Phuket Diving   - Phuket is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the South' and for scuba divers it's certainly the crown jewel of the Andaman Sea; one of the most renowned diving regions in the world. This island paradise lies only 8o north of the equator, enjoying a tropical climate with average water temperature of 24oC (78o F) with an unmatched variety of aquatic life. The best time for diving is between October and May between the two monsoons, but good diving is available all year. A fleet of dive boats now roam the azure blue water of the Andaman Sea that for thousands of years served as the main trade route for merchant vessels, pirates, explorers and missionaries from India, the Arab nations and Europe on their way to China, ancient Siam (Thailand), and Japan. In spite of its strategic location and long maritime history, many areas of the Andaman Sea remain largely unexplored. This underwater frontier continues to yield exciting new dive sites that are only now being made available for sport diving. Even today, in some areas like Hin Daeng to the south of Phuket and the area around the Burma Banks to the north, and virtually the entire Mergui Archipelago, you may enjoy the added pleasure of being one of the first ever to dive in many sites.

For divers the true treasures of the Andaman Sea are hidden below the surface where the vast panorama explodes into a virtual symphony of colors and corals. The warm, clear nutrient rich water draws vast schools of tropical fish, manta rays, a host of other pelagic fish, and the awe inspiring Whale Shark. The diverse underwater scenery, and abundant marine life combined with good (and sometimes great) visibility will delight underwater photographers and marine naturalists. The dive sites available vary enormously and offer a full range of dive-profiles. Start with a lazy drift dive through vast gardens of coral, or try swimming through some of numerous caves and grottos, exploring a ship-wreck, or maybe embarking on a multi-level dive along a sheer granite wall with a different creature in every nook and cranny. Exotic culture, adventure both above and below the surface, unforgettable food, Phuket has all the right ingredients for a perfect diving holiday.

The professional dive shops on Phuket will offer three major services in addition to equipment sales and rental, PADI certified training classes, one-day dives, and multi-day liveaboard dive excursions.


Diver Training
The vicarious thrill of breathing underwater while exploring the last untamed frontier on the planet Earth. You have seen underwater film and photos, but nothing compares to actually drifting along a beautiful coral reef or swimming through a vast school of colorful tropical fish. The Andaman Sea makes a wonderful classroom to learn scuba diving or to upgrade your level of skills. See section on diver training for more details.


Day Trips
For those divers traveling with families, or on a tight time schedule, or for those who just prefer having the shore based amenities of Phuket available in the evening, Phuket based dive-shops offer an excellent selection of one-day dive trips. See section on dive sites for a detailed description of the major dive sites.


Liveaboard Excursions
Each year scuba divers from all over the world come to Phuket to join one of the many dive cruises that visit some the more remote and pristine locations in the world. These famous live-aboard cruises allow you to live, eat and dive right off the boat into some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world. Dive boats in Thailand vary greatly in style and comfort and price. For those less concerned about comfort, sleeping in one big cabin or even on deck will save you money. At the other end of the scale, several dive boats offer large private air-conditioned cabins, professional photography services, modern communications, and little extras such as gourmet meals. These boats also have the stability, the range, and the navigational equipment to safely explore areas north and west of the Similan Islands such as the Burma Banks and Richelieu Rock. See section of dive companies, and the section on boats to determine which company best suits your needs.