The Phuket Diving Complete Guide

The diving Mecca known as Phuket has long been touted as the jewel of the Andaman Sea. It dazzles with diverse underwater life and countless locations to take it all in. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting out, it’s time to traverse the tantalizing depths surrounding Phuket.

Scuba-Diving Certifications in Phuket

Are you looking to become certified in PADI or SSI? Need a refresher course to update your skills? Just want a day trip to one of the local sites? Perhaps you’re an experienced diver hoping to spend a week or more submerged?

Luckily, Phuket boasts an underwater wonderland so sublime you’ll want to swap your lungs for gills. Phuket and its many diving schools and resorts accommodate every type of diving trip and activity. You’ll be able to choose between different types of courses to suit your trip, whether that be SSI or PADI, open water or advanced – the choice is yours!

Trips you may like

16-Day Divine Thai Culture

With Bangkok as your base, this culturally immersive Thai experience takes you on and off the tourist trail in search of temples, markets and rural countryside landscapes finishing on a stunning island! Starting in the capital, you’ll find yourself on all manner of transportation to explore fully. You’ll take a traditional boat through the city’s ‘klongs’, hop on tuk-tuk’s, and metro systems to see temples, the Royal Palace and the depths of Chinatown, Bangkok’s food haven. Leaving the city behind you head to Kanchanaburi, home to the Death Railway before you hop between Siam’s old capitals, Ayutthaya, Lopburi and the famous Sukhothai, the home of Thai culture as we know it today. Each of the capitals have their own tales to tell, taking you on a journey through Thai history that is essential for your cultural immersion, ready to head to Thailand’s most traditional city, Chiang Mai. Your two weeks spent Thailand sightseeing finishes with 6 glorious days to relax and enjoy nature at its finest. You’ll be just moments away from the jungle and beach at all times where you can relax, read a book, go snorkelling, scuba diving or island hopping at your leisure – bliss!

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11-Day Authentic South Thailand

The pristine beaches and stunning limestone scenery of southern Thailand have made it a favourite backdrop for Hollywood movies, such as “The Beach” and of course James Bond’s “Man with the Golden Gun” – you’ll feel like you are on a movie set riding through this gorgeous landscape. Staying at some of the most beautiful resorts Southern Thailand has to offer, including the Haven Khao Lak for some rest and relaxation during your 11-day bike tour! Southern Thailand has more to offer than turquoise waters, white sand and lush jungles – it’s also home to a fascinating mixture of cultures. Thai Buddhists mingle with Muslim seafarers to produce colourful people steeped in history and tradition. Priding themselves on their openness and hospitality, the people of the south, or Khon Dai, are always ready to show “farang” (foreigners) their country. Our tour starts on the Gulf of Thailand, at a pristine beach that is off the tourist track. We then head inland and spend time on a stunning lake and ride on the edge of Khao Sok National Park – home to the last of Thailand’s great rainforests – before we head to the beaches on the Andaman Sea. From Khao Lak, we’ll head to the paradise island of Koh Yao Noi where you’ll spend time with a local fishing family. As we boat through Phang Nga Bay towards Krabi be awed by the spectacular limestone cliffs rising vertically from the sea. Though we ride through the world-class tourist destinations of Khao Lak and Krabi, we also leave behind the tourist enclaves and see a southern Thailand that is a rarely visited gem to be discovered. Cycling distance: 384 km (4 full/4 half) Elevation profile: +3,454m/-3,434m Minimum age: 18 years We cycle 384 kilometres exploring beaches, waterfalls, jungle, fishing villages and islands. We enjoy some time off the bike so we can take in boat rides, wildlife and the culture of this fascinating region. Cycling is on a mixture of tarmac and dirt roads. An air-conditioned minivan that travels behind the group provides excellent support. You can cycle as much or as little as you like and still enjoy the same views as the rest. – Suitability: The riding is primarily on tarmac roads, with a few undulations, but there are no major hill climbs. The distances are well within the capability of most riders with a reasonable fitness level.

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9-Day Temples of Thailand

Discover the beauty of Thailand’s rich culture, warm and friendly locals and fascinating history and architecture on this nine-day adventure from Bangkok to Chiang Mai! Beginning in Bangkok, you’ll explore the city in a number of unique ways: canal boat, tuk-tuk and a segway scooter! You’ll discover the wonderful landmarks of this city and get your first introduction to Thai food. Moving on, you’ll head to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya to explore the many temples. Next, you’ll head to Sukhothai, Suphanburi and Lampang for a few days before heading north to Chiang Mai where you’ll spend the last few days of your trip exploring the city.

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7-Day Thailand By Bicycle

This 7 day Thailand itinerary takes you back in time on a route paved by kingdom builders to learn about the heritage. Thailand’s history is comprised of the rise and fall of kingdoms and on our journey, we’ll cycle through more than 700 years of history, visiting three UNESCO World Heritage sites that defined the country and culture of Thailand. The Chakri dynasty established the current capital of Bangkok or, as known by locals, Krung Thep, our starting point. From here we head north to the former Kingdom of Ayutthaya, once one of the wealthiest cities in the East. Riding north through the rice basket of Thailand, we arrive at what is considered to be the first true Thai kingdom, Sukhothai. Under the Phra Ruang dynasty, the Thai alphabet was created and Theravada Buddhism was established as the religion in the short 130 years of power. Riding further northward, the terrain becomes more rugged as mountains flank our path on both sides as we enter what was once known as the Lanna Kingdom. Here we’ll cycle through the land once ruled by the Tai people and see their influence in the recently excavated ruins of the Haripunchai Kingdom before arriving at the northern capital of Chiang Mai founded in 1298. Cycling distance: 263 km Bike: hybrid bike Difficulty: active This cycling adventure is for those who wish to see Thailand’s rural countryside and explore the rich history of Siam, all while enjoying an active holiday. The scenery is ever-changing as we start our ride through the emerald paddy fields of central Thailand where the roads are mainly flat, then continue with some undulating terrain and a few gentle climbs in the northern hills, before arriving in the cultural city of Chiang Mai. The trip is fully supported and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of cold drinks and fresh fruit.

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from USD 1,924

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14-Day Island Hopping in Thailand

Take a journey from the thriving capital city of Bangkok to the south of Thailand on this city and islands tour! Over 14 days, you’ll explore the capital on boat and tuk-tuk before travelling south to Phuket where you’ll go island hopping and visit an elephant sanctuary. Moving on, you’ll spend a few days in Krabi launching off to explore the islands nearby and finally, you’ll make your way to Khao Lak before returning to Bangkok. For those looking for a relaxing island hopping trip with plenty of adventure and marvellous scenery, then this holiday to Thailand is for you!

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Top Phuket Diving Sites

These locations are your best bet when considering diving as part of your Thailand trip. They are the most popular dive sites when it comes to beautiful ocean life, safety and easy access.

West Coast Dive Sites

For those who prefer to stay close to home, or suffer seasickness, there are a number of spots just off the west coast of Phuket that are easy to reach and a joy to dive. These include Bang Tao Beach, Freedom Beach, Paradise Beach, Kata Beach and Patong Beach. Beginners and snorkelers are particularly encouraged to visit these sites, where depths average between five and six metres.

Shark Point

Leopard sharks comb the seafloor at the aptly named Shark Point. A limestone pinnacle just breaking the surface marks the spot where sea fans and a bounty of soft corals colour the rock and create a multi-coloured backdrop where moray ells interact with leopard sharks, orange-spine unicornfish, batfish, giant moray eels and the occasional whale shark.

The depth ranges from 10 to 30 metres with a visibility of 2 to 25 metres. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels.

Racha Islands

Racha Yai and the smaller Racha Noi make up the Racha Islands. The former is appropriate for novice divers and professionals, while Racha Noi should be left to the proessionals. Read on for more information on these islands.

Racha Noi Island

Racha Noi is just over an hour from Phuket. Strong currents and deep dives make this site better suited to experienced divers. Intermediate divers are encouraged to dive the island’s northern tip where a large pinnacles abound. Expect to see reef sharks, Manta rays barracuda, frogfish and Leopard sharks. Don’t forget to check out the wooden shipwreck on the southwest side of Racha Noi and keep your eyes peeled for Whale sharks. Here, you’ll find giant boulders are covered with hard and soft corals.

The depth ranges from 10 to 40 metres with a visibility of 2 to 20 metres.

Racha Yai Island

Wreck diving dominates Racha Yai thanks to a collection of four sunken vessels lining the waters around the island. Snorkelers are treated to pool-like areas ideal for drifting. In between coral gardens, you’ll see sharks, rays, barracuda and blue marlin.

The depth ranges from 3 to 30 metres with a visibility of 20 to 30 metres.

King Cruiser

Located 32 kilometres from Phuket (10 kilometres off the coast of Phi Phi), King Cruiser is an 85-metre passenger ferry that ran aground on submerged rocks at Anemone Reef in 1997 while on a routine trip between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. The wreck has since become one of the most visited wreck dives in the area, with eels, groupers and crabs roaming the Cruiser’s open decks.

The depth ranges from 5 to 32 metres with a visibility of 2 to 25 metres and the site is suitable for beginner divers.

Phi Phi Island

Long before Leonardo Dicaprio made the white sands of Maya Bay iconic in the 2000 film, The Beach, the six islands that make up Koh Phi Phi enticed divers from every corner of the globe.

Divers who venture to Phi Phi (just 40 kilometres from Phuket) are treated to arguably the best dive sites in the Andaman Sea. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are two locations not to be missed. Rated among the top dive sites in Thailand, manta rays and whale sharks can be spotted at both, as can crocodile needlefish and imposing walls of schooling fish.

With caves, swim-throughs and overhangs, Phi Phi’s underwater landscape is peppered with metre-high white coral bush (not found anywhere except the waters off Phi Phi).

The depth ranges from 3 to 27 metres with a visibility of 5 to 30 metres.

Richelieu Rock

The elusive whale shark is known to visit Richelieu Rock, which lies 18 kilometres east of the Surin Islands. The pinnacle breaks the surface at low tide when the cagey Black Merlin makes the occasional appearance. The months between February and April tend to see more whale sharks at Richelieu Rock.

Koh Dok Mai

If you like wall diving then you’ll adore Dok Mai. The tiny jungle island of Dok Mai is famous for its coral-covered cliffs that host seahorses, leopard sharks and moray eels. Snorkelling off the beach is recommended.

The depth ranges from 5 to 20 metres with a visibility of 5 to 25 metres.

Similan National Park

A tangle of nine islands makes up the Similan Marine Park, which was established in 1982. Almost 30 different dive sites are found in the park, so you can always find a location not too overrun with other divers.

Sandy beaches lure snorkelers, and the wall and drift dives act as a magnet for experienced divers.

The depth is up to 35 metres with a visibility of 2 to 25 metres.

Anemone Reef

Beginners are welcome at Anemone reef, where you’ll be forgiven for thinking the coral-covered rock wall is pulsing and moving with the current. It isn’t only divers who admire the beauty of Anemone Reef; leopard sharks, barracuda and countless coral fish are seen swimming around the 30-metre limestone structure. Clusters of lionfish, up to a dozen deep, are an Anemone Reef highlight.

The depth ranges from 5 to 24 metres with a visibility of 2 to 25 metres.

There are too many noteworthy dive sites to mention here in detail, so we’ve compiled a short and snappy list of a few more favourites:

Koh Bida Nok/Koh Bida Nai (the Bidas): You’ll see leopard sharks, turtles, a diverse range of coral and fish.

Hin Daeng & Hin Muang: You’ll see whale sharks, manta rays, grey reef sharks, soft coral beds.

Maya Cave: You’ll see leopard sharks, moray eels, lionfish, blue-spotted rays. Cave diving is suitable for all skill levels.

Koh Haa (Five Islands): You’ll see Chimney Cavern system, ghost pipefish, Hawksbill turtle, mantle/marble/eagle rays. Schooling glassfish, barracudas and giant trevally.

Palong Wall: You’ll see the best wall diving in the area, reef sharks, turtles, seahorses and accessible caverns.

Kled Gaeow Wreck: You’ll see the 1956 decommissioned Thai Naval Ship which sunk in 2014.

Phuket Weather

The age-old “What should I pack?” dilemma no longer applies because, praise Mother Nature, Phuket welcomes just two seasons – the wet and the green.

Dry Season

Diving in the dry season is preferable because visibility is better and conditions are more stable. Spanning November to April, the dry season coincides with the peak tourist season and parades as many as 26 sunny days each month, averaging 28°C.

February to April brings ideal diving conditions. These months, fewer tourists flock to the region than during the festive months of December and January and as such, so you can expect calmer waters, ideal temperatures, and less crowded underwater attractions.

April ranks as Phuket’s balmiest month, with temperatures peaking at 36ºC. Brief and intense storms cells create refreshing reprieves, but the resulting humidity can be stifling. Less precipitation and lighter winds (if any at all) do wonders for underwater visibility – something that divers and snorkelers should take full advantage of.

Green Season (Wet Season)

The longer and soggier green season (or the wet season) encompasses the months of May through October. Temperatures can reach 33ºC (90ºF) but generally average more comfortable temperatures.

For those visiting Thailand in the wet season, don’t despair. Not only will you enjoy cheaper accommodation and activities, but you’ll also be spared the tourist torrent. Plus, the heavy showers extend a rustic jungle beauty all their own, and believe it or not, the sun still shines for extended lengths of time. In particular, the months of June, July and August bestow ample sunshine and around 20 clear-sky days respectively.

Punctuating the green season is the rowdy southwest monsoon season. Bearing down on southern Thailand’s southwest coast, the monsoon keeps things damp from late May to October. The heaviest rains can be expected in September and early October.

Getting to Phuket

Phuket International Airport – HKT

As the second-largest airport in Thailand, expect swelling crowds. Millions of locals and tourists pass through HKT each year, and as any seasoned traveller knows, a busy airport is not a happy place.

All the major players (and some of the smaller ones, too) run flights in and out of Phuket, so securing a seat will not be a problem. Avoid Phuket’s airport taxi scam and book a ride beforehand with a reputable company. Shuttle busses are cheaper (and safer).

Samui International Airport – USM

Superb design meets natural beauty at Thailand’s most stunning airport. Located in the region’s north, Samui International Airport showcases open-air architecture at its best. In fact, the whole setting feels more like a resort than an airport, and passengers are invited to dine and shop accordingly. Thatched rooves and palm tree pillars blend in perfectly with the surrounding coconut plantation and add a sense of serenity to the otherwise stressful experience of air travel.

Flights between Koh Samui and Phuket average one hour and Bangkok Airways provides five fights daily. Travellers making the journey are encouraged to book their return transfer at the airport on arrival. Choose between private taxis and shared minibus services.

Most people planning a Phuket diving trip fly from Koh Samui or Bangkok.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) – BKK

Suvarnabhumi Airport is the country’s largest and busiest. Just 30 kilometres east of Bangkok, the 674-kilometre flight to Phuket is covered in under an hour and a half. There are 58 flights departing from Bangkok to Phuket each and every day.

Not departing from Bangkok or Koh Samui? The following airports offer services directly to Phuket:

• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
• Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)
• Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
• Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP)
• Udon Thani International Airport (UTH)

Alternatively, ferries to Phuket run from Krabi and Koh Lanta.

The Comprehensive Guide to Thailand Travel

For more information on the best time to travel to Thailand, the best places to see, the most unique experiences to enjoy and cultural customs to be aware of, check out our Thailand travel guide and our range of posts related to Thailand here.