diving courses tours in Phuket

Diving courses tours in Phuket island one the most popular destination for diving due to its clear waters, diverse marine life, and numerous diving sites. Here’s an overview of the best times to dive around Phuket and some recommended diving courses and tours:

Best Time to Dive Around Phuket

The best time to dive in Phuket is generally from November to April. During this period, the weather is dry, and the sea conditions are calm, providing excellent visibility underwater. Here are some details on the seasonal diving conditions:

1. November to April (High Season):
   • Weather: Dry season with little rainfall.
   • Sea Conditions: Calm seas and excellent visibility (up to 30 meters).
   • Marine Life: Abundant marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays, especially in February to April.
   • Temperatures: Water temperatures range from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F).
2. May to October (Low Season):
   • Weather: Monsoon season with frequent rains and rougher seas.
   • Sea Conditions: Reduced visibility and stronger currents.
   • Marine Life: Marine life is still rich, but diving conditions are less predictable.
   • Temperatures: Water temperatures are similar, ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F).

Recommended Diving Courses and Tours in Phuket

Phuket offers a variety of diving courses and tours suitable for beginners to advanced divers. Here are some recommended options:

1. Open Water Diver Course:
   • Description: Ideal for beginners, this course provides the foundational skills needed for safe diving.
   • Providers: Popular providers include PADI, SSI, and local dive shops like Sea Bees Diving, Phuket Dive Master , and Dive Asia.
2. Advanced Open Water Diver Course:
   • Description: For those looking to advance their skills, this course includes deep dives, navigation dives, and more.
   • Providers: Offered by most diving schools in Phuket, including Scuba Diving Phuket, and Sunrise Divers.
3. Specialty Courses:
   • Description: Specialty courses such as wreck diving, night diving, and underwater photography are available.
   • Providers: Big Blue Diving, All4Diving, and Merlin Divers offer various specialty courses.
4. Liveaboard Tours:
   • Description: Multi-day trips that take you to remote and pristine diving sites like the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock.
   • Providers: Companies like Similan Diving Safaris, Wicked Diving, and Liveaboards.com offer well-reviewed liveaboard experiences.
5. Day Trips:
   • Description: Single-day excursions to popular dive sites like Phi Phi Islands, Racha Islands, and Shark Point.
   • Providers: Dive centers such as Phuket Scuba Club, H2O Sportz, and Andaman Scuba offer day trips.

Notable Dive Sites Around Phuket

• Racha Islands: Known for clear waters and diverse marine life, great for both beginners and advanced divers.
• Shark Point: Famous for its leopard sharks and vibrant coral reefs.
• Koh Dok Mai: A limestone island offering wall dives and macro marine life.
• Anemone Reef: Rich in anemones and clownfish, with occasional sightings of larger pelagics.

Additional Tips

• Booking: It’s advisable to book courses and tours in advance, especially during the high season.
• Certification: Ensure that the diving center is certified by recognized organizations like PADI or SSI.
• Equipment: Most dive centers provide equipment, but you can bring your own if preferred.

Phuket’s diving opportunities cater to all levels of divers, in fact making it a fantastic destination for underwater exploration.

Phuket is surrounded by several world-class diving destinations that offer diverse marine life, stunning underwater landscapes, and varying levels of difficulty. Here are some of the best scuba diving destinations around Phuket:

1. Similan Islands

• Location: Northwest of Phuket, about 84 km (52 miles) away.
• Highlights: Known for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. You can see manta rays, whale sharks, and a variety of tropical fish.
• Best Sites: Elephant Head Rock, Richelieu Rock (famous for whale shark sightings), and East of Eden.
• Dive Type: Suitable for all levels; liveaboard trips are the best way to explore these remote islands.

2. Racha Islands (Racha Yai and Racha Noi)

• Location: About 12 km (7.5 miles) south of Phuket.
• Highlights: Racha Yai offers easy diving conditions with clear visibility, while Racha Noi is known for its challenging dives and sightings of larger pelagics.
• Best Sites: Bay 1, Bay 3 (Racha Yai), and Marita’s Rock (Racha Noi).
• Dive Type: Great for beginners and experienced divers.

3. Phi Phi Islands

• Location: About 45 km (28 miles) east of Phuket.
• Highlights: Dramatic underwater topography with walls, caves, and swim-throughs. Rich marine life including turtles, leopard sharks, and various reef fish.
• Best Sites: Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and Shark Point.
• Dive Type: Suitable for all levels; popular for day trips and liveaboards.

4. Shark Point Marine Sanctuary

• Location: About 25 km (16 miles) east of Phuket.
• Highlights: Named after the leopard sharks often found resting on the sandy bottom. The site features colorful soft corals and a diversity of marine species.
• Best Sites: Shark Point 1, 2, and 3.
• Dive Type: Suitable for all levels.

5. King Cruiser Wreck

• Location: Between Phuket and Phi Phi Islands.
• Highlights: A former passenger ferry that sank in 1997, now a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life. Schools of fish, moray eels, and lionfish are common.
• Dive Type: Best for advanced divers due to depth and sometimes strong currents.

6. Koh Dok Mai

• Location: About 10 km (6 miles) east of Phuket.
• Highlights: A small limestone island offering excellent wall dives and macro photography opportunities. Diverse marine life including seahorses, nudibranchs, and bamboo sharks.
• Dive Type: Suitable for all levels; ideal for those interested in underwater photography.

7. Anemone Reef

• Location: Near Shark Point.
• Highlights: Covered with anemones and home to a variety of anemonefish, this reef also attracts larger pelagic species and offers vibrant coral formations.
• Dive Type: Suitable for all levels.

8. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai

• Location: Part of the Similan Islands National Park, north of the Similan Islands.
• Highlights: Famous for manta ray sightings at Koh Bon and diverse marine life at Koh Tachai, including whale sharks.
• Dive Type: Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers; often included in liveaboard itineraries.

9. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang

• Location: South of Phi Phi Islands.
• Highlights: Known for deep walls, pinnacles, and frequent sightings of manta rays and whale sharks. These sites offer some of the best diving in Thailand.
• Dive Type: Best for advanced divers due to depth and currents.

Tips for Diving Around Phuket

• Liveaboard Trips: For the best experience at remote sites like the Similan Islands and Hin Daeng, consider booking a liveaboard trip.
• Day Trips: Many dive centers offer day trips to popular sites like Racha Islands, Phi Phi Islands, and Shark Point.
• Certification: Ensure you have the appropriate certification for the dive sites you plan to visit, especially for deeper and more challenging dives.

These destinations provide a wide range of diving courses tours in Phuket, from easy dives suitable for beginners to challenging sites for advanced divers, making Phuket a top-notch diving hub.

Common Fish Species

1. Reef Fish:
   • Clownfish: Often seen in anemones, these colorful fish are a favorite among divers.
   • Parrotfish: Known for their bright colors and beak-like mouths, which they use to feed on coral.
   • Angelfish: Large, vibrant fish that are commonly found near coral reefs.
   • Butterflyfish: Easily recognizable by their bright colors and patterns.
   • Lionfish: Beautiful but venomous, lionfish are often seen hovering near reefs.
2. Pelagic Fish:
   • Barracuda: Often seen in schools, these sleek predators are known for their speed.
   • Trevally: Large, silvery fish that are common in open waters around reefs.
   • Tuna: Fast-swimming fish that are occasionally spotted near deeper reefs and open waters.
3. Sharks:
   • Leopard Sharks: Frequently found resting on sandy bottoms, particularly around Shark Point.
   • Blacktip Reef Sharks: Common around shallow reefs, especially in the Similan and Racha Islands.
   • Whale Sharks: These gentle giants are seen occasionally, particularly around Richelieu Rock and the Similan Islands.

Rays and Skates

• Manta Rays: Often seen gliding gracefully through the waters, particularly around Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
• Eagle Rays: Known for their distinctive spotted appearance, these rays are a frequent sight in deeper waters.
• Stingrays: Commonly found resting on sandy bottoms near reefs.

Eels

• Moray Eels: Frequently seen peeking out from crevices in the reefs. They come in various colors, including green, yellow, and brown.
• Ribbon Eels: Known for their striking blue and yellow coloration, these eels are a favorite among underwater photographers.

Invertebrates

• Nudibranchs: Colorful sea slugs that are popular among macro photographers for their intricate patterns and bright colors.
• Octopus: Masters of camouflage, octopuses can often be seen hiding among rocks and coral.
• Cuttlefish: Known for their ability to change color and texture, these cephalopods are fascinating to watch.

Turtles

• Green Turtles: Commonly seen grazing on seagrass beds and around coral reefs.
• Hawksbill Turtles: Often spotted near coral reefs, feeding on sponges and other invertebrates.

Unique and Noteworthy Marine Life

• Seahorses: Often found in seagrass beds and among coral, these delicate creatures are a rare treat to see.
• Harlequin Shrimp: Small, colorful shrimp that are often seen feeding on sea stars.
• Ornate Ghost Pipefish: These camouflaged fish are often found near crinoids and feather stars, mimicking their surroundings.

Coral and Marine Flora

• Hard and Soft Corals: The reefs around Phuket are covered with a variety of hard and soft corals, creating vibrant underwater landscapes.
• Sea Anemones: Home to various species of clownfish and other small marine creatures.
• Sponges and Sea Fans: Adding to the diversity of the reef, these provide habitat for many smaller marine organisms.

Phuket’s dive sites offer an incredible array of marine life, making it a paradise for divers of all levels. Whether you are interested in colorful reef fish, majestic pelagic species, or intricate macro life, the waters around Phuket have something to offer.

Best Night Diving Destinations Around Phuket

1. Kata Beach House Reef
   • Highlights: Easily accessible from the shore, Kata Beach House Reef offers a calm and shallow dive site perfect for night dives. It’s known for its diverse marine life, including octopuses, moray eels, and various crustaceans.
   • Ideal For: Beginners and experienced divers.
2. Racha Yai Island
   • Highlights: Racha Yai’s clear waters and gently sloping reefs make it a great spot for night diving. Look for nocturnal creatures like lobsters, cuttlefish, and hunting lionfish.
   • Ideal For: All levels of divers.
3. Racha Noi Island
   • Highlights: Slightly more advanced due to deeper and sometimes stronger currents, Racha Noi offers sightings of larger pelagics even at night. Expect to see barracudas, trevallies, and reef sharks.
   • Ideal For: Intermediate to advanced divers.
4. Koh Dok Mai
   • Highlights: This small limestone island is excellent for wall diving and macro photography at night. Divers can see a variety of nudibranchs, crabs, shrimp, and the occasional bamboo shark.
   • Ideal For: Intermediate divers.
5. Shark Point
   • Highlights: Known for its leopard sharks during the day, Shark Point transforms at night with vibrant coral polyps extending and various nocturnal marine life coming out. Look for colorful reef fish, lobsters, and moray eels.
   • Ideal For: Intermediate divers.

Recommended Night Diving Programs

1. PADI Night Diver Specialty Course
   • Description: This course teaches divers the skills and knowledge needed for safe and enjoyable night diving. It includes three night dives where you’ll learn about nocturnal marine life, navigation, and communication techniques.
   • Providers: Many dive centers in Phuket offer this course, including Sea Bees Diving, Phuket Dive Tours, and Dive Asia.
2. SSI Night Diving and Limited Visibility Specialty
   • Description: Similar to the PADI course, the SSI specialty focuses on diving in low visibility and at night. The course includes theory sessions and two to three night dives.
   • Providers: Offered by dive centers such as Scuba Diving Phuket, All4Diving, and Sunrise Divers.
3. Liveaboard Night Dives
   • Description: Liveaboard trips often include night dives as part of their itinerary. This is a great way to experience multiple night dives in different locations over a few days.
   • Providers: Companies like Similan Diving Safaris, Wicked Diving, and Liveaboards.com offer trips that include night dives in their packages.

Tips for Night Diving in Phuket

• Equipment: Ensure you have a good quality primary dive light and a backup light. A tank light or glow stick can also help your dive buddy keep track of you.
• Local Guides: Diving with a local guide can enhance your experience as they know the best spots to see nocturnal marine life.
• Stay Close: Maintain close proximity to your dive buddy and follow the dive guide closely to ensure safety and enhance your experience.
• Relax and Observe: Night diving is more about slow exploration and observation. Take your time to look around and notice the small details.
• Safety: Always perform a thorough equipment check before the dive and ensure you are comfortable with night diving techniques.

Popular Dive Centers Offering Night Dives

1. Sea Bees Diving
   • Location: Chalong, Phuket
   • Specialties: Offers a range of dive trips including night dives at various local reefs and islands.
2. Phuket Dive Tours
   • Location: Kata Beach, Phuket
   • Specialties: Provides guided night dives and night diving courses, catering to both beginners and experienced divers.
3. Dive Asia
   • Location: Kata Beach, Phuket
   • Specialties: Known for professional and experienced instructors, offering night diving experiences and PADI courses.
4. Scuba Diving Phuket
   • Location: Patong, Phuket
   • Specialties: Offers SSI night diving courses and guided night dives at popular dive sites around Phuket.

Night diving in Phuket opens up a new world of underwater adventure, offering unique encounters with nocturnal marine life and a serene diving experience. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, there are plenty of options to explore the underwater world after dark.

Phuket offers a variety of excellent scuba dive resorts that cater to divers of all levels, providing both comfortable accommodations and easy access to top diving sites. Here are some of the best scuba dive resorts on Phuket Island:

1. The Racha (Racha Island)

• Location: Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket
• Highlights: A luxury resort offering beachfront villas and easy access to some of the best diving spots around Racha Yai and Racha Noi. The resort has its own dive center offering PADI courses and daily dive trips.
• Facilities: Spa, multiple restaurants, infinity pool, fitness center, and a dive center.

2. Merlin Divers (Karon Beach)

• Location: Karon Beach, Phuket
• Highlights: Known for personalized diving services, Merlin Divers offers a range of diving packages and courses. The resort is close to popular dive sites like Kata Beach House Reef and Shark Point.
• Facilities: Comfortable rooms, swimming pool, restaurant, and dive center offering PADI courses.

3. Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort

• Location: Phi Phi Islands, accessible by boat from Phuket
• Highlights: A stunning beachfront resort offering luxurious bungalows and villas. The resort’s dive center provides daily trips to some of the best dive sites around Phi Phi, including Bida Nok and Bida Nai.
• Facilities: Spa, multiple dining options, swimming pools, fitness center, and a dive center.

4. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

• Location: Mai Khao Beach, Phuket
• Highlights: This five-star resort offers luxurious accommodations and an on-site dive center. They organize diving excursions to various local dive sites, including the Similan Islands.
• Facilities: Multiple swimming pools, spa, fitness center, several restaurants, and a dive center offering PADI courses.

5. Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach

• Location: Karon Beach, diving courses tours in Phuket
• Highlights: A luxurious resort with a dedicated dive center that offers a range of diving activities and courses. It’s close to Kata Beach House Reef and other local dive spots.
• Facilities: Spa, swimming pools, fitness center, multiple restaurants, and dive center.

6. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

• Location: Patong, Phuket
• Highlights: A beachfront resort with its own secluded beach, offering diving courses and excursions through its on-site dive center. The resort is near popular dive sites and provides easy access to diving tours.
• Facilities: Spa, swimming pools, fitness center, various dining options, and a dive center.

7. Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

• Location: Layan Beach, Phuket
• Highlights: A luxurious resort situated on a tranquil beach, offering personalized diving experiences. The on-site dive center provides PADI courses and guided dives to nearby dive sites.
• Facilities: Spa, infinity pool, fitness center, several restaurants, and dive center.

8. Ban’s Diving Resort (Koh Tao)

• Location: Koh Tao, accessible via ferry from Phuket
• Highlights: One of the largest dive centers in Thailand, Ban’s offers comprehensive diving courses and daily dive trips. While not on Phuket, it’s a popular destination for divers traveling from Phuket.
• Facilities: Multiple accommodation options, swimming pools, several restaurants, and a large dive center.

9. Coral Grand Divers (Koh Tao)

• Location: Koh Tao, accessible via ferry from Phuket
• Highlights: A renowned dive center and resort offering a range of diving courses and trips. Koh Tao is a bit further from Phuket but is known for its excellent diving conditions.
• Facilities: Comfortable rooms, beachfront location, swimming pool, restaurant, and dive center.

Choosing the Right Dive Resort

When selecting a dive resort and diving courses tours in Phuket, consider the following factors:

• Location: Proximity to dive sites and ease of access to diving activities.
• Facilities: Availability of amenities like a dive center, equipment rental, and comfortable accommodations.
• Courses and Packages: Range of diving courses offered and the availability of guided dive trips.
• Reputation: Check reviews and ratings to ensure the resort has a good reputation for diving services.

These resorts provide excellent accommodations and diving services, making them ideal bases for exploring the underwater wonders of Phuket and its surrounding areas.