Phuket, Thailand, known as the “Pearl of the Andaman Sea,” is a dream destination for scuba diving enthusiasts from around the globe. Offering a variety of breathtaking dive sites, vibrant marine life, and world class PADI diving schools, Phuket is a haven for both beginners and experienced divers. Whether you are seeking shallow reef dives, thrilling wreck explorations, or multi day liveaboard experiences, Phuket has it all.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about scuba diving in Phuket—from the best dive sites and liveaboard options to PADI certification courses and tips for planning your ultimate diving adventure.
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Why Scuba Diving in Phuket is Special
The Andaman Sea surrounding Phuket is renowned for its crystal clear waters, diverse underwater ecosystems, and a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels. From colorful coral reefs to deep sea pinnacles, Phuket’s underwater world offers something for everyone.
Here’s what makes Phuket a top tier scuba diving destination:
- Extensive Range of Dive Sites: You’ll find everything from fringing reefs and wrecks to granite walls and underwater caves. Popular sites like Shark Point and Anemone Reef are teeming with marine life.
- Year Round Diving Opportunities: While the best season for diving is from October to May, day trips are available throughout the year.
- World Class Dive Operators: Phuket is home to highly rated PADI 5 Star Dive Centers that offer top notch courses, day trips, and liveaboard options.
The Best Dive Sites Around Phuket
Racha Islands (Racha Yai and Racha Noi)
These islands are famous for their crystal clear waters and diverse marine ecosystems, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Racha Yai: Ideal for beginners, with sloping reefs and several artificial wrecks to explore.
- Racha Noi: Known for deeper dive sites and frequent sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.
Dive Depth: 5–30 meters
Marine Life: Moray eels, lionfish, octopuses, and reef sharks
Phi Phi Islands
Located just a short boat ride from Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are a favorite for their breathtaking limestone cliffs and vibrant underwater world.
- Shark Point and Anemone Reef are nearby highlights.
- The waters around Phi Phi are great for night dives, where you can see bioluminescent plankton lighting up the sea.
Dive Depth: 10–30 meters
Marine Life: Turtles, leopard sharks, clownfish, and barracudas
King Cruiser Wreck
This sunken car ferry is one of Phuket’s most exciting dive sites, attracting a diverse range of marine life. It’s suitable for experienced divers due to its depth and occasional strong currents.
Dive Depth: 18–30 meters
Marine Life: Barracudas, scorpionfish, and large schools of snappers
Similan Islands
For those seeking an unforgettable experience, a liveaboard trip to the Similan Islands is a must. These islands offer some of the best diving in the world, with clear waters and dramatic underwater landscapes.
- Richelieu Rock: One of the best places to spot whale sharks.
- Koh Bon and Koh Tachai: Known for encounters with manta rays.
Dive Depth: 5–40 meters
Marine Life: Whale sharks, manta rays, and giant trevally
Also Read: Phuket Surf House
Liveaboard Diving: Exploring the Similan Islands and Beyond
For those seeking a more immersive experience, liveaboard diving is the best way to explore the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock. These destinations offer some of the best diving in the world.
Highlights of Similan Islands Liveaboard Trips:
- Similan Islands: Famous for their granite boulders, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life.
- Richelieu Rock: Known as one of the best places to see whale sharks.
- Koh Bon and Koh Tachai: Popular for encounters with manta rays and large pelagics.
Most liveaboard trips range from 2 day cruises to 7 day adventures, allowing divers to experience a wide variety of dive sites.
PADI Courses and Dive Certifications
Phuket is a hub for PADI certified courses, catering to all levels—from complete beginners to seasoned divers.
| Popular PADI Courses in Phuket | Description |
|---|---|
| PADI Open Water Diver | A 3-day course that introduces you to the basics of scuba diving. |
| PADI Advanced Open Water Diver | Includes five adventure dives, such as deep diving and underwater navigation. |
| Specialty Courses | Options include wreck diving, night diving, and underwater photography. |
| PADI Pro Courses | For those looking to turn their passion into a profession, Phuket offers Divemaster and Instructor Development Courses. |
Many dive centers also offer courses for children, such as the PADI Bubble Maker and Seal Team programs.
What to Expect on a Diving Day Trip
A typical scuba diving day trip from Phuket includes:
- Hotel Transfers: Pick up and drop off from your accommodation.
- Breakfast and Lunch on Board: Enjoy freshly prepared Thai and Western meals.
- Experienced Dive Guides: Professional instructors and dive masters accompany you on every dive.
- Modern Dive Boats: Equipped with comfortable seating areas, restrooms, and sun decks.
Tip: Always book your dive trips with certified dive operators to ensure safety and quality service.
Also Read: Phuket Old Town
Marine Life You Can Encounter
Phuket’s waters are home to an incredible array of marine life. Here are some of the creatures you might spot:
- Leopard Sharks
- Manta Rays
- Whale Sharks (March to May)
- Sea Turtles
- Moray Eels
- Harlequin Shrimps
- Ghost Pipefish
For macro lovers, keep an eye out for nudibranchs, seahorses, and frogfish.
When to Go Diving in Phuket
The best time for scuba diving in Phuket is during the dry season, from October to May, when the seas are calm and visibility is at its best. However, Phuket offers diving opportunities all year round.
- Water Temperature: 27°C to 30°C
- Visibility: 20 to 40 meters, depending on the site and season.
Dive Centers and How to Get in Touch
If you’re planning your scuba diving adventure in Phuket, it’s essential to choose a reputable dive center that provides high quality service and safety. Here are some of the top centers and their contact details:
| Dive Center | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| All 4 Diving Phuket | 169/14 Soi Sansabai, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand | +66 (0) 76 344 611 |
| Sunrise Divers | 269/24 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand | +66 (0) 84 626 4646 |
How to Reach
Both dive centers are conveniently located in Patong and Karon Beach, popular areas in Phuket. You can easily reach them by taxi or rental car from Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is about a 45–60 minute drive.
For those staying in Patong, All 4 Diving is within walking distance of major hotels and beaches, while Sunrise Divers is a short drive away from Kata and Karon beaches.
Conservation and Responsible Diving
Phuket’s diving community is dedicated to protecting the marine environment. Many dive centers participate in conservation projects such as PADI Project AWARE and reef clean up initiatives.
How You Can Help:
- Avoid touching or damaging coral reefs.
- Do not feed or disturb marine life.
- Participate in eco friendly diving programs.
Conclusion
Scuba diving in Phuket is more than just a recreational activity—it’s an adventure that opens up a whole new world beneath the waves. With its diverse marine life, stunning dive sites, and professional dive operators, Phuket promises an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.
Whether you’re planning a short day trip or a week long liveaboard cruise, Phuket offers countless opportunities to explore the magic of the underwater world. Pack your gear, book your trip, and get ready to dive into one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet!
Also Read: Phuket Tiger Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phuket good for scuba diving?
Yes, Phuket is one of the best scuba diving destinations in Thailand, offering diverse marine life, clear waters, and excellent dive sites suitable for beginners and advanced divers.
How much does scuba diving cost in Phuket?
The cost varies depending on the dive center, location, and type of dive. A single dive may cost around 2,500–4,500 THB, while full day trips with multiple dives range from 3,500–6,500 THB. PADI certification courses start at 10,000–15,000 THB.
Where is the best place to scuba dive in Phuket?
Some of the top dive sites near Phuket include Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Shark Point, Koh Dok Mai, King Cruiser Wreck, and Phi Phi Islands.
What part of Thailand has the best scuba diving?
The best scuba diving locations in Thailand include Similan Islands, Koh Tao, Richelieu Rock, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, and Phuket.
Can you see sharks in Phuket?
Yes, you can see Leopard sharks, Blacktip reef sharks, and occasionally Whale sharks at dive sites like Shark Point, Phi Phi Islands, and Hin Daeng.