The visibility in the Andaman is similar to that of the Gulf of Thailand but the area has more extensive coral reefs. If you wanted something a bit more exciting look out for trips to Chumphon Pinnacle, South West Pinnacle, or to Sail Rock, Thailand which is considered the best dive site in the Gulf. Millions of people visit Thailand yearly, a tropical island in Southeast Asia situated at the center of the Indo-Chinese Peninsula in the Earths Northern and eastern hemispheres. 2. One of the most repeatedly asked questions is when, in the year, it is best to go diving in Thailand. The certifications are internationally recognized and meet both ISO and EN standards. Phi Phi Islands. In 2009, the price for PADI open water certification including the new PADI training manual, professional instruction, rental equipment, boat dives, and certification was around 9,800 baht; insurance and basic accommodation may also be included. Popular dive sites include HTMS Sattakut and HTMS Chang, formerly U.S. vessels. 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 . Scuba diving is great in Thailand, thanks to the high chances of diving with whale sharks and manta rays. Over on the other side in the Gulf of Thailand is Ko Tao (Turtle Island) has emerged as a major diving destination in Thailand with over 20 diving centres on the island. The best time to dive in Thailands gulf is from May through September, which makes scuba diving in Thailand a year-round activity. Top 10 Best Thailand Liveaboard Trips The Adventure Junkies Home Scuba Diving Liveaboard Diving Liveaboards by Location Photo by istockphoto.com/portfolio/zeamonkey Best Thailand Liveaboard Trips Juliette Sivertsen Liveaboards by Location Updated on February 7, 2020 A pair of Tigertail Seahorses have made their home on the main pinnacle. Ko Haa Lagoon is a shallow, protected area that lies between 3 of the islands, The central lagoon area is suitable for beginner divers and snorkellers and provides a safe, nursery-area for many juvenile fish species. Exploring the beautiful coral reefs of diving in Thailand will astonish you. When it comes to diving, we all want great visibility, isn't that right? In the Andaman Sea, you have Phuket in the west, Koh Lanta in the southeast, and little Koh Phi Phi somewhere in the middle. Koh Chang. Angelfish, Bannerfish and Butterflyfish are just a few abundant within the reefs. To access those parks you will need to pay an extra fee, both as a diver and as a snorkeler. Accessed by liveaboards from Khao Lak and Phuket, and by day trip boats from Khao Lak. They are breathtaking and, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters, are teaming with life. Ultimately, the choice lies in your personal preference. Diving is similar to the Similan Islands however there are more sharks and other large marine creatures. The Ko Lanta National Marine Park overseas the provision of mooring lines at the dive sites and regulates fishing activities in the area. Koh Lanta has some of the best diving sites on Thailand's west coast! One of the most famous dive sites is probably the King Cruiser Wreck, a passenger ferry that sank on its way to Phi Phi (dont worry everyone survived!). Such diversity ensures you will never experience the same dive twice. Koh Tao. Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear water and stunning coral communities. They can offer up their first-hand knowledge to ensure you know when to dive to enjoy the very best marine life, be it the tiny critters or bigger beasts of the ocean. One reef fish in particular, the cleaner wrasse, is abundant in Thailand which is good news for divers. 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. Pattaya. How to Apply for South Koreas Q-Code for your Next Adventure! During the other months, you can expect quite a bit of rain and storms, making diving there not so fun. Diving in Thailand was my first scuba experience and maybe that is why the country still holds such a special place in my heart. This is usually paid to the operator you book your trip with. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, Thailand is an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Chumphon Pinnacle, a haven for fish, shrimp, white moral eels, and crabs, should be on your bucket list. Diving is on offer all over the country but liveaboard diving is concentrated on the west side in the Andaman Sea. As Thailand is considered one of the safest destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world, it is perfect for first-timers wanting to explore beautiful reefs, incredible wrecks, and amazing underwater life. Many travelers love to dive while in Southeast Asia as the prices to get your scuba diving certification and to join fun dives are super affordable. Thailands first ever diving store was opened in Pattaya in 1977 and shortly after that, the popularity of diving for both Thais and foreigners in Thailand exploded. You must ensure your chosen dive center is well-established and highly qualified with modern and well-maintained dive gear, plus one that offers more than one certification to allow you to progress. Yes, technically you can dive in Khao Lak though dive sites themselves are nothing to write home about, to be honest. Phi Phi Islands. Diving in Thailand began with the American Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War. It is possible to see chevron barracuda, giant trevally, manta rays, leopard sharks and rainbow runners. The Similan Island Marine Park headquarters are here and the Similan Islands lie 50 km directly west. Parts of the area attract a diversity of sharks, manta, eagle and marbled rays. At our dive resorts in Thailand, dives are always colourful and teeming with marine life, including manta rays . Hin Daeng/Hin Muang is known for its visually striking corals and bustling schools of fish. Over two hundred kilometers of coastline and hundreds of islands offer various dive types. 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. Scuba Diving Pattaya Thailand | Dive Trips, Seasons & More During certain times of the year, larger creatures such as manta rays and whale sharks can also be seen. 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). Koh Tao is known to certify the most scuba divers in the world, so, understandably, thousands of tourists and divers flock here. Diving in Ko Tao is easy, fun, and you can see turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, reef sharks, and there is a very small chance of seeing a whale shark. There are other sharks on the reefs as well, black and white tipped reef sharks and guitar sharks can be found in many places. Thankfully, all passengers escaped with their lives, and this added structure has created another marine ecosystem and proved popular with scuba divers. February is an perfect time to visit. However, scuba diving is affordable for most and all ages, and choosing your diving center and instructor should be enjoyable. BSAC Thailand has some 20 dive centres on the west and east coasts. 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. Koh Tao is worth visiting, especially if you are new to diving, but the Andaman Sea keeps scuba divers returning year after year. The best time to go diving in Thailand is November until April, particularly for liveaboards on the west coast. However, for an SSI instructor, you have to be affiliated with an SSI center or shop. What a pity because to me Koh Lipe seriously offers the best diving in Thailand! However, the best conditions exist between November and April as Sharks visit from February to May. Diving in Phuket is a paradise for scuba divers of all level. There's generally no one right answer to this one, as it all depends on where you are, and what you intend to do on your diving trip. Richelieu Rock, located in the Andaman Sea, is known for its diverse population of marine life, including barracudas and even whale sharks. The most common sea horse that you can spot in Thailand is the Tiger Tail seahorse. As you would expect, the underwater scenery is out of this world and well worth a visit. The best way to see this colorful aquatic life is by diving into the stunning underwater scenery! Diving Thailand is quite inexpensive, especially when compared with other scuba destinations around the world. Liveaboard diving outside of these times is rare with many of the best sites unreachable due to weather conditions. The bays are generally sandy and, with the shallow waters, are attractive for novice divers. It could be possible to dive during the rainy season, but the visibility will be reduced. The most common risks when diving in Thailand are strong currents and dangerous marine life. + . This is also the perfect time to see mantas, who are following the plankton bloom. The water is considered shallow within the Gulf, resulting in a slow water exchange, which, along with warm water temperatures, coral reefs are vast. One can also do some night diving. Full of outstanding beauty and breathtaking sights, the underwater world is full of energy, allowing you to observe and immerse yourself in the environment of some of the worlds most spectacular marine life. If you are looking for the best diving in Thailand in November head to the Similan Islands. Many of the dive sites in the Ko Lanta area fall within the jurisdiction of the Ko Lanta National Marine Park. For a fun-filled summer, soak in and explore the postcard-level of stunning beaches of Krabi! Fortunately, Thailands tropical climate, with air temperatures from 30 35C/85-95F and water temperatures at around 29C/84F means diving can be an all-year-round activity. The country is split into two diving locations; one is the Gulf of Thailand and the other, The Andaman Sea, the latter being the most popular. Top 10 Best Thailand Liveaboard Trips The Adventure Junkies 1. Liveaboard Diving in Thailand | PADI Travel Your Ultimate Guide to the 2023 Penghu Fireworks Festival, 24 Best Cycling Routes and Bike Trails in Singapore for a Fun Weekend Adventure, Taiwan's Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023: 12 Best Places Around Taiwan to See Cherry Blossoms, Hong Kong is Giving Away 500,000 Free Air Tickets, Here's What You Need to Know, Ready for It? The currents that sweep over the top of these sites bring plenty of nutrients, and may explain the abundance of fish species considered rare on other Thai dive sites. Since Koh Phangan is in a rather isolated location, there are many submerged rock pinnacles that are a magnet for nearby marine life. Outside these months, you will likely experience rainfall and storms, which can hinder or limit diving opportunities. It is believed to be cheaper to dive the Gulf of Thailand, although there is no doubt that many of the top dive spots are found on the West coast in the Andaman Sea. Read the complete guide for Similans liveaboard diving. On the east side lies the Gulf of Thailand. 22 Trips in Thailand | PADI Travel These are the little things that will make the difference between an OK course and a great one. Best time to visit Thailand. It is also considered one of the best diving spots diving in Thailand. This Southeast Asian country boasts a wide array of tropical islands with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Places to Dive in The Gulf of Thailand - DIVEIN Whale sharks, leopard sharks, bull sharks, and many other fish species can be found while scuba diving in Koh Tao, Thailand. For new divers with no experience, you can expect to pay around 5,000 Thailand baht. The waters are so clear, that in some places the visibility gets as good as 30 metres! Koh Phangan is well known for its huge range of hard coral and fringing reefs which are frequently swarming with tropical and colorful reef fish! The area is still relatively unknown and unexplored and offers the opportunity for divers to visit new dive sites. Best Diving sites in Phuket - Thailand Scuba dive reviews by Divezone Koh Lanta. Dive resorts in Thailand. However Lanta is the closest island to the Hin Daeng and Hin Muang sites, so it is very popular with divers. The best time to dive Similan Islands - Sea conditions & more When is the best time to Scuba dive in Thailand? Some pinnacles stretch above the waters surface and can act as a good reference point for starting your dive. Like many other destinations in Southeast Asia, Thailand is one of the best places to scuba dive. With bathtub like temperatures of 28-31 degrees, your diving conditions could not be better. Beautiful coral reefs and vast marine life wait to be discovered. The Best Liveaboards in Thailand The best time for diving in Thailand on the West coast is from October to May, with the high season from December to April. 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. This part of Thailand offers some terrific diving and snorkeling sites with plenty of soft coral, limestone outcrops and diversity of marine life. The largest cavern has three chambers and is known as The Cathedral. 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. Almost all shops offer free pickup from resorts towards the northern end of the island. 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. Similan IslandsThe Similan Islands are a protected national park and, therefore, allowed to flourish and generate the most awe-inspiring underwater scenery with beautifully coloured corals, Gorgonian fans, and marine life.Leopard Sharks, Batfish, Snappers, barracudas, Triggerfish, Unicornfish, Surgeonfish and even White Tip and Black Tip reef Sharks are some of the visitors to these waters. You will find it cheaper and more expensive; it depends on what is included in your package, the type of dive you are doing, and where you are diving. Thailand has some of Asia's best places to snorkel and scuba dive along with some of the best beaches. One can go diving off the nearby islands of Bidah Nai and Nok. Multiple deep dive sites around Racha Yai are suitable for all certified divers who may be fortunate enough to witness the giant Manta Rays, which can grow up to seven meters here. From May to September, scuba diving in the Gulf of Thailand is considered the ideal time when Visibility is at its best. Located in the Andaman Sea, approximately forty kilometers Southeast of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands is one of Thailands most photogenic locations. Look for experienced dive instructors instead of a low price. 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). 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. Great for beginners and one of Asia's most popular places to get certified. You should stop by and explore the Northern Thai Gulf and come to dive in Pattaya. All trips usually include dive masters. Some dive centres ask for Advanced Open Water or equivalent certifications, or 20 or more dives experience, if you are diving Hin Daeng/Hin Muang. Thailands East Coast Season never closes! 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. They usually require overnight travel before arriving at their destinations. Those can best be reached from Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi and offer plenty of dive sites for a variety of levels. What makes diving in Koh Lipe so special is a beautiful mix between big stuff, macro life, and the most incredible soft corals. The opportunity to dive all year attracts many who want to visit sites rated the best in the world. 135/8 Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong Beach, Phuket. 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. The Gulf of Thailand also offers good dive opportunities as you explore the east coast islands in a less crowded environment. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang The Andaman Sea diving season lasts from October to May with the high season being from December to April. Phuket. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. The Best Time to Visit Thailand for Great Weather, Low Prices, and