Phuket Scuba Diving

Expeditions regularly leave Phuket for dives around neighbouring islands, and further afield, most particularly around the enduringly popular Phi Phi Islands in neighbouring Krabi province, some 2 hours east of Phuket, and the Similan Islands, some 110 km northwest of Phuket, and the Raya Islands, 1-3 hours due south of Phuket, depending on the type of boat. Diving equipment : Several dive shops concentrated in the Patong, Kata and Chalong areas have Asian and European expatriate(s) (speaking English and several other languages) and bi-lingual Thai dive instructors who offer inexpensive beginner's courses. All diving equipment is available for hire.

Scuba Diving: Phuket 's West Coast Phuket 's West Coast : Phuket's western shore is dotted with a dozen pristine white sandy beaches, including Surin, Patong and Nai Yang beaches, which abound with aquamarine life. Listed among the top 10 Scuba diving destinations in the world, the beaches on the west coast of Phuket offer some supreme Scuba diving with the depths from about 30 to 45 meters. Good close-up photographs can be taken. Also, regular diving cruises and private trips can be arranged to other highly regarded diving areas such as the Similan Island.

Instruction and equipment are readily available at the more developed beaches on Phuket. There are many courses, ranging from beginner to dive master.

The best time of year to visit is from late October to May, but good diving is available all year round.

Overnight or longer diving trips are available to almost all neighboring islands. Information on dive trips can be found at nearly all guesthouses and hotels in the area, as well as at any of the numerous dive shops.

Scuba Diving: Rawai Beach Rawai beach is frequented by foreign Scuba diving enthusiasts because it is convenient to the piers where Scuba trips to nearby islands can be arranged

Scuba Diving: Koh He (Coral Island) Only 5 km off Phuket's south coast and easily accessible by boats from Rawai and Chalong, He Island is well known for its unspoiled coral reef and is often referred to simply as Coral Island. The Island is a part of a marine preserve, however, various water sports, and diving, fine accommodation and restaurants are all available. Daytrippers from Phuket make the beach somewhat crowded in the daytime during the high season.

Scuba Diving: Koh Racha YaiRacha Yai island is an excellent place for beginner divers and snorkellers to start their diving adventures in Thailand. 1.5 hours from Phuket the island's dive sites offer 45 to 90 feet of visibility across hard coral gardens in the shallower waters with remarkable staghorn coral reefs down to 90 feet. Racha Yai Island has clean, powdery beaches like those of the Similan Islands. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is a coral reef where the diving is excellent. With well preserved hard corals in both shallow and deeper water, snorkeling and scuba diving are the favorite activities.

Scuba Diving: Koh Racha NoiThe smaller brother of Racha Yai island and slightly further from Phuket, Racha Noi has a fine selection of coral gardens for the diver to explore. Visibility is said to be even better here than off Racha Yai and offers some deeper dive sites.

article by http://www.phukettourism.org.