Diving in Thailand - Travel guide at Wikivoyage Certification is all PADI: about 15,000 baht for a 4 day Open Water course, and 12,000 baht for a two day Advanced Open Water course (5 dives). 12 Dive Resorts in Thailand | PADI Travel 4. Complete Guide: Best Diving In Thailand | 2023 - A Broken Backpack When is the best time to Scuba dive in Thailand? 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. Whilst some are only a few meters high, others can stretch wide and descend for many meters deep. * You will follow up emails with practical diving advice. The Best Diving in Thailand - Where to go & How to Plan your Trip. Thankfully, all passengers escaped with their lives, and this added structure has created another marine ecosystem and proved popular with scuba divers. Alive with Gorgonian Orange Fans and Tiger Tail seahorses and known for outstanding soft corals, divers come here, discovering something new each time. The best time to go diving in Thailand is November until April, particularly for liveaboards on the west coast. Think fields of purple and pink and a whale shark hovering on top while you are taking a picture of a frogfish yes, this can happen in Koh Lipe! A Complete Guide to Diving in Thailand - DIVEIN If you plan to go scuba diving from Phuket make sure to stay in the east of the island or at least somewhere on the coast to avoid super long travel time. The snorkeling in phuket comes in to its own. They are similar to mini-liveaboards. These include sea & weather conditions, how busy dive sites are, and getting the best deals. 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. After this time, there can be a lot of rainfall, and many marine national parks are closed until the season starts again. The Gulf of Thailand also offers good dive opportunities as you explore the east coast islands in a less crowded environment. Diving in Thailand | PADI The country is equipped with experienced diving instructors with excellent safety records, and diving activities are government-regulated by an organization that sets stringent standards for the protection of all participants. The PADI may be a little more expensive, but you only get your first certification once, and the most crucial factor is your connection with your dive instructor, dive center, and where you will be diving. 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. Places to Dive in The Gulf of Thailand - DIVEIN Memories created here will last a lifetime. Thailand is home to some of the most amazing dive sites in the world packed with stunning coral reefs and sea life! Home to fascinating marine life, such as Angelfish, Pufferfish, Nudibranchs, Sea Cucumbers, and Octopus, and occasionally hosts Whale Sharks visiting. Climate is tropical on Phuket Island and the weather is mostly hot and humid all year round. Address Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Phra Thong, Khura Buri District, Phang-nga, Thailand Way north of the Similan Islands and equally as beautiful, the five islands of Mu Koh Surin National Park are another top place to dive in Thailand. You will either dive on the Andaman Coast or Thailand Gulf Coast and the diving seasons are almost opposite. Racha Noi and Racha Yai are less than a two-hour boat ride south of Phuket. Divers can usually expect approximately 10m to 15m visibility. PADI Instructor Development Courses are taught in CDC/IDC Centres on a monthly basis. From Chumphon take a high speed ferry to Ko Tao. Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don are said to be the two main islands, there are six altogether, and you can expect to discover the most beautiful hard and soft corals, sea fans, and barrel sponges. It is possible and perfectly comfortable to swim and dive without a wetsuit year round. you can always find somewhere good to dive but the widest selection of dive sites is available twice a month, following the half moon. Best Diving Sites in Thailand Richelieu Rock - Dived from Kao Lak Hin Daeng and Hin Muang - Dived from Koh Lanta or Krabi Koh Dok Mai - Dived from Phuket. Ultimate Guide To Scuba Diving Thailand (2023 Update) With bathtub like temperatures of 28-31 degrees, your diving conditions could not be better. Unlike the other dive sites, Similan Islands is located in a marine park that is located just off the Andaman Sea. There are essentially two choices when travelling to dive sites: a larger, slower boat out of Ban Saladan (1.5 hours to Ko Haa, 3 or 4 to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang) or a speedboat departing from various beaches on the island (as little as 1 hour to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang). However, Thailands weather can be complex, and Koh Chang, which is in the Gulf Of Thailand, tends to follow the weather pattern of the West coast, so make sure you plan your visit according to your requirements. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Krabi. The MV Deep Andaman Queen, MV Andaman Tritan and Marco Polo are more modern with spacious cabins and bright windows. There are three wrecks close to Khao Lak which are accessible by longtail boat. Thailand Divers offers an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to explore the breathtaking underwater world of Thailand. It is also considered one of the best diving spots diving in Thailand. Dive resorts in Thailand. High Season: November to March. Two diving association and four diving companies are operating in Thailand offering diving certification, they are: BSAC, TDA/CMAS, PADI, NAUI and SSI offer diving instruction at every major diving site in Thailand, they are: BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club) now offers instruction throughout Thailand. Koh Lanta has some of the best diving sites on Thailand's west coast! The Andaman Sea is the most popular for most, particularly international travelers. 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. Big Stuff: You can see numerous sharks, whale sharks and manta rays. The islands and rocky outcrops in these waters are home to some of the most fascinating marine life in Thailand. The best (and only) time to access these Thai islands is from November until April when the water is calm and the weather is generally clear. Asia Thailand Phuket Explore diving in Phuket With worldwide recognition, scuba diving in Phuket encompasses everything from extensive fringing reefs to dramatic drop-offs, impressive granite walls, wrecks, caves and tunnels. During certain times of the year, larger creatures such as manta rays and whale sharks can also be seen. Koh Bon - Dived from Kao Lak Similan Islands - Dived from Kao Lak Chumphon Pinnacle - Dived from Koh Tao. With the Gulf of Thailand on the east and the Andaman Sea on the west, dive vacations in Thailand include fringing reefs, deep drop-offs, wrecks, walls, caverns, tunnels, pinnacles or open ocean seamounts. The Southern Islands of Ko Wean, Ko Chueak, Ko Maa and Ko Ngai offer sheltered diving that can be a good alternative if the sea is too choppy to reach Ko Haa. A beautiful location offering some of the most healthiest reef diving in Thailand, Koh Dok Mai is home to moray eels, leopard sharks and all kinds of macro life. The best time for diving in Thailand on the West coast is from October to May, with the high season from December to April. Diving ranges from deep rocky gorges to smaller coral reefs. Many arrive searching for their image of paradise; crystal clear waters, white sands, palm trees, and glorious sunshine, and they will not be disappointed. The reefs are not as varied as those of the Andaman Sea but the marine life is still prolific. Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear water and stunning coral communities.. They are an essential part of the marine ecosystem hosting spectacular life forms, so it is no surprise that more than half are protected within Thailands twenty-six National Marine Parks. During this period the water is very calm and despite a few plankton blooms visibility is still around 82-92 ft. (25-30 m). Koh Samui. 135/8 Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong Beach, Phuket. Both are checked and regulated by WRSTC (World Recreational Scuba Training Council) and are similar.The main difference is said to be in the delivery of the course. Most diving liveaboards that visit the Similan Islands and the North Andaman Islands depart from Khao Lak or Phuket. Best Diving in Thailand | Don't Miss These Dive Sites One can also do some night diving. All content is copyright and owned by The Very Hungry Mermaid unless otherwise stated. The Top 7 Scuba Diving Destinations in November Just North of the Similan Islands lies Mu Koh Surin National Park, five islands that are quieter than the Similan Islands but carry similar traits. The Best Time to Visit Thailand for Great Weather, Low Prices, and Koh Phi Phi is also famous for its beautiful and soft coral fans and limestone formations underwater as well as crystal clear water and white sand above. Still, it is renowned that the Andaman Sea provides the best diving spots in Thailand, and inevitably, The Similan Islands always appear among the top dive locations. Liveaboard Diving in Thailand | PADI Travel While you can do a day trip to the Similan Islands from Khao Lak, the best way to explore the park is a liveaboard as the sites are quite far off the coast. Scuba diving in Thailand is affordable but can vary depending on location, equipment rental, dive instructor fees, and other dive-related charges. Almost all day trips are for two dives, with a third dive available at additional cost (usually 1,000 baht) Prices are in the range of 3,0004,000 baht for a day's boat diving on the closer sites, 4,000-5,000 baht for Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. About 22 km west of Ko Lanta, the Phi Phi Islands offer consistently good diving, all year round. Scuba Diving Thailand in 2023 - DIVING SQUAD REPORT There is a marine park entry fee of 200 baht per person (20 baht for Thai Nationals). The best time of the year to dive in the Andaman is from October to April. Famous for its fire shows and beach parties, scuba diving is one of the most underrated. Ko Pha Ngan is the ideal departure point for sites in the Angthong Marine National Park, Southwest Pinnacles, and Sailrock. More great spots for Diving in Thailand . In the Andaman Sea, you have Phuket in the west, Koh Lanta in the southeast, and little Koh Phi Phi somewhere in the middle. This range of freediving training is only available in Phuket. There is also an abundance of other marine life. During this period the water is very calm and despite a few plankton blooms visibility is still around 82-92 ft. (25-30 m). A few kilometers to the north of the park is the Myanmar border and about 100 km to the south is Mu Ko Similan National Park. Koh Kradan. And yes, you can also go diving in Koh Samui though the local dive centers tend to head to Koh Tao for their diving so you may as well stay closer to the action. From Underwater World to Ramayana Waterpark, spend an exciting day at Pattaya with our list of must-visit water attractions in the city! With so many regarding diving in Thailand as the mecca for scuba diving, it is not surprising to learn that there is a vast diversity of experiences on offer in diving in Thailand. Those in the Similan islands, Koh Tarutao and Koh Surin, have even been considered to be put forward as World Heritage Sites. Diving in Thailand was my first scuba experience and maybe that is why the country still holds such a special place in my heart. Best Diving sites in Phuket - Thailand Scuba dive reviews by Divezone They are frequently seen in shallower waters, so even inexperienced divers and snorkellers have the chance to encounter manta rays! The shallow area in front of the beach is packed with coral and is suitable for beginner divers. March and April - water visibility is somewhat reduced due to huge plankton clouds occurring here at this time of year, however these attract Manta Rays and Whale Sharks! Phuket Island has some good dive sites and the largest diving centre in Thailand. Scuba Diving In Thailand: What You Need To Know - DesertDivers Visibility is usually around 10 m. A major draw for the Ko Chang reefs is the shallow depths, where you as a diver can get a long bottom time observing one of the largest variety of fish species anywhere in the Gulf of Thailand. For the best chance try to visit 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge, or Ko Pung. + . These factors all contribute to satisfying and comfortable diving experiences in the region. In Phang Nga Province, 90 km northwest of Phuket and 70 km due west of Phang Nga, the Similan Islands boast one of Thailands most famous diving sites and can lay claim to having one of the best diving sites in Asia. 1. Many dive sites have stunning underwater limestone pinnacles as well as an abundance of marine life. Any scuba diver will experience nothing less than the best when diving Thailand. THailand's waters are warm and the visibility is excellent, making for easier manoeuvring. Depending on which coast or island you choose, getting there will be easy breezy or a little bit more complicated. If so, then you cant miss the scenic road between Bangkok and Pattaya, home to Thailands beautiful beaches. Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour is Coming to Singapore and Were the Official Experience Partner, Klook's Guide to Booking Universal Studios Japan Tickets, How to Ball on a Budget in London: Tips, Attractions, and Accommodations, Your Guide to Tokashiki: Okinawa's Underrated Gem in Kerama Islands, 20 Must-Experience Attractions: A Guide to Unforgettable Adventures in Japan, Get discounts worth up to 60% sent straight to your inbox. You can read more about my disclosure and affiliate policy here.. The sea visibility in some places is up to 30 m. 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. Diving in Thailand is a tropical paradise above and below the waters surface. You can find about sixteen shipwrecks around Thailand that allow you permission to dive. BSAC is also EUF Certified. The Chiang Mai Four Seasons Resort This is not your average Four Seasons Hotel. Divers can also investigate sunken World War II ships off the coast of Thailand for a unique underwater experience. Tarutao is closed for tourism which includes diving from mid-May until mid-November. Koh Chang. While the diving might not be as exciting as in other parts of Thailand, there is still plenty to see and it is the perfect place for an Open Water Course and to learn scuba diving. Many centre's are offering budget accommodation (sometimes described as free accommodation, but this is not really true as you will usually get a discount if you stay elsewhere). The Flying Seahorse and Marco Polo both provide transfers but for an extra fee. You can explore vibrant, beautiful reefs of hard and soft corals and the life that macro enthusiasts love to find, such as seahorses, multi colored Nudibranch, Ghost pipefish, frogfish, Dancing shrimp and crabs the size of your fingernail, to name just a few. The best time to dive in Thailand's gulf is from May through September, which makes scuba diving in Thailand a year-round activity. Thailand is an excellent place for learning how to scuba dive, thanks to its beautiful underwater scenery. Thailand has some of Asia's best places to snorkel and scuba dive along with some of the best beaches. Great for beginners and one of Asia's most popular places to get certified. Your dive center will tell you how much this is (usually about 600 baht per person per day) and if you get a discount when diving for more than one day. There are 2 seasons: The rainy season runs from May to December. The former is located in the sea near Koh Tao island, while the latter lies off the shore of Pattaya. By air: (fastest but most expensive) Flights from Bangkok direct to Ko Samui for a few thousand baht. They are breathtaking and, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters, are teaming with life. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, Thailand Divers offers a variety of courses and programs to cater to your individual needs. A pair of Tigertail Seahorses have made their home on the main pinnacle. A common method for teaching new divers is to train in a pool first by being taught about 20 basic skills before being taken out into the open water. This part of Thailand offers some terrific diving and snorkeling sites with plenty of soft coral, limestone outcrops and diversity of marine life. TDA 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. Best Time to Scuba Dive in Thailand Thailand is in a tropical region and therefore one can go diving anytime, all year round. Best time to dive in Phuket . SCUBA DIVING IN PATTAYA SUITS ALL LEVELS When's The Best Time To Go Scuba Diving In Pattaya? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Powered by 12Go Asia system 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. The most popular islands along the Andaman Coast are Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, from which you can access organized and professional dive trips that can last from a day to several, depending on your requirements. Thailand is an authentic diving paradise to such an extent you would feel you were missing out if you didnt take part. The area boasts 112 islands with countless fringing reefs. Your email address will not be published. The speedboats tend to cost a little extra, and usually do not offer a third dive. Planning your upcoming adventures? Divers looking for simple backpacker style, will enjoy the Flying Seahorse. The months of November through April are generally considered to be some of the best in terms of dive visibility, water temperature and in the amount of wildlife you'll see. The best dive sites at Koh Phangan are Mae Haad, Haad Salat, and Haad Yao Reefs. Our tours go to key scuba and snorkeling spots in Thailand along with going to famous cultural or scenic areas in . The most common sea horse that you can spot in Thailand is the Tiger Tail seahorse. Best time to visit Thailand. Best Time to Dive in Thailand . One of the joys of wall diving in Thailand is that you rarely get two the same, as they are usually full of crevices, ledges and overhangs and full of life to explore, each a unique discovery. Koh Phi Phi. Two-day trips are also available which usually include 7-dives, hotel accommodation, and meals. Scuba diving in Thailand is unbeatable, and you will not leave disappointed; quite the opposite, as the memories you create will be retold forever more. If you want to go diving in Thailand in May you should head to the Gulf. Hin Daeng/Hin Muang is known for its visually striking corals and bustling schools of fish. Anemone reef is famous for destroying the hull of the King Cruiser and is a pinnacle that drops to depths of about thirty meters. Others will instead take you to a secluded beach so you will see fish and coral from the start and you might be able to squeeze in a short extra dive in this way, depending on your group and instructor. If you plan to dive the Similan Islands and Surin Islands, the best way is to take a Liveaboard. From June to October, there is heavy rainfall but rainy days are rare and it is mostly a cooling 2 hour downpour at the end of the day. They usually require overnight travel before arriving at their destinations. Best time for Diving in Thailand 2023 - Best Season - Rove.me You may see Porcupine Puffer Fish, Ghost Pipefish, Octopus and Hawksbill Turtles swimming amongst the corals. At our dive resorts in Thailand, dives are always colourful and teeming with marine life, including manta rays . Show more, While possible any time of year, diving conditions in Thailand are optimal between October and June, which comprises the dry season. Koh Phi Phi is the smallest option and perfect for sunseekers, backpackers and partygoers while Koh Lanta offers probably the best mix between the two others and is closest to some of the best diving in Thailand. The visibility in the Andaman is similar to that of the Gulf of Thailand but the area has more extensive coral reefs. There are currently 109 dive sites listed around Thailand, of which 87 are Reef dives, 20 are Ocean dives and 20 are Wall dives. Of course, it is what you may discover in the tropical waters that are the attraction, and Thailand has a vast, plentiful list of marine life. Wreck Diving is another thrilling aspect of diving in Thailand, with wrecks of various difficulties, suitable for the beginner to those who are certified technical divers. 135/8 Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong Beach, Phuket. Due to Thailands tropical climate and location, you can dive all year round here; however, where you dive will be affected by the time of year you visit. These are the little things that will make the difference between an OK course and a great one. Significant differences exist if you want to extend your scuba diving training to become an instructor. The marine park is open from October 15 to May 15 and with that, the Similan Islands diving season is in full swing. In fact, the Similan Islands have been ranked as one of the top diving sites in the world. Since Koh Phangan is in a rather isolated location, there are many submerged rock pinnacles that are a magnet for nearby marine life. At the luxury end, you can travel in complete comfort on the Thailand Aggressor with a stylish sundeck and private bathrooms in the cabins. Best Budget Liveaboard: MV Dolphin Queen For those ready to dive in the Similan Islands but hesitating because of price, the MV Dolphin Queen is the answer.. This is of course in addition to huge numbers of reef fish like triggerfish, parrotfish and the curious looking boxfish. It is at this time when it is best to dive into the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. 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. February is an perfect time to visit. The Similan Islands must be on most destination wishlists as they are Thailands most beautiful dive sites and one of the best dive spots worldwide, as well as offering some of the best diving in Thailand. Thailand, which is located in the Andaman Sea, is a tropical haven very rich in amazing marine life. Ko Chang has seen an explosion in the number of visitors over the past few years. Through PADI, you work through a set order, while SSI allows a little more flexibility. Pattaya. Yes, technically you can dive in Khao Lak though dive sites themselves are nothing to write home about, to be honest. Read the complete guide for Similans liveaboard diving. Not only are the conditions ideal but the treasures you find, the nature you observe, and the marine life you witness in these seas are breathtaking. Show more, Russian Ship Moskva Missile Cruiser Diving Tour, Snorkelling and Diving in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks at La Jolla, Diving and Snorkeling on the Caribbean Coast. Parts of the area attract a diversity of sharks, manta, eagle and marbled rays. Liveaboard diving outside of these times is rare with many of the best sites unreachable due to weather conditions. Thailands East Coast Season never closes! . This is also the perfect time to see mantas, who are following the plankton bloom. The area is has plentiful marine life and a couple of wrecks. Shop around as not all shops teach the course in the same way. Built in 1999 (with a refurbishment in 2008), the MV Dolphin Queen is a liveaboard vessel with more than 20 years experience traveling the waters of Thailand.This translates into an experienced crew who use their expert knowledge of the . The largest cavern has three chambers and is known as The Cathedral. The country is split into two dive areas and diving seasons. When Is The Best Time To Dive In Phuket Thailand Koh Samui. Low Season: July to September. Ultimately, the choice lies in your personal preference. Travel by overnight train to Chumphon. Best time to dive Conditions Snorkelling Diving Safety Photos Thailand Thailand Travel Guide Best dive spots Divers' Reviews How to dive Thailand? Top 7 Best Diving Destinations in Thailand | THAIest The reefs around Ko Lipe are largely intact; the 2004 tsunami had little impact here. When in doubt check with your dive center of choice as many will help you organize transfers or will at least advise you on how to plan your Thailand scuba diving holiday. The islands are less accessible than other dive destinations in Thailand, which ensures less crowding and the islands' pristine condition. Koh TaoKoh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand may be considered the diving mecca. There are a large number of dive operators on the island, offering dive courses from BSAC, SSI and PADI. All around Koh Tao you have some beautiful, easy dive sites, the HTMS Sattakut wreck which is a good wreck for beginners, and maybe a whale shark or two. You may not take images or content from this site without written permission. Located on the west coast, the Andaman Sea offers picture postcard beaches, palm trees, and diverse dive opportunities with a range of topography to explore. Koh Tao is worth visiting, especially if you are new to diving, but the Andaman Sea keeps scuba divers returning year after year. 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. Hin Muang is completely underwater and it is covered with delicate violet coral. Where to Get Scuba Certified in Thailand For new divers with no experience, you can expect to pay around 5,000 Thailand baht. Diving in Phuket | PADI On the east side lies the Gulf of Thailand. The best way to see this colorful aquatic life is by diving into the stunning underwater scenery! It is just one of a total of 52 islands in the Marine National Park. The Ko Lanta National Marine Park was formed in 1989 an includes the islands of Ko Lanta Noi, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Haa group, Ko Rok, Ko Ngai, Ko Waen, Ko Maa, Ko Cheauk, Ko Mook, Ko Kradan and as far south as Hin Daeng & Hin Muang. Some resorts will offer discounted rates for those with extended stays if planning to do multiple dives, so there are ways to reduce the overall cost. Thailand is a popular destination for scuba diving, and with good reason. It is a sought-after location that is visited time after time and loved by divers from around the world. The air temperature is usually around 85-95F (30-35C) and the water temperatures are around 85F (30C) year around, so get out that shorty suit.

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