Scuba diving in Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is a well-known destination for scuba diving in Thailand, attracting divers from all over the world. Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket offers a wide range of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers:
- The King Cruiser Wreck: This wreck dive is a popular spot for experienced divers due to its depth and currents. The wreck of a car ferry, King Cruiser is now an artificial reef and is home to many marine species.
- Shark Point: This dive site is known for its leopard sharks, as well as colorful coral formations and other marine life. Currents can be strong here, making it more suitable for experienced divers.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners:
- Racha Yai Island: This is a great spot for beginners due to its calm waters and shallow depths. It offers the opportunity to see a variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish and even sea turtles.
- Koh Doc Mai: This dive site is suitable for beginners as well as experienced divers. It features a beautiful wall covered in colorful corals, and offers the chance to see various types of fish and other marine creatures.
Marine Life:
Phuket is home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, moray eels, and even sharks. The waters around Phuket also boast colorful coral reefs, making it a great destination for underwater photography.
Dive Conditions:
The best time to go diving in Phuket is from November to April, when the weather is dry and the seas are calm. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 30 meters. Water temperature ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Cost:
The cost of diving in Phuket varies depending on the dive operator and the dive site. On average, a single dive can cost between 2,000 to 3,000 baht ($60-$90 USD), with discounts available for multiple dives or dive packages.
