Rated amongst the top 10 diving destinations in the world, scuba diving in Phuket is an experience like no other. Phuket has two types of scuba diving options, shore, and offshore diving. Shore diving is only possible between November to April because the monsoon winds make the conditions too dangerous otherwise. Shore dives are mostly shallow and appropriate for beginners. However, the more popular option is offshore diving or boat diving which takes you to one of the many islands that offer diving sites. This type of dive is possible all year round, for beginners and advanced-level divers.
If you have the time, you can learn how to dive and become a certified PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) diver. If you have less time, you can do the Open Water Diver Course. If you're already a PADI-certified diver, you can do the Advanced Open Water Diver Course, or just participate in advanced adventure dives.
Best Places for Scuba Diving in Phuket
1. Shark Point
Shark Point, Phuket (Source)
Not as scary as the name sounds, Shark Point is one of the most popular dive sites in Phuket. If you want to go back home and brag to your friends about diving with sharks, you've got your chance. Shark point gets its name because of the large number of leopard and bamboo sharks that swim on the seafloor. Not just sharks, you can also spot many other incredible sea creatures including schools of tropical fish, colorful reef fish, some sand corals, and also limestone formations at this scuba diving spot in Phuket. It's an ideal day trip from Phuket's mainland and there are multiple diving shops that take you here via boat.
2. King Cruiser Wreck
The King Cruiser Wreck in Phuket (Source)
This scuba diving site in Phuket is actually a wreckage on the seabed which makes it unique and attractive. In May of 1997, the 'King Cruiser' passenger ferry ended a wreck while on its way to Phi Phi islands from Phuket. Today, this wreck has become an interesting experience for divers to get up close with the sun deck or the captain's cabin. As eerie as it sounds, divers have recommended this site for one of the most magical experiences ever. Besides the wreck, the common sightings here include many crabs, barracuda, and cuttlefish, among other gorgeous creatures.
3. Anemone Reef
Anemone Reef, Phuket (Source)
The Anemone reef site is a large craggy rock formation protruding out of the sea with a depth of over 25 meters. This natural formation might look like a danger for ships, however, it's a paradise for scuba diving in Phuket. The rock has moving anemones on it which is the most popular and interesting sighting here. But the reef has much more to it than just the anemones, there are plenty of vibrant corals, a myriad tropical fish, Nemo clownfish, tuna, and lionfish.
4. Racha Noi and Racha Yai
Sting Rays in Racha Noi (Source)
Racha Noi is the smaller of the Racha islands and is perfect for scuba diving in Phuket, be it beginners or experienced divers. Known for its wide variety of underwater sightings, this island is popular among tourists traveling with family and children. Some of the common creatures to spot here are tropical fish, exotic stingrays, manta rays, barracudas, octopus, moray eels, yellowtail snappers, and a lot more. Racha Yai is the larger of the Racha islands and the more popular option among the two for scuba diving in Phuket. The pristine blue waters and exotic underwater sightings have attracted tourists from all over. Garden eels, blue spotted stingrays, barracudas, and puffer fish are some of the many sightings. Another rare experience would be to spot elephant statues that were put here underwater in 2006. Both the Racha islands have year-round access with a visibility of 20-30 meters, making it a popular scuba diving site in Phuket.
5. Phi Phi Islands
Koh Phi Phi Island, Thailand (Source)
Not just a dive site, the Phi Phi islands are a beautiful getaway in Thailand, now one of the most popular destinations among tourists. But besides the vibrant, exciting, full of shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels island, the beaches it offers are a great diving site. While the life above water captivates you with huge limestone karsts, the life underwater includes soft and hard corals, leopard sharks, octopuses, turtles, and schools of colorful tropical fish. The currents in the Phi Phi waters are moderate and therefore suitable for newbies as well as advanced divers.
6. Dok Mai
Dok Mai Thailand (Source)
The Dok Mai, also known as flower island is home to the best wall diving in all of Thailand. It's a huge limestone karst that juts out of the water, visible from the boat. But the gorgeous rock isn't all that Dok Mai offers. The underground scenery of this island will captivate you beyond what you can imagine. With colourful yellow tube corals on each side and beautiful marine life including reef fish, small eels, shrimps, and leopard sharks found in the many cracks and crevices of the rock, Dok Mai is a popular choice among divers being just 15 minutes away from Chalong Bay. Many dive shops from Phuket usually take 3-dive combo packages that take travelers to Shark Point, King Cruiser, and Dok Mai.
Dive Shops in Phuket
Dive Shops in Phuket provides all necessary gear for Scuba Diving (Source)
The dive shops in Phuket provide all the necessary equipment, as well as advice and tips for scuba diving in Phuket. Some of the most highly recommended and trustworthy dive shops in Phuket are:
1. Seafarer Divers
Charges: From THB 1200 Timings: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Location: Amphur Muang, Phuket
Charges: From THB 4100 Timings: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Location: Chang Wat, Phuket
4. Sea Bees
Charges: From THB 3500 Timings: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Location: Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
5. Thailand Divers
Charges: From THB 1200 Timings: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Location: Kathu District, Phuket
Best Time for Scuba Diving in Phuket
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Although it is a year-round diving destination, November to April are the best months for scuba diving in Phuket because the sea is flat, the underwater scenery can be viewed perfectly due to the shining sun, and the waters are crystal clear. However, diving during the offseason can have its own advantages like lower prices, lesser tourists, and some rare underwater sightings like leopard sharks and rays. The visibility ranges from every dive site and different seasons. However, the average range is within 20m-30m. The water temperature in Phuket is approximately 28 to 30 degrees all year round. January to March may be colder but the sea temperature never goes below 25 degrees.
Inclusions and Requirements for Scuba Diving in Phuket
If you want to learn scuba diving in Phuket, almost all good Phuket PADI diving course prices include:
Dive insurance
Experienced PADI instructor
Use of scuba equipment
Own copy of student scuba manual
Use of the latest PADI training materials
Certification costs
Pool training in 3-meter diving pool
Breakfast, lunch, and drinks on boat
Hotel transfers every day of your course
If you opt for only free dives, your scuba day trip would include:
Dive insurance
Experienced PADI instructor
Use of scuba equipment
Breakfast, lunch, and drinks on boat
Hotel transfers
For both of the above, you will be required to know swimming and show proof by swimming for 200 meters using any stroke, or floating on water for 10 minutes.
Coral reefs, exotic marine life and the deep blue ocean! What more do you need to be convinced to plunge into the world of scuba diving in Phuket? With experts all around the island, you're sure to have the adventure of a lifetime!
