Explore Beautiful Islands of Phuket with World's Most Popular Scuba Diving

Posted by Sam on July 21st, 2016

Phuket has always had the honor of being the #1 diving destination in Thailand for all kind of divers - from backpackers to families to luxury travelers. The island is also an excellent base for those who need to take PADI courses. It’s a fantastic jumping off point for daytrips to the most famous dive sites or for setting out on a liveaboard diving adventure out into the Andaman Sea. There is something for everyone in Phuket, from ultra-upscale beach resorts to affordable accommodation a little further from the water. And no matter what is your diving ability level, there is a perfect fiving package for you. 

There are several major dive sites in the Phuket area. Here are some of them:

• Racha Noi Island - This uninhabited tropical island is surrounded by underwater granite boulders and hard coral reefs. The visibility is excellent. This destination is great for those who want to spot manta rays and whale sharks.
• Racha Yai Island - This granite island is also surrounded by hard coral reef. It is home to a number of tropical beaches with shallow bays and clear waters. It is perfect for those who are just starting to learn scuba diving.
• Anemone Reef - This dive site is 600 meters north of Shark Point Marine Sanctuary.
• Koh Doc Mai – This jungle covered island is known for its colorful corals that resemble flowers, covering almost every surface under the water. It is between Phuket and Shark Point and is a constant favorite.
• Shark Point – A marine sanctuary, this dive site is home to leopard sharks and is often described as the best diving attraction in Phuket.

From Phuket Island, you have the option to take day trips to Koh Phi Phi and the Similans. You can also join a liveaboard cruise to maximize your holiday. 

You might be wondering—when is the best time to go scuba diving in Phuket? You can technically go anytime of the year, as diving schedules are rarely interrupted and are only canceled when there are extreme weather problems. But the best conditions are in the high season between November and April. If you hate the crowds, try to avoid the absolute peak period towards the end of March and April (when hotel prices also tend to skyrocket). Most Phuket liveaboards typically run from October to the middle of May to avoid the monsoon season. The water stays warm all year, ranging from 26°C in the coldest months of January and February, to about 30°C in May and June.

 About the author: 

This article is written by Christopher Pace, the Platinum PADI Course Director at All4Diving. All4Diving is a leading academy in diving industry in Thailand. It is one of the most awarded PADI centers in the world for its excellence in the domain of professional and recreational diving education.