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Diving in Phuket
 
Situated off Thailand's
south western coast, Phuket is the perfect base for divers wishing to visit Thailand's best
diving sites. With a number of ‘world class' dive sites only a short boat ride
away, Phuket is home to Thailand's leading liveaboard and day boat operator's.
The main difference between Phuket, and the other islands in Thailand, is
the sheer number of sites available to day trip divers. The Similan Islands ,
Koh Phi Phi , Hin Daeng/Hin Muang, Racha
Islands and the King
Cruiser wreck are all available as day trip options.
Here at Dive Travel Asia, we aim to give you the best advice
on which trips and locations best suit your needs. As independent agents we can
let you know the best boats, latest deals and which dive sites are best to
visit.
Departing daily from Phuket, trips to Koh Phi Phi Islands,
Racha Yai, Racha Noi, King Cruiser, Shark Point, Anemone Reef and Koh Doc Mai
gives divers a great selection of dive sites to choose from.
A further option for divers visiting Phuket is to take a day
trip to visit the Similan
Islands and Koh Bon.
These trips are a great option for those of you who don't have the time to take
a 3 or 4 day liveaboard trip, but still want to see these magnificent islands.
The Similan Island
day trips are a diver's best chance to encounter some of Thailand's larger underwater
creatures such as Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.
The most common day trips departing daily from Phuket are
two dive trips to the Racha
Islands and three dive
trips to the King Cruiser shipwreck. The two Racha Islands
are located due south of Phuket, with Racha Yai being around a 1½ hour trip
away while another 45 minutes will get you to Racha Noi. Racha Yai is the
perfect place for novice divers with crystal clear shallow waters surrounding
the islands sloping coral reefs. Racha Noi on the other hand offers more
experienced divers an opportunity to dive slightly over larger boulders, where
encounters with larger fish and sharks are more common, Manta Rays are also
known to frequent the island.
The three dive trips to the King Cruiser, which is home to a
huge variety of marine life living in and around the twisted metal remains.
Shark Point is often the second dive of thr trip, and divers will be treated to
some of the best soft coral reefs to be found anywhere in Thailand. Shark Point
is also home to an enormous array of marine life with the highlight being the
docile Leopard Shark and the elusive Tiger Tail Sea Horses. The final dive of
the day is often a drift dive around the steep walls of Koh Doc Mai , where
macro lovers will be spoilt for choice. Sea Horses , ghost pipe fish and
nudibranches are found in abundance here, while moray eels and banded sea
snakes are also plentiful while even Whale Sharks have been known to cruise by.
TRIP OPTIONS
With a huge variety of boats and destinations available, let
Dive Travel Asia help you make the right decision. Our experienced staff will
help you choose the right boat for you, with our inside knowledge of the best
dive guides, most comfortable boats, most delicious lunches and of course the
best prices.
Diving Season
Phuket's diving season runs 12 months a year, with only the Similan Islands being affected by the rainy
season weather. The best time to dive is between December and April when
underwater visibility is at its highest and surface conditions are at their
calmest. The rainy season still offers great diving, with divers being welcomed
by less crowded boats and cheaper prices.
All in all its always a good time to come and dive in
Phuket.
Phuket Reef Guide
| Reef Type |
Coral Reefs, Walls and Shipwrecks
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| Depth Range |
5 - 40 meters. |
| Visibility |
10- 40 meters |
| Currents |
Mild to Strong
|
| Water Temperature |
26-30°C |
| No. of dive sites |
50+ |
| Experience level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Trip Options |
Day Trip or Overnight Cruise |
| Diving Season |
Year round |
Useful Links
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