Thailand is a hotspot for scuba diving! With 349 named dive sites, warm water, and cheap courses many divers head to Thailand to start their scuba adventures. But, where exactly in Thailand should you go to scuba dive? Should you do a liveaboard in Thailand? We check out the main scuba areas in Thailand and tell you more!
Koh Lipe
This archipelago is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, which, including Adang, comprises of 50 islands in total and 20 different dive sites. Rocky formations, pinnacles and boulders are the back drop to Koh Lipe’s reefs where you will see colourful soft coral and much more. There is diving here suitable for all levels with some mind blowing options for the more advanced.
Phuket
GTS says: We went in May and at some sites it was crystal clear and at others not so much. We did see leopard sharks at Shark Point or Anemone Reef. We went with DiveAsia and found them fabulous and they have good dive boats. If you stay anywhere outside of Phuket Town they’ll pick you up but it’s an early rise as Phuket Town is about an hour away.
Sea Bee’s Diving are part of our GTS membership card and offer membership holders 10% off diving with them in Phuket and other destinations.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao certifies the most amount of divers – other than Cains in Australia – each year on the planet. Some may call it a dive course factory. In-and-out, cheap courses, zero’s to hero’s and one-to-many hangovers. Popular with backpackers and adventures looking for a cheap Open Water course, there is obviously a draw to this island (other than it’s price) and that’ll be its sense of community, warm water and sweeping views. Don’t expect to be blown away with the marine life, but most people aren’t heading to Koh Tao for that.
GTS says: Sairee Cottage. The staff there are amazing and it feels like family. Koh Tao Divers and Nava Scuba Diving are dive centres who also GTS membership holders 10% discount on diving with them – thanks guys!
Looking to save money on dive centres in Thailand and around the world? Our GTS membership is your go-to!
Phi Phi
Shot to fame by the blockbuster movie “The Beach”, Koh Phi Phi is still one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations. Koh Phi Phi is a place to explore white sand beaches, beautiful coves and bays as well as a range of dive sites. The island is surrounded by national marine park and dive sites are characterised by rugged, coral adorned limestone walls.
GTS says: We did 10 days in Thailand, we dived Phi Phi most days and it was great. Not too crowded, 29 Celsius in the water (this was in June), saw nurse and leopard sharks among lots of other stuff, great vis.
Had two fantastic dives with Aqua vision in Phi Phi National Park. Been looked after all day both food and water. 2 of us with the dive master. Very good and really helped with my buoyancy. All staff friendly and helpful.
Want to hit up all the dive spots in Thailand? How about booking a liveaboard trip?
Similan Island/Khao Lak
The Similans are a huge scuba diving destination popular with liveaboard diving operators based in Phuket & Khao Lak. Being situated on the coast north of Phuket The Khao Lak operators are also close enough to run day trips by speedboat to this group of spectacular diving sites. None of this picturesque group of nine islands are inhabited – other than by the abundant marine life of course.
GTS says: Daytrip is minimum, as they are too far away from the coast. Try to avoid speed boats – rather go for the longer daytrip on a proper boat. Many options in good operators, check out Sea Bees Diving for example.
Definitely Khao Lak Scuba. Fantastic staff and nice boats. But as others have said, there’s no way to do a half day in the Similans – too far away. You can do a few of the islands, though, on a daytrip, including the Boonsung wreck.
Check out also: The cheapest places to get scuba certified around the world
Krabi
This scenically spectacular region of southern Thailand consists of a group of 7 main islands dotted around Koh Poda – Koh Ha, Koh Si, Koh Yawabon, Koh Dor, Koh Talu, G.K. Island and Koh Yawasam. With over 200 species of fish and 80 species of coral catalogued, the local marine life that you’ll see when you’re diving in Krabi is both diverse and prolific. The region lies within the Hat Nopparat Thara – Mu Koh Phi Phi Marine National Park and the dive sites around the islands are a mere 30-40 minutes boat ride.
GTS say: Krabi has nice dive sites and plenty of nice hotels- we stayed in Centara a grand beach. Dove with Kontiki– great guys. We didn’t seen mantas and whale sharks but then they are free animals and go where they please.