Diving in Phuket
Phuket is a tropical paradise nestled in the Andaman Sea and renowned as one of the premier dive destinations in Thailand. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, fascinating wrecks and stunning coral reefs, Phuket diving offers an unforgettable experience for beginners all the way through to seasoned divers. Part of the 2000km of coastline surrounding Thailand, Phuket diving conditions are ideal year round with mild currents, 30m visibility, depths of up to 36m and water temperatures sitting between 28-30° C. However for the absolute best Phuket diving conditions, the Andaman Sea is at its best from October to April. Prepare to be amazed as you dive into a world of breathtaking underwater landscapes and encounter a diverse array of marine creatures.
Top Phuket Dive Sites
Shark Point (Hin Musang): Located east of Phuket, Shark Point is a series of submerged pinnacles teeming with marine life. This popular dive site is named after the docile leopard sharks frequently spotted here. Divers can also encounter colourful reef fish, sea turtles, moray eels, and a variety of vibrant corals. The depths range from 5 to 25 meters, making it suitable for all levels of divers.
Koh Doc Mai: Situated southeast of Phuket, Koh Doc Mai is a limestone island with an incredible wall dive. As you descend into the depths, you'll be greeted by a vertical wall covered in soft corals, sea fans, and barrel sponges. Keep an eye out for ghost pipefish, seahorses, and nudibranchs camouflaged within the coral formations. The site offers diverse marine life and is perfect for intermediate and advanced divers.
King Cruiser Wreck: This iconic dive site is home to the wreck of the King Cruiser, a car ferry that sank in 1997. Resting on the sandy bottom at a depth of 32 meters, the wreck has become an artificial reef attracting a wealth of marine species. Explore the vast structure, swim through corridors, and observe schools of snapper, batfish, and barracuda that have made this wreck their home. Due to its depth and currents, this site is recommended for experienced divers.
Racha Yai and Racha Noi Islands: Located south of Phuket, the Racha Islands offer a combination of stunning coral reefs and impressive underwater topography. Racha Yai is known for its clear waters, while Racha Noi features more challenging dive sites with stronger currents. These islands boast a rich marine ecosystem, including vibrant corals, reef sharks, manta rays, and hawksbill turtles. Divers of all levels can find suitable sites around these islands.
Anemone Reef: Situated between Phuket and Phi Phi Islands, Anemone Reef is a submerged limestone pinnacle adorned with magnificent sea anemones. As you explore this dive site, you'll encounter a wide variety of colourful reef fish, including clownfish seeking shelter in their anemone homes. Keep an eye out for leopard sharks, giant moray eels, and schools of snapper gracefully swimming through the currents. This site is best suited for intermediate and advanced divers.
Phi Phi Islands: While technically not part of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are easily accessible and offer some of the best diving in the region. Stunning underwater landscapes, vibrant coral gardens, and encounters with blacktip reef sharks and turtles are highlights of diving around Phi Phi. Popular sites include Maya Bay, Palong Wall, and Koh Bida Nok. These islands provide options for divers of all experience levels.
