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Without a doubt Thailand has some of the finest and most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear water and stunning coral, and that is the main reason why the number of divers coming to Thailand has escalated over the past decade or so.

Even though the best time of the year to dive in Thailand is between October and June, it is possible to dive virtually any day of the year. As Thailand is considered one of the safest destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world, it is perfect for first-timers wanting to try these pastimes out.

The sea visibility in some places of Thailand is up to 30 meters – unheard of in most parts of the world. One can enjoy splendid sights of underwater mountains, coral gardens, undersea rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks, silver tip sharks, manta rays and even sunken battleships.

[edit] Understand

[edit] History

Diving in Thailand is a recently new phenomenon beginning with the American Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War. Thailand’s first ever diving store was opened in Pattaya in just 1977 and shortly after that very year, the popularity of diving for both Thais and foreigners in Thailand exploded.

After Pattaya, the next destination to see divers arriving by the busload was Phuket and they were soon heading out to dive in the gorgeous Similan Islands and the rest of the stunning Andaman Sea. In the fact, the Similan islands have been ranked as one of the top ten diving sites in the entire world. Today, diving is popular all over the Andaman Sea, including the virtually unseen Tarutao and Surin islands.

Over on the other side of Thailand in the Gulf of China, Ko Tao (Turtle Island) has recently emerged as the biggest diving destination in Thailand with over 20 major centers located on the island.

It is believed that Thailand is now the most popular destination for diving in the whole of Asia.

[edit] Statistics

The Similan Islands are a prime example of encouraging divers, while at the same time maintaining ecological stability and preserving biological diversity of flora and fauna. From 1999 to 2003 the Similans attained a five fold increase in the amount of visitors, which was just 10,000 increased to 50,000 and most of them were divers. The income grew in that time from 22,000USD to a staggering 460,000USD with foreign divers each spending an average of roughly 1,200USD.

[edit] When to dive in Thailand

The best time to dive in the Andaman Sea is from November to April, and again June to September, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. However though, it is okay to dive all year round.

[edit] Destinations

Thailand has two different diving zones consisting of The Andaman Sea on the west and The Gulf of Thailand on the east.

[edit] The Andaman Sea

The best time of the year to dive in the Andaman is from October to April. The visibility in the Andaman is similar to that of the Gulf of Thailand but the area has more extensive coral reefs. Due to the influence of the southwest monsoon, most of the reefs surrounding the offshore islands occur on the east side of the islands.

[edit] Ko Lipe

Tarutao National Park is one of Asia’s oldest marine parks and the reefs are in excellent condition. Within easy reach of our dive centre are over 30 uninhabited islands and hundreds of reefs and some of the best visibility to be found in Thailand.

Dive sites include:

Sail Rock:

An underwater ridge with lots of interesting marine life and hard corals. Occasionally hawksbill turtles come to feed on the coral.

Depth: 5 – 18 mtr. Currents: Mild.

Highlights: Hawksbill Turtle, Sting rays, Giant puffer fish, Batfish

Koh Pung:

A very diverse and colourful dive site. Large rock outcrops, covered in soft corals in stunning colours and gorgonian sea fans give way further down to big boulders covered in white and purple soft corals.

Depth: 5 – 35 mtr. Currents: Mild to very strong.

Highlights: Manta Ray, Octopus, Pipe fish.

Stonehenge:

Two minutes from Ko Lipe centre an impressive submerged granite pinnacle rises up from the seabed. The topography alone makes it worth a visit. Leopard sharks, big schools of barracudas, trevallies and fusiliers all frequent here. Brown marbled groupers and honeycomb morays inhabit the place as well as some enormous giant morays.

Depth: 5 – 25 mtr. Currents: Mild to strong

Highlights: Leopard shark, Honeycomb moray

[edit] Phuket

Phuket Island has some good dive sites and the largest diving center in Thailand. The reefs around the area are in a healthy condition with both hard and colorful soft corals. There is also an abundance of other marine life. Most of the dive locations are suitable for all levels of divers but there are also some that are quite deep.

Dive sites include:

Racha Yai:

The best-known dive site in the Phuket area is Racha Yai with its sloping rocky reefs and its plentitude of hard coral forests. There is also Ter Bay where there is an exciting wreck in the depths of 25-35 meters.

Racha Noi:

The area south of Racha Yai, Racha Noi, is an attraction for experienced divers as the depths are greater and the currents stronger. The overall topography is strikingly different from Racha Yai with huge granite boulders and the chance to see Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. The diving in Racha Noi is definitely more challenging than Racha Yai, but the rewards are far greater.

Koh Doc Mai:

Just off Phuket is the limestone island of Koh Doc Mai which soars vertically from the sea-bed. It is home to a diversity of fish and offers the opportunity to view leopard sharks, moray eels, octopus and turtles.

[edit] Krabi and Koh Lanta

Less than 10 dive sites but most are certainly worth a visit with several sites rivaling the Similan Islands. All diving is located well off the coast, requiring a boat.

This stunning part of Thailand offers some terrific diving and snorkeling sites with plenty of soft coral, limestone outcrops and diversity of marine life. One can go diving for example off the nearby islands of Podah Nai and Nok.

[edit] Ko Phi Phi

The most popular destination in Krabi is the beautiful island of Ko Phi Phi. Even though the island was struck badly by the Tsunami disaster in 2004, the area has recovered impressively and divers are coming back in flocks. The island has two remarkable limestone crops divided by a narrow flat isthmus and it is there where most of the visitors stay. Ko Phi Phi has an abundance of soft coral and colorful schools of fish.

Dive sites include:

King Cruiser:

Perhaps the best dive site off Ko Phi Phi is King Cruiser which includes wreckage of a passenger ship which sunk in 1997 after it hit the Anemone reef.

Anemone Reef:

The Anemone reef is in itself a unique dive site with a massive limestone pinnacle which soars 30 meters from the seabed to just 4 meters beneath the surface. The site is well-known for its abundance of sea anemones that cling to every surface while attracting enormous schools of fish. Different types of fish to be seen include: tropicals, snappers, groupers and colorful clown fish, along with larger game-fish like tuna and barracuda as well as the occasional leopard shark.

Shark Point:

There is also Shark Point which is a marine sanctuary with a reef that comprises of three pinnacles. The largest of which actually breaks the surface appearing as a barren rock outcropping. The reef is home to a delightful abundance of tropicals, colorful soft corals and vibrant sea fans that decorate the limestone pinnacles.

[edit] Ko Lanta

Along the sea from Krabi Town is quiet Ko Lanta, a group of fifteen islands. The major island of Ko Lanta Yai is approximately 25km long with a string of white sandy beaches. The diving sites surrounding Ko Lanta are considered to be among the best the country has to offer. There is an enormous variety of fringing reefs, marine life, caves, rocks and islets.

Dive sites include:

Hin Daeng and Hin Maung:

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang near Ko Lanta are two of the most favored dive sites in Thailand. Hin Daeng is the steepest and deepest in the whole of the country with fantastic marine life. Hin Muang next door is completely underwater and it is covered with delicate violet coral.

Other dive spots in Krabi province include Gareng Heng rock outcrop and the five islands of Ko Ha.

[edit] Similan Islands

Located in Phang Nga province, 90km north-west of Phuket and 70 km due west of Phang Nga, the Similan Islands boast one of Thailand’s most famous diving sites and can lay claim to having one of the best diving sites in Asia. The Similans consist of nine islands (Similan means 9 in the Malay language) Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. The islands are famed for their thriving reefs and abundance of delicate coral and superb variety of marine life. It is possible to see chevron barracuda, giant trevally, manta rays, leopard sharks and rainbow runners. Best accessed via liveaboard or a lengthy boat ride from Khao Lak.

Dive sites include:

Ko Bon:

Of all the islands, one of the most popular with divers is Ko Bon. This island has a sheer wall 35 meters deep which is followed by a stepped ridge descending to 45 meters.

Ko Tachai:

Located roughly 25km north of here, but not actually part of the Similans, is Ko Tachai with its lush tropical foliage and underwater ridge which juts out at 90 degrees. Divers may encounter leopard sharks, nurse sharks or whale sharks.

Stonehenge:

This is a large towering rock formation with a variety of marine life. Divers can see barrel sponges, lionfish, gorgonian sea fans, barracuda, wrasse, ghost pipefish and long nose butterfly fish.

Snapper Alley:

This site is extremely popular for night dives its solid healthy table and sheet coral provides marine animals places to hide and sleep.

Shark-fin Reef:

This is a great dive site for experienced divers. It is possible to spot clown, trigger fish, half-moon trigger fish, bat fish and surgeon fish.

Elephant Head Rock:

This rock is simply a massive boulder and is ideal for experienced and daring divers. Silver trevally, jet black trevally, small reef sharks, hawksbill turtle, lionfish, grouper and snappers can all be seen.

East of Eden:

This site boasts the most spectacular bommie in the Similans and the violet and blue corals are just breath-taking.

Donald Duck Bay:

This rock was named after the cartoon character it resembles and it is another great site for marine life where one can also see crabs, octopus and cuttlefish moving across the sea bed.

[edit] Surin Islands

This stunning national park park comprises 5 main islands; Koh Surin Nua, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ree (Koh Stok), Koh Pachumba and Koh Kai (Koh Torinla). Diving is similar to the Similan Islands however there are more sharks and other large marine creatures. The islands are less accessible than other dive destinations in Thailand, this ensures less crowds and the islands' pristine condition. A few kilometers to the north of the park is the Myanmar border and about 100 km to the south is Mu Koh Similan National park.

The islands are situated 80km west of Ranong province along the west cost of Thailand.

Dive sites include

Richelieu Rock:

Located near the Surin islands is the horseshoe shaped Richelieu Rock which is considered by many divers to be the most fantastic dive site in the whole of Thailand. The sheer diversity of marine life is amazing. Divers may see schooling chevron barracuda, several types of moray eels, abundant lionfish and scorpion fish, five types of anemone fish, juvenile emperor angel fish, sea horses, ornate ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimps and even whale sharks, manta rays and shovelnose rays.

[edit] Khao Lak

Khao Lak Marine National Park is a palm fringed coastline with newly discovered reefs. The area is home to a plentitude of marine life and a couple of wrecks. The Similan Island Marine Park is headquartered here and the Similan Islands lie 50km directly West. The local pier, located at Tap Lamu is the main departure point for Similan Island daytrips and liveaboards. The nearby sites of Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and the Surin Islands are all accessible via speedboats for one day or overnight trips.

[edit] Mergui Archipelago

This new diving area just south of Burma has only been opened to the public since 1997. The area is still relatively unknown and unexplored and offers the opportunity for divers to visit exciting new dive sites. The presence of coral however is sporadic and the underwater terrain is rather rugged, making it all not quite as spectacular as the nearby Similan Islands. Parts of the area attract a diversity of sharks, manta, eagle and marbled rays.

[edit] The Gulf of Thailand

This coast of Thailand is a gigantic shallow depression just south of Cambodia. It is roughly 60 meters deep with a maximum of 85. The area boasts a staggering 112 islands with countless fringing reefs. The reefs are not as varied as those of the Andaman Sea but the marine life is still prolific.

Whale shark at Ko Tao

[edit] Ko Tao

Great for beginners and one of Asia's most popular places to get certified. Ang Thong National Marine Park nearby also has good diving.

Ko Tao, meaning Turtle Island, has become one of the most popular diving areas in the country. The island has an area of only 21sq km and lies north of Ko Samui and Ko Phang-ngan. Ko Tao’s popularity could be because there is something to satisfy every level of diver.

Dive sites include

Chumpon pinnacle:

The Chumphon Pinnacle, located 11km from Ko Tao is considered by many divers to be the finest dive site in the region. It consists of a massive granite pinnacle and a series of smaller ones. It starts at 14m underwater and drops to a low of 26, covered with sea anemones and pink anemone fish. Divers can even see schools of barracuda, jacks and batfish, and during the right season whale sharks and mantas appear.

Green Rock:

Green Rock, between just one and 28 meters deep, has boulder formations with an array of short tunnels and swim-throughs. Diving at the rock offers the opportunity to observe parrot fish breeding, white eyed morays and blue spotted rays. The area is safe and is perfect for everyone of every level. It is believed to be one of the most exciting sites in the Ko Tao area.

Nangyuan Pinnacle:

The Nangyuan Pinnacle is one of the most popular of all the sites in the region. Its granite boulder formations have a variety of swim-throughs and tropical reef fish such as groupers, long fin, banner fin, and blue spotted stingrays.

Shark Island:

Shark Island just off the south-west coast is another of the most popular areas to dive with depths of almost 30 meters and hawksbill turtle, blue ridged angel, long fin banner, leopard sharks and reef sharks. The area is perfect for any standard of diving.

South West Pinnacle:

The South-West Pinnacle offers diving ranges between 5 and 30 meters deep. The series of steep pinnacles rise from the sandy seabed and offer an ample variety of colorful marine life, such as butterfly fish, blue-ringed angelfish, jacks, barracudas and occasional whale sharks.

Twins:

Twins, which lies just to the west of Ko Nangyuan is made of rocks with depths of 6 to 18 meters. Among the hard corals are big grouper, white-eyed moray eels, pink anemone, clown fish, blue spotted rays, wrasse, and black and white sergeant major fish.

White Rock:

White Rock, near Twins, offers depths for all levels of divers and is a good place for night dives. Marine life there includes butterfly fish, parrot fish, angel fish, large barracuda, titan trigger fish and red breasted wrasse.

[edit] Ko Phangan

Koh Phangan is the ideal departure point for sites in the Angthong Marine National Park, Southwest Pinnacles and Sailrock. As they are nearby, divers benefit from shorter journey times and being first to arrive at the sites. It also exclusively opens up night dive opportunities at Sailrock.

[edit] Ko Samui

Ko Samui is more renowned for its long sandy beaches and sizzling nightlife than its diving, but there are some enjoyable sites nearby.

Dive sites include:

SailRock:

Sail Rock is the best-known dive site in the Ko Samui area. It is a rock pinnacle shaped like an iceberg which emerges from a sandy seabed at 40m to tower 15m above the surface. It is also a magnet for fish and there are many pink anemones.

[edit] Koh Yippon

Koh Yippon consists of 50 different islands. The visibility is lower than that of the other sites in the area but the scenery is still beautiful.

[edit] Chumphon

Chumphon province offers the visitor an astonishing array of natural attractions and it is a good place to stop and enjoy the healthy diversity of marine life and fringing reefs. One can also do some night diving.

Dive sites include:

Ko Lak Ngam:

Ko Lak Ngam located just 15km north-east of Chumphon, is one of 40 islands which belong to the Chumphon Marine National Park. There are plenty of hard and soft corals and it is home to a large amount of sea life such as bat fish, trevally, fusiliers, turtle and seasonal whale sharks.

[edit] Pattaya

Just 90 minutes from the capital, this coastal shoreline is ideal for those in Bangkok who wish to do some diving on their day off.

Dive sites include:

Hardeep Wreck:

The most popular destination in Pattaya for diving buffs is the Hardeep Wreck which was sunk by the allies in the Second World War. The wreck lies on its starboard side at a maximum depth of 26 meters.

[edit] Ko Chang Marine National Park

Ko Chang has seen an explosion in the number of visitors over the past few years. It is just one of a total of 52 islands in the Marine National Park. Even though the area has previously been victim to man-made damage, there is still the chance to enjoy fringing reefs, marine life, a wreck, giant clams and snorkeling.

Dive sites include:

Hin Kuak Maa:

Hin Kuak Maa offers the diver a huge variety of solid and soft corals which are home to moray eels, blue spotted sting rays, sea turtles, starfish, stonefish and puffer fish.

Hin Luk Bath:

Hin Luk Bath has turned into one of the most favored dive sites around with its boulder formations which appear from a sandy seabed 15 meters down. The way they jut out allows a vast array of corals and barrel sponges. It is possible to see angel fish and barracuda.

Hin Rap South:

Hin Rap South is a 18 meter rock pinnacle which can be dived by anyone of every level. It is covered with staghorn corals, barrel sponges and delicate corals. Experienced divers can also venture out 200 meters to admire a group of rocks known as Blue Mountains which often glow from the sun.

Hin Run Tek:

Hin Run Tek with an average depth of 12 meters, is a huge rock formation site with a diversity of colorful marine life such as parrotfish, wrasse and angelfish.

[edit] Learn

One diving association and four diving companies are operating in Thailand offering diving certification, they are:

1. TDA - TDA Diving Association (Thailand) - the Thai CMAS Federation
2. PADI - The Professional Association of Diving Instructors
3. NAUI - The National Association of Underwater Instructors
4. SSI – Scuba Schools International
5. BSAC - The British Sub-Aqua Club

[edit] Dive school locations

TDA/CMAS, PADI, NAUI and SSI offer diving instruction at every major diving site in Thailand, they are:

• Ko Chang
• Ko Lipe
• Ko Samui
• Ko Tao has become the major destination for recreational diver training in Thailand.
• Krabi and Koh Lanta
• Phuket
• Similan Islands

BSAC - (British Sub-Aqua Club) only offers instruction on Phuket.

[edit] Range of training

TDA Diving Association (Thailand) offers the complete range of internationally recognized CMAS diving courses, including Technical and cave diving and all levels of instructor training according to CMAS diving and safety standards.

PADI, NAUI and SSI offer the following courses in Thailand:

• Skin Diver
• Scuba Diver
• Open Water Diver
• Adventure Diver
• Advanced Scuba Diver
• Advanced Open Water Diver
• Deep Diver
• Dry Suit Diver (not very common due to the hot weather)
• Enriched Air Nitrox Diver
• Search & Recovery Diver
• Underwater Archeologist
• Emergency First Response
• Rescue Diver
• Dive Master
• Master Scuba Diver
• Assistant Instructor
• Instructor Development Course (Only CDC and IDC Centers)
• EFR Instructor Course (Only CDC and IDC Centers)
• Specialty Instructor (Only CDC and IDC Centers)
• Staff Instructor (Only CDC and IDC Centers)
• Master Instructor and PADI Course Director Preparation Courses (can only be found in a few CDC Centers in Thailand)

Out of all these courses offered in Thailand, the PADI Open Water Diver Course is by far the most popular. PADI Instructor Development Courses are taught in CDC/IDC Centers on a monthly basis.

[edit] Get in

[edit] Day Trips

Usually, day trips itinerary and timetable are designed to allow the diver access to select his favorite local dive sites. With 2 or 3 dive options, he can choose the trip best suitable to him. The trips usually include hotel transfers, a dive master or instructor, tanks, weights, and belts, lunch, and three to four dives--depending on the day, the destination, and the boat.

Two-day trips are also available which usually include 7-dives, hotel accommodation, and meals. They are similar to mini-liveaboards

[edit] Diving Holiday Packages

Diving packages are designed for tourists who want to either stay for a longer period of time or have come to Thailand especially to dive. The diving operators or agents have a variety of packages with different cost range of accommodation.

Examples:

Ko Lipe Resort Packages

• Medium Budget – Castaway Resort
• Low Budget – Forra Resort

Khao Lak Resort Packages

• High Budget – Baan Khao Lak Resort
• Medium Budget – Best Western Palm Galleria Resort
• Low Budget – Khao Lak Mohin Tara Hotel

Koh Phi Phi Resort Packages

• High Budget – Holiday Inn
• Medium Budget – PP Erawan Palms Resort
• Low Budget – PP Banyan Villa

Krabi Resort Packages

• High Budget – The Cliff Ao Nang Resort
• Medium Budget – Ao Nang Villa Resort
• Low Budget – Ao Nang Paradise Resort

Koh Lanta Resort Packages

• Medium Budget – Lanta Island Resort

Koh Samui Resort Packages

• High Budget – Banburi Resort and Spa
• Medium Budget – Chaweng Villa Beach Resort
• Low Budget – AI’s Hut Hotel

[edit] Liveaboard

Liveaboard dive boats offer the opportunity to visit various locations for 3 to 10 days at a time. They usually require overnight travel before arriving at their destinations. All trips usually include dive masters.

These boats travel to the following locations:

• The Similan Islands
• The Surin Islands : Ko Bon, Ko Tachai and Richelieu Rock
• Hin Daeng
• The Mergui Archipelago
• The Andaman Islands

[edit] Get information

• TDA Diving Association (Thailand): 52 Moo 5, Thanon Thepkrasattri, Ampher Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Tel : (+66) 076-206514 - 5 Fax : (+66) 076-206094 Email : office@cmas-thailand.org
• Dive centre and liveaboard reviews for Thailand[1]

Thailand Diving Operators and Services

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