liveaboard. Here are some factors to consider when choosing you’re a liveaboard diving provider:

• Diver certification – If you are going on a group dive, you must have the same diver certification or level as everyone else to fully enjoy your trip. Dive centers usually provide dive courses.

• Privacy – Are you looking to meet new friends during your trip or would you rather have a private one all to yourself? Choose from private boats to rooms with twin, triple, or quad cabins.

• Dive sites to visit – If you are with a group, there’s usually an itinerary already for the trip. Check if you are interested in visiting these locations so you don’t end up wasting time.

• Facilities and amenities – If you want a luxurious trip with deluxe amenities and even a private chef, check out First Class live boards or private deluxe yacht live boards.