Scuba diving in Surat Thani, Thailand
Surat Thani is a province in southern Thailand that offers excellent scuba diving opportunities. With its clear blue waters, diverse marine life, and stunning underwater scenery, Surat Thani is a great place for both experienced divers and beginners.
Best scuba diving spots for experienced divers:
- Sail Rock: Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Sail Rock is one of the most popular dive sites in Surat Thani. The site features an impressive rock formation that rises from the sea floor and is home to schools of barracuda, trevally, and tuna.
- Southwest Pinnacle: This dive site is known for its large schools of fish, including yellowtail barracuda and chevron barracuda. It is also a great spot to see manta rays and whale sharks.
Best scuba diving spots for beginners:
- Chumphon Pinnacle: Although it is a popular site for experienced divers, Chumphon Pinnacle also offers great diving opportunities for beginners. The site features a stunning underwater landscape with a variety of coral formations and is home to schools of colorful fish.
- Koh Tao: Koh Tao is a small island located near Surat Thani and is known for its calm waters and diverse marine life. It is a great place for beginners to learn how to dive and get comfortable in the water.
Marine life:
Surat Thani is home to a diverse range of marine life, including schools of tropical fish, sharks, rays, and turtles. There are also many species of coral and other marine invertebrates to be found in the area.
Dive conditions:
The waters around Surat Thani are warm and clear, with an average temperature of around 28°C (82°F). Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), depending on the dive site and weather conditions.
Cost:
The cost of scuba diving in Surat Thani varies depending on the dive operator and the type of dive package you choose. Generally, prices range from around 2,000 to 4,000 baht (approximately $60 to $120 USD) per dive. Some operators also offer multi-dive packages or diving courses at discounted rates.
