Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular water sport and the country boosts some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world – the water is clear, sea life plentiful, transport and accommodation readily available and instruction to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively cheap, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world.
Thailand is long-time seen as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Each year, there are millions of visitors come exploring its endless beauties by different activities and in different places. Programs of high interest include edutainment tourism to perceive legendary .
Thai culture and traditions, and natural tourism where travelers can enjoy its beautiful sceneries of mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and/or seas.
Known to all globetrotters and dive lovers that both Thailand’s western (The Andaman Sea) and eastern (Gulf of Thailand) seaboards still have very much of their natural underwater resources abundant and intact. Statistics shows over 400,000 divers over the world arrive in Thailand’s southern provinces each year, generating revenue to the country not less than 20 billion in Baht.
Scuba Diving in Thailand is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the under-water world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs.
All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities.
For group or family travelers, all good live aboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world’s most beautiful waters.
Top Dive sites In Thailand :
Diving around Koh Similan
Koh Similan is a group of islands that offers some of the best diving in Thailand and the world. Many divers argue that what makes the diving so great at Similan is the big variation in the underwater environment found here. No other place in the world offers such a variation in the same dive area.
The Similans are located approximately 100 kilometers north-west of Phuket. There are a total of nine granite islands covered with tropical jungle and surrounded by chalk white beaches and crystal clear blue water. The name Similan was derived from the Malaysian word for nine, "Sembilan", which was used long ago by Malaysian fishermen when they called the islands "The Nine Eyes". Today, each "eye" of the nine islands has a number as well as a name. For example Huyong, island number 1, is the southern most island in the chain.
Today the area is a national park and is protected as a reserve. The National Park Authority have camps on two of the islands; Koh Similan, island number 8, which is the largest and Koh Miang, island number 4. The last few years these islands have gained much attention from the royal family who themselves are eager divers and outdoor people.
The archipelago runs north to south and either side of the islands you will discover a completely different underwater environment.
Diving around Koh Lanta - Dive Sites
In the time between November to April you can use the express boat for most of the stretches. You can book the tickets for the tour in a local traveling agency, which usually also takes care of the transfer to the boats. When arriving Ko Lanta you will be picked up from your booked hotel or resort, or you get the possibility to book something right there.
Due to the weather the boat transport will be stopped from Mai to October. The whole year through you get the possibility to travel within Thailand with public transport. If you have some time, which you should have if you’ve traveled that far, we recommend this kind of traveling.
It always takes some more time, but Thai people travel like this and it gives you the opportunity to get closer to culture and native people of your host land. And it is easy. You can book this kind of travel in a local travel agency. From there you will be picked up by a bus or mini bus and transferred, for example, on a car ferry.
Diving in Chumphon
The dive sites surrounding the islands of Koh Ngam Noi, Koh Ngam Yai, and the outcrops of Hin Lak Ngam and Hin Pae, offer excellent diving opportunities. Divers can experience fascinating seabed configurations from coral gardens to rock piles and caves. The main attraction which adds color to the sea is the extravagance of the fish. Most divers find the need to record the amazing variety in their logs! This is a plankton rich sea and the fish life proliferate at a remarkable rate. Visibility varies according to tide and weather factors.
On a favorable day, the visibility can be 20 meters but at low tides it can be reduced to only 8 to 10 meters. Hin Lak Ngam This dive site is located 1 1/2 hours away from Thung Wua Laen Beach. The landmark comprises two weather-beaten rock outcrops. Like all other outcrops, they serve as roosting areas for sea birds. As the boat approaches, these birds take flight. Sensing that the boat and divers are of no threat, they calmly resettle on the rocks.
The rock outcrop gradually broadens its formation to form the reef base at 27 meters. Its walls are terraced with crevices, holes, caves and protuberances.
Hard and soft corals grow on the surfaces of these undulating formations. The abundant microscopic food among the corals attract schools of fish with possible sightings of whale shark and manta ray.
Diving around Koh Tao
The tiny gem of Ko Tao or Turtle Island is just 21 square kilometers, yet it is the beating heart of diving in the Gulf of Thailand and home to an incredible 20 diving schools and more than 100 professional instructors.
Ko Tao's proximity to "under- water classrooms" makes it ideal for beginners. There are dive sites just one kilometer from the island where you can see pelagics, large schools of great barracudas, big-eyed jacks, tuna and giant travellys. There are also clown fish, shark whales and swordfish. Ko Tao's is also a departure point for trips to the Mu Ko Ang Thong i National Marine Park, and its coral makes it great for snorkeling as well as diving.
Many international diving agencies are represented on this small island, including PADI, SSI, IANTD, BSAC & NAUI. All course levels are available from beginner to professional, including special courses like UW- photography and technical diving (nitrox) for the more adventurous, so if you just fancy a few days of fun diving or wish to go on with your underwater career, it's all here.
Actually Koh Tao has become the leading area in Thailand for Instructor Development Centers (IDC). IDC's are held at the larger dive resorts or shops with courses running every two months .Equipment quality has also improved with shops using the latest models including Scubapro, Suunto, US Divers, Technisub and Seac Sub. There are repair shops for divers traveling with their own equipment and who may need a service.
There is also a selection of retail centers for those who wish to purchase some scuba gear. Safety has been much increased with the nearest decompression chamber located in Samui only 90 minutes away by speedboat and a heliport is now operational on the south side of the island.
Diving at Koh Nangyuan
The owners of Koh Nang Yuan Resort have created an island retreat unusual in comparison to other resorts of Southeast Asia. Located on a small private island near Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Nang Yuan is a vision of paradise. Her beauty takes your breath away. Her atmosphere is so extraordinary it makes you want her to remain a well-kept secret only for you and your closest friends. Her comfortable bungalows make you want to stay forever.
Her beaches, formed by the ocean’s currents interacting with the three peaks of the island made this triple strand of beach which is unique to the world. The resort’s architects studied the island carefully, and built a resort harmonious with the natural rock formations of the island. They left the beach untouched, and built on the boulders of the island to ensure privacy, solitude, and environmental serenity.
More than 15 dive sites are located a short distance from the dive center. Sites include pinnacles, coral reefs, patches of boulders covered with soft and hard corals, and tropical fish life. Whale sharks are frequently spotted during the peak season between January and May. Tao means turtle, and you have a good chance of encountering one of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures during your dives.
The dive sites are suitable for all levels of diving ability and training, and depths range from over 30 meters to just a few meters. Visibility is considered good to excellent most of the year, and the water is warm, still, and full of marine life.
Diving in Koh Samui and Around.
Koh Samui is a good starting point to discover scuba diving. There are many dive schools scattered over the island offering all PADI courses from Bubblemaker to dive master. On Samui you will mostly learn the basics and first steps of scuba diving while the actual dives will take place near the surrounding islands like Koh Tao or the Angthong National Marine Park.
Most dive schools have their own boats and will offer daily dive trips for beginners and professionals but of course you can join them for just a snorkeling trip.
Seson Dive around Thailand:
Pattaya ;
Dive seson - All year
Depths - 18 – 30 m
Visibility - 6-10 m.
Phuket;
Dive seson - Nov-April
Depths - 30-45 m
Visibility - 10-25 m
Trang;
Dive seson - Jan-May
Depths - 20-45 m
Visibility - 20-40 m
Chumphon;
Dive seson - Jan-Oct
Depths - 27 m
Visibility - 8-20 m
Ko Samet;
Dive seson - Nov-June
Depths - 18 – 30 m
Visibility - 10-20 m.
Ko Chang;
Dive seson - Nov-June
Depths - 18 – 30 m
Visibility - 10-25 m.
Ko Samui;
Dive seson - March-Oct
Depths - 15 – 40 m
Visibility - 10-25 m.
Ko Tao;
Dive seson - All year
Depths - 14 – 30 m
Visibility - >20 m.
Ko Phi Phi;
Dive seson - Jan-March
Depths - 25-40 m
Visibility - 15-30 m
Ko Tarutao;
Dive seson - Dec-May
Depths - 15-35 m
Visibility - 15-30 m
Koh Lanta;
Dive seson - Nov-April
Depths - 20 – 45 m
Visibility - 20-40 m
Mo Ko Similan;
Dive seson - Dec-April
Depths - 25-90 m
Visibility - 35-40 m
Mo Ko Surin;
Dive seson - Dec-April
Depths - 25-70 m
Visibility - 20-40 m
Mo Ko Surin;
Dive seson - Jan-May
Depths - 20-45 m
Visibility - 20-40 m
Introduction of Dive Trip
Diver’s amazing
Day 1 : Transfer from Phuket Airport to Chalong Bay. Board night boat from the bay to Similan islands.
Day 2 : Arrive Similan. Rest of the day at dive sites around island exploring the reefs of the Similan Archipelago and myriad colours exhibited by countless fish and corals. There are three dive spots scheduled, and one night dive.
Day 3 : Continue your diving odyssey at three locations. Three daytime dives are scheduled at Ko Bon island and Ko Tachai, home to manta rays, whale sharks and colourful coral. There is one dive at Surin Island.
Day 4 : Three dives scheduled at Richelieu Rock, playground of the whale shark.
Day 5 : Dive at three more Similan locations before taking the night boat to Phuket
Divers' paradise
Day 1 : Arrive Samui and continue by boat to Ko Tao (Turtle Island). After lunch, enjoy swimming and snorkeling around this tiny island considered to be the best dive site in the Gulf. The marine ecology of Ko Tao is the habitat of several rare species, including spotted rays, giant trigger fish and the occa-sional and harmless whale shark.
Day 2 – 7 : Enjoy diving lessons offered by international-standard diving schools or discovering the beautiful under-water world with experienced divers.
Day 8 : Leave Ko Tao for Chumphon. City tour and visit to the many caves and beautiful beaches. Overnight in Chumpon.
Misconceptions about learning
IT IS DANGEROUS.Not true. All the recommended dive companies listed here are PADI certified and have well qualified, experienced staff. As long as divers follow instructions and are prepared, there is less danger than swimming in the sea.
Diving around Koh Similan
Koh Similan is a group of islands that offers some of the best diving in Thailand and the world. Many divers argue that what makes the diving so great at Similan is the big variation in the underwater environment found here. No other place in the world offers such a variation in the same dive area.
The Similans are located approximately 100 kilometers north-west of Phuket. There are a total of nine granite islands covered with tropical jungle and surrounded by chalk white beaches and crystal clear blue water. The name Similan was derived from the Malaysian word for nine, "Sembilan", which was used long ago by Malaysian fishermen when they called the islands "The Nine Eyes". Today, each "eye" of the nine islands has a number as well as a name. For example Huyong, island number 1, is the southern most island in the chain.
Today the area is a national park and is protected as a reserve. The National Park Authority have camps on two of the islands; Koh Similan, island number 8, which is the largest and Koh Miang, island number 4. The last few years these islands have gained much attention from the royal family who themselves are eager divers and outdoor people.
The archipelago runs north to south and either side of the islands you will discover a completely different underwater environment.
Diving around Koh Lanta - Dive Sites
In the time between November to April you can use the express boat for most of the stretches. You can book the tickets for the tour in a local traveling agency, which usually also takes care of the transfer to the boats. When arriving Ko Lanta you will be picked up from your booked hotel or resort, or you get the possibility to book something right there.
Due to the weather the boat transport will be stopped from Mai to October. The whole year through you get the possibility to travel within Thailand with public transport. If you have some time, which you should have if you’ve traveled that far, we recommend this kind of traveling.
It always takes some more time, but Thai people travel like this and it gives you the opportunity to get closer to culture and native people of your host land. And it is easy. You can book this kind of travel in a local travel agency. From there you will be picked up by a bus or mini bus and transferred, for example, on a car ferry.
Diving in Chumphon
The dive sites surrounding the islands of Koh Ngam Noi, Koh Ngam Yai, and the outcrops of Hin Lak Ngam and Hin Pae, offer excellent diving opportunities. Divers can experience fascinating seabed configurations from coral gardens to rock piles and caves. The main attraction which adds color to the sea is the extravagance of the fish. Most divers find the need to record the amazing variety in their logs! This is a plankton rich sea and the fish life proliferate at a remarkable rate. Visibility varies according to tide and weather factors.
On a favorable day, the visibility can be 20 meters but at low tides it can be reduced to only 8 to 10 meters. Hin Lak Ngam This dive site is located 1 1/2 hours away from Thung Wua Laen Beach. The landmark comprises two weather-beaten rock outcrops. Like all other outcrops, they serve as roosting areas for sea birds. As the boat approaches, these birds take flight. Sensing that the boat and divers are of no threat, they calmly resettle on the rocks.
The rock outcrop gradually broadens its formation to form the reef base at 27 meters. Its walls are terraced with crevices, holes, caves and protuberances.
Hard and soft corals grow on the surfaces of these undulating formations. The abundant microscopic food among the corals attract schools of fish with possible sightings of whale shark and manta ray.
Diving around Koh Tao
The tiny gem of Ko Tao or Turtle Island is just 21 square kilometers, yet it is the beating heart of diving in the Gulf of Thailand and home to an incredible 20 diving schools and more than 100 professional instructors.
Ko Tao's proximity to "under- water classrooms" makes it ideal for beginners. There are dive sites just one kilometer from the island where you can see pelagics, large schools of great barracudas, big-eyed jacks, tuna and giant travellys. There are also clown fish, shark whales and swordfish. Ko Tao's is also a departure point for trips to the Mu Ko Ang Thong i National Marine Park, and its coral makes it great for snorkeling as well as diving.
Many international diving agencies are represented on this small island, including PADI, SSI, IANTD, BSAC & NAUI. All course levels are available from beginner to professional, including special courses like UW- photography and technical diving (nitrox) for the more adventurous, so if you just fancy a few days of fun diving or wish to go on with your underwater career, it's all here.
Actually Koh Tao has become the leading area in Thailand for Instructor Development Centers (IDC). IDC's are held at the larger dive resorts or shops with courses running every two months .Equipment quality has also improved with shops using the latest models including Scubapro, Suunto, US Divers, Technisub and Seac Sub. There are repair shops for divers traveling with their own equipment and who may need a service.
There is also a selection of retail centers for those who wish to purchase some scuba gear. Safety has been much increased with the nearest decompression chamber located in Samui only 90 minutes away by speedboat and a heliport is now operational on the south side of the island.
Diving at Koh Nangyuan
The owners of Koh Nang Yuan Resort have created an island retreat unusual in comparison to other resorts of Southeast Asia. Located on a small private island near Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Nang Yuan is a vision of paradise. Her beauty takes your breath away. Her atmosphere is so extraordinary it makes you want her to remain a well-kept secret only for you and your closest friends. Her comfortable bungalows make you want to stay forever.
Her beaches, formed by the ocean’s currents interacting with the three peaks of the island made this triple strand of beach which is unique to the world. The resort’s architects studied the island carefully, and built a resort harmonious with the natural rock formations of the island. They left the beach untouched, and built on the boulders of the island to ensure privacy, solitude, and environmental serenity.
More than 15 dive sites are located a short distance from the dive center. Sites include pinnacles, coral reefs, patches of boulders covered with soft and hard corals, and tropical fish life. Whale sharks are frequently spotted during the peak season between January and May. Tao means turtle, and you have a good chance of encountering one of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures during your dives.
The dive sites are suitable for all levels of diving ability and training, and depths range from over 30 meters to just a few meters. Visibility is considered good to excellent most of the year, and the water is warm, still, and full of marine life.
Diving in Koh Samui and Around.
Koh Samui is a good starting point to discover scuba diving. There are many dive schools scattered over the island offering all PADI courses from Bubblemaker to dive master. On Samui you will mostly learn the basics and first steps of scuba diving while the actual dives will take place near the surrounding islands like Koh Tao or the Angthong National Marine Park.
Most dive schools have their own boats and will offer daily dive trips for beginners and professionals but of course you can join them for just a snorkeling trip.
Seson Dive around Thailand:Pattaya ;
Dive seson - All year
Depths - 18 – 30 m
Visibility - 6-10 m.
Phuket;
Dive seson - Nov-April
Depths - 30-45 m
Visibility - 10-25 m
Trang;
Dive seson - Jan-May
Depths - 20-45 m
Visibility - 20-40 m
Chumphon;
Dive seson - Jan-Oct
Depths - 27 m
Visibility - 8-20 m
Ko Samet;
Dive seson - Nov-June
Depths - 18 – 30 m
Visibility - 10-20 m.
Ko Chang;
Dive seson - Nov-June
Depths - 18 – 30 m
Visibility - 10-25 m.
Ko Samui;
Dive seson - March-Oct
Depths - 15 – 40 m
Visibility - 10-25 m.
Ko Tao;
Dive seson - All year
Depths - 14 – 30 m
Visibility - >20 m.
Ko Phi Phi;
Dive seson - Jan-March
Depths - 25-40 m
Visibility - 15-30 m
Ko Tarutao;
Dive seson - Dec-May
Depths - 15-35 m
Visibility - 15-30 m
Koh Lanta;
Dive seson - Nov-April
Depths - 20 – 45 m
Visibility - 20-40 m
Mo Ko Similan;
Dive seson - Dec-April
Depths - 25-90 m
Visibility - 35-40 m
Mo Ko Surin;
Dive seson - Dec-April
Depths - 25-70 m
Visibility - 20-40 m
Mo Ko Surin;
Dive seson - Jan-May
Depths - 20-45 m
Visibility - 20-40 m
Introduction of Dive Trip
Diver’s amazing
Day 1 : Transfer from Phuket Airport to Chalong Bay. Board night boat from the bay to Similan islands.
Day 2 : Arrive Similan. Rest of the day at dive sites around island exploring the reefs of the Similan Archipelago and myriad colours exhibited by countless fish and corals. There are three dive spots scheduled, and one night dive.
Day 3 : Continue your diving odyssey at three locations. Three daytime dives are scheduled at Ko Bon island and Ko Tachai, home to manta rays, whale sharks and colourful coral. There is one dive at Surin Island.
Day 4 : Three dives scheduled at Richelieu Rock, playground of the whale shark.
Day 5 : Dive at three more Similan locations before taking the night boat to Phuket
Divers' paradise
Day 1 : Arrive Samui and continue by boat to Ko Tao (Turtle Island). After lunch, enjoy swimming and snorkeling around this tiny island considered to be the best dive site in the Gulf. The marine ecology of Ko Tao is the habitat of several rare species, including spotted rays, giant trigger fish and the occa-sional and harmless whale shark.
Day 2 – 7 : Enjoy diving lessons offered by international-standard diving schools or discovering the beautiful under-water world with experienced divers.
Day 8 : Leave Ko Tao for Chumphon. City tour and visit to the many caves and beautiful beaches. Overnight in Chumpon.
Misconceptions about learning IT IS DANGEROUS.Not true. All the recommended dive companies listed here are PADI certified and have well qualified, experienced staff. As long as divers follow instructions and are prepared, there is less danger than swimming in the sea.
IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO LEARN AND IS EXPENSIVE. Not true. All PADI centres offer beginner’s courses in a swimming pool for a half or full day. Becoming PADI certified will take four days in Thailand. Anyone over eight years can do a “Bubble Blowers” course in a pool for free. A Discover Scuba Diving course will cost around 4,000 baht and take one day. A full Open Water PADI course will take four days and cost around 10,000 baht.
IT’S DIFFICULT AND YOU HAVE TO BE VERY FIT.Not true. Anyone over the age of 12 can do a PADI certified course. As long as they are in good medical condition and have no history of asthma, heart or breathing problems, a severe cold or problems with your ears, then they are ready to dive.
Precautions & preparations before diving
There are some precautions and preparations that should be taken before diving, whether you are experienced or a beginner.
1. Never go diving too soon after or before flying. The change in atmospheric pressure can cause “The Bends” either underwater or in the air, so divers should always consult an instructor to time diving and training to flight schedules.
2. Never dive after a heavy meal. The blood flows to the stomach to aid digestion and may cause cramp.
3. Never consume alcohol before diving (including the night before). The underwater effect of alcohol is multiplied many times, leading to disorientation and lack of judgment.
4. If a heavy smoker, cut down before beginning to dive.
5. Always follow safety procedures as advised by the instructor.
6. Never go diving alone.
7. If a diver has experience but has not been diving for a while (six months or more), they should tell the instructor and ask for a quick refresher course on procedures, safety and practices.
8. Look for PADI certified dive shops only. Ask around at the resort to see who is recommended. Don’t take the first option or the cheapest (necessarily).
9. If sure to dive before leaving on a trip, access the official PADI site at Padi.com and look for PADI certified dive shops at the destination.
10. Read as much as possible about the destination. If experienced, a diver should know about the best dive sites before they even get to a resort.
Precautions & preparations before diving
There are some precautions and preparations that should be taken before diving, whether you are experienced or a beginner.
1. Never go diving too soon after or before flying. The change in atmospheric pressure can cause “The Bends” either underwater or in the air, so divers should always consult an instructor to time diving and training to flight schedules.
2. Never dive after a heavy meal. The blood flows to the stomach to aid digestion and may cause cramp.
3. Never consume alcohol before diving (including the night before). The underwater effect of alcohol is multiplied many times, leading to disorientation and lack of judgment.
4. If a heavy smoker, cut down before beginning to dive.
5. Always follow safety procedures as advised by the instructor.
6. Never go diving alone.
7. If a diver has experience but has not been diving for a while (six months or more), they should tell the instructor and ask for a quick refresher course on procedures, safety and practices.
8. Look for PADI certified dive shops only. Ask around at the resort to see who is recommended. Don’t take the first option or the cheapest (necessarily).
9. If sure to dive before leaving on a trip, access the official PADI site at Padi.com and look for PADI certified dive shops at the destination.
10. Read as much as possible about the destination. If experienced, a diver should know about the best dive sites before they even get to a resort.
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