Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and, most importantly, world-class scuba diving opportunities. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, the underwater world of Phuket offers an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about scuba diving in Phuket, Thailand, including the best dive sites, seasons, and costs.
Why Choose Phuket for Scuba Diving?
Let’s answer one of the most asked questions: Why dive into the waters of Phuket? Here are some of the reasons why:
- Extensive fringing reefs
- Dramatic drop-offs and granite walls
- Fascinating shipwrecks
- Mysterious caves and tunnels
- Diverse marine life
From tiny seahorses to massive leopard sharks, Phuket’s waters are teeming with life, making it an ideal destination for all levels of underwater enthusiasts.
Best Season for Scuba Diving in Phuket
While the island offers year-round diving opportunities, the best time to go scuba diving in Phuket, Thailand, is during the northeast monsoon from November to April. Additional perks come with this season, including all marine national parks being open, the best water visibility (approximately 25 – 40 meters), and optimal water temperatures (average 29°C or 84°F). However, many dive sites near the coast remain accessible throughout the year, even during the southwest monsoon from May to October.
Top Dive Sites in Phuket
Phuket offers a diverse range of dive sites catering to all experience levels. Here is a look at some of the most popular locations:
1. Shark Point (Hin Musang)
- Depth: Up to 21 meters
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights: Leopard sharks, vibrant soft corals, and diverse marine life
Shark Point, also known as Hin Musang, is one of Thailand’s most famous dive sites. Protected as a marine sanctuary since 1992, this small rock outcropping is home to one of the richest coral reefs in the region. The site is teeming with life, bursting with color, and packed with action.
At the base of the pinnacle, you’ll often find leopard sharks resting on the sand. The entire structure is encrusted with vibrant soft corals and gorgonian sea fans, adding splashes of red, pink, and orange to the blue seascape. Keep an eye out for lionfish, moray eels, and countless reef fish darting about.
The site’s popularity means it can get busy, but the abundance of marine life makes it well worth a visit. Currents can be strong, so it’s best suited for intermediate divers.
2. King Cruiser Wreck
- Depth: 16-30 meters
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Highlights: Sunken passenger ferry, schools of snappers and barracuda
The King Cruiser Wreck is an 85-meter catamaran ferry that sank in 1997 after colliding with Anemone Reef. Now, this iconic scuba dive site in Phuket has evolved into an artificial reef, a haven for marine life.
The wreck is home to large schools of snappers and yellowtail barracuda, which swarm around the structure. Inside the wreck, you’ll find a variety of cryptic and nocturnal species, including lionfish, moray eels, and scorpionfish. The multiple decks and passages make for an intriguing exploration, but due to the wreck’s deteriorating condition and potential for strong currents, it is best suited for advanced divers.
3. Anemone Reef
- Depth: Up to 22 meters
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights: Sea anemones, large sea fans, and leopard sharks
Located near Shark Point, Anemone Reef is a submerged pinnacle famous for its extensive fields of sea anemones covering the shallower areas. Seeing these anemones swaying in the surge, with energetic anemonefish darting in and out, is truly mesmerising.
Beyond the anemones, you’ll find massive schools of smaller fish, including fusiliers, snappers, and butterflyfish. Larger pelagics like tuna and barracuda also frequent the area. For macro enthusiasts, the reef is packed with tiny critters waiting to be discovered.
It is important to note that currents can be strong here, so it is vital to stay close to the pinnacle and check water conditions before exploring further.
4. Koh Racha Yai
- Depth: 2 – 20 meters
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
- Highlights: Hard coral reefs, colorful fish, and excellent visibility
Koh Racha Yai, located about 90 minutes south of Phuket, is a beautiful tropical island offering excellent conditions for all levels of scuba diving in Phuket, Thailand. The island is known for its thriving hard coral reefs and colorful shallow coral gardens.
There are several dive sites around the island, allowing for year-round diving. You’ll encounter an array of reef fish, critters, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Common sightings include lionfish, scorpionfish, barracuda, and various species of moray eels.
The clear waters and gentle conditions make Koh Racha Yai an ideal location for beginner divers or those looking to refresh their skills. It is also a great spot for underwater photography due to its excellent visibility.
5. Phi Phi Islands (Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai)
- Depth: Up to 30 meters
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
- Highlights: Wall dives, leopard sharks, and occasional whale shark sightings
The Phi Phi Islands actually belong to Krabi provinces; however, a quick boat trip from Phuket makes it a worthwhile diving experience nonetheless. Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai, in particular, offer some of the best diving in the area. These small limestone islands provide excellent wall diving opportunities with depths reaching 30 meters or more.
Koh Bida Nok (outside island) and Koh Bida Nai (inside island) are close enough that experienced divers can swim between them in a single dive. The sites feature impressive limestone walls covered in soft corals and large sea fans. In the sandy areas at the base of the walls, you might spot leopard sharks and blue-spotted rays.
These sites are known for attracting larger pelagics, including whale sharks and occasional manta rays. The diversity of marine life and the possibility of encountering these majestic creatures make the Phi Phi Islands a must-visit for any diver in Phuket.
6. Koh Dok Mai
- Depth: Up to 20 meters
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights: Wall dive, caves, and rich marine biodiversity
Koh Dok Mai, meaning “Flower Island” in Thai, is a small limestone island offering an excellent wall dive. The site features several shallow caves and crevices, making it a paradise for macro enthusiasts and underwater photographers.
The wall is covered with soft corals and sea fans, hosting a variety of marine life, including many species of moray eels, nudibranchs, and ghost pipefish. During the right season (November to April), you might even spot whale sharks passing by in the blue. This site is usually dived as the last dive of the day when returning to Chalong Bay, offering a perfect end to a day of scuba diving in Phuket.
Each of these dive sites offers a unique underwater experience, showcasing the incredible diversity of marine life and underwater landscapes that make scuba diving in Phuket, so special. Whether you’re interested in vibrant reefs, exciting wrecks, or the chance to see large pelagics, Phuket’s dive sites have something for everyone.
Marine Life You’ll Encounter
As you can see from the various Phuket dive sites, the waters are home to an incredible array of marine species. Here is a recap of some of the underwater life you may see:
- Leopard sharks and whale sharks
- Manta rays and eagle rays
- Sea turtles
- Moray eels
- Lionfish and scorpionfish
- Colorful reef fish (angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish)
- Macro life (nudibranchs, seahorses, ghost pipefish)
Scuba Diving Cost in Phuket
The cost of scuba diving in Phuket can vary depending on several factors, including the type of dive (shore dive, boat dive, or liveaboard), number of dives, equipment rental (if any), and certification level required.
On average, you can expect to pay:
- Fun dives: 3,000 – 4,000 THB per day (2 – 3 dives)
- PADI Open Water course: 15,000 – 20,000 THB
- Equipment rental: 500 – 1,000 THB per day
It is recommended to search and compare the costs of different dive centres. Some of these may offer package deals that can help reduce the overall scuba diving cost in Phuket, especially during the peak season when visitors from around the world are queuing up for a dive.
Tips for Scuba Diving in Phuket, Thailand
- Book with reputable dive centers that prioritize safety and environmental conservation.
- Consider taking a refresher course if you haven’t dived in a while. They are available at various dive centers, as well as at some of the reputable 5-star hotels in Phuket.
- Respect the marine environment and follow the “take only pictures, leave only bubbles” principle.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun between dives.
- Be flexible with your dive plans, as weather conditions can change quickly.
Scuba diving in Phuket, Thailand, offers an incredible underwater experience for divers of all levels. With its diverse marine life, stunning dive sites, and year-round diving opportunities, Phuket is truly a diver’s place to be. Whether you are looking to explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter majestic whale sharks, or discover the mysteries of sunken wrecks, Phuket has something for everyone. So gear up, dive in, and prepare to be amazed by the underwater wonders of this tropical paradise.
Lastly, after a long day of underwater exploration, be sure to indulge yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of the top Phuket beach resort, such as Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort.
About Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort
Book your stay at the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, ideally located to explore the peaceful Kamala Beach, shopping spots, and countless attractions. Discover luxury, comfort, and the wonders of marine life in the Andaman Sea with us.
Our 5-star Kamala beach resort offers convenient beach access as well as diving and snorkelling activities in the surrounding bay that present effortless Andaman Sea discoveries. The resort is home to the largest oceanfront infinity pool in Phuket and features pool practice dive sessions by expert instructors as well as the opportunity to get your SSI Open Water Diver Certification.
The newly renovated 201 modern luxury rooms, complemented by stunning views of the Andaman Sea, are ideal for families that wish for a spacious interior to relax and gaze over the sea.
Visit our website or contact us today to find out more.
Tel: +66 7623 1234
Fax: +66 76 231 233
Email: phuket.regency@hyatt.com
