6 Best Spots in Phuket for Scuba Diving

Hey there travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my top 6 best scuba diving spots in Phuket to fill a tank in this year. If you’re a scuba diving enthusiast, Phuket boasts some of the best scuba diving spots in the world. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes, Phuket offers an unforgettable diving experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting, Phuket has something for everyone. With a range of dive sites to choose from, you can explore the island’s stunning underwater world and discover its diverse marine life.

Scuba Diving Spots In Phuket Map

Use this map to see the locations of the Phuket dive sites listed below:

Best Spots in Phuket for Scuba Diving

Ok, so let’s check out the best scuba diving Phuket has to offer below:

1. Phi Phi Islands

If you’re looking for some of the best scuba diving spots in Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are a must-visit destination. The islands are located about 45 minutes away from Phuket by speedboat, making them a convenient day trip option.

The areas consists of six islands, with the largest and most populated being Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Le. The rest of the islands are essentially large limestone rock formations that are surrounded by crystal clear waters, making them perfect for scuba diving.

One of the most popular dive sites around the Phi Phi Islands is Shark Point. As the name suggests, this site is known for its abundance of leopard sharks as well as other marine life such as moray eels, barracudas and colorful reef fish. Hin Dot is another great dive site in the area, offering an adventurous underwater landscape with swim-throughs, caves, and overhangs.

We will discuss some of these areas in more detail below.

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2. Shark Point

If you’re looking for a thrilling scuba diving experience in Phuket, Shark Point is a must-visit destination. This dive site is located between Phuket and Phi Phi Islands and it’s one of the best spots for spotting leopard sharks and a variety of marine life.

Shark Point consists of three pinnacles at different depths and it’s famous for the chance of spotting many leopard sharks swimming or resting on the sandy bottom. Along with sharks, the marine life is really great with all the reef life of the Andaman sea. You’ll see colorful corals, anemones and a variety of tropical fish such as moray eels, lionfish and snapper.

The water temperature at Shark Point ranges from 27°C to 31°C, making it a comfortable dive site year-round and the visibility can vary from 10 to 30 meters, depending on the season and weather conditions. The best time to visit is between November and April, when the water is calm and clear.

Shark Point is suitable for all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced. However, if you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to dive with a professional dive guide. The dive site has a maximum depth of 28 meters and there can be strong currents at times.

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3. Anemone Reef

If you’re looking for a challenging dive site that offers an abundance of marine life, Anemone Reef is the perfect spot for you. This limestone pinnacle is located in the Andaman Sea, just north-west of Shark Point, and is considered one of the top diving sites in Phuket.

As the name suggests, Anemone Reef is covered in anemones of all colors, creating a stunning underwater landscape. It’s recommended for advanced open water divers due to the medium to strong currents that can be present. However, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable diving experience.

Anemone Reef is also a marine sanctuary, which means that the marine life is abundant and diverse. You can expect to see a variety of reef fish, critters, cephalopods, crustaceans and more. Some of the common sightings include lionfish, scorpionfish, barracuda, damselfish, puffers, triggerfish, moray eels and nudibranch.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot some rare marine species such as tigertail seahorses, short-tailed pipefish and ornate map pufferfish. Soft corals and sea fans cover the pinnacle, providing a beautiful backdrop for your dive.

Overall, Anemone Reef is a must-visit dive site for experienced divers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding diving experience. Just make sure to check the weather and current conditions before you go, and always dive with a certified guide.

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4. King Cruiser Wreck

If you’re looking for an exciting wreck dive, the King Cruiser Wreck is a must-visit site in Phuket. This former car ferry sank in 1997 and now rests at a depth of 32 meters making it a popular dive site attracting divers of all levels.

The King Cruiser Wreck is a large steel ferry that measures 85 meters in length and 25 meters in width and is now covered in coral and is home to a variety of marine life including barracudas, lionfish and moray eels. The site is also known for its soft corals, gorgonian sea fans and barrel sponges, making it a great spot for macro photographers as well.

To reach the King Cruiser Wreck, you’ll need to take a boat from Phuket and the site is often visited as part of a three-dive combo with Shark Point and Koh Doc Mai. The currents and weather conditions can be unpredictable, so the tour leader will decide which dive sites to visit on the day.

It’s important to note that the King Cruiser Wreck is a deep dive, and divers should have advanced open water certification or higher. Nitrox is also recommended to extend bottom time. If you’re not yet certified however, you can take a course with a local dive center in Phuket.

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5. Similan Islands

If you’re looking for some of the best scuba diving spots in Phuket, you can’t miss the Similan Islands. Located about 70 kilometers northwest of Phuket, the Similan Islands are a group of nine islands that are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park.

The Similan Islands are famous for their crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life. The diving conditions are excellent, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters and water temperatures ranging from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius.

There are over 20 dive sites in the Similan Islands, each offering something unique. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• East of Eden – This dive site is named after the novel by John Steinbeck and is one of the most popular dive sites in the Similan Islands. You can expect to see a wide variety of marine life here including barracudas, snappers and reef sharks.
• Donald Duck Bay – Named after a rock formation that looks like Donald Duck, this site is characterized by large granite boulders that form swim-throughs and caverns. You can expect to see schools of fish, moray eels and octopuses here.
• Elephant Head Rock – This dive site is named after a rock formation that looks like an elephant’s head and famous for its stunning coral gardens and large schools of fish including barracudas, trevallies and snappers.
• Christmas Point – Named after the fact that it’s located near Christmas Island, this site is characterized by a steep wall that drops down to over 50 meters. You can expect to see large schools of fish including batfish, snapper and groupers.

Keep in mind that the Similan Islands are only open to visitors from mid-October to mid-May, so plan your trip accordingly.

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6. Richelieu Rock

If you’re an experienced diver looking for an unforgettable adventure, Richelieu Rock is the place to be. This horseshoe-shaped pinnacle is located about 10km east of the Surin Islands and is considered one of the best dive sites in Thailand.

The formation is submerged at high tide however at low tide, you can see the very top of the rock. Richelieu Rock is famous for its whale shark sightings and it’s been called a “whale shark magnet.” So if you’re lucky, you might get to see one of these magnificent creatures up close!

The depth of the dive ranges from 10-25m, making it ideal for advanced divers and the currents can be strong so it’s important to have good buoyancy control. The marine life here is incredibly diverse with schools of barracuda, trevally and fusiliers swimming around you. You’ll also find moray eels, octopuses and a variety of reef fish as well.

If you’re an underwater photographer, Richelieu Rock is a paradise. The visibility is excellent and the colors of the coral and marine life are breathtaking. The best way to dive here is by liveaboard, as the dive site is quite isolated and trips usually last 4-7 days, giving you plenty of time to explore the area.

Book your trip to Phuket here!

Why Choose Phuket for Scuba Diving

Phuket is a perfect destination for scuba diving enthusiasts as the island is located in the Andaman Sea, which is home to some of the world’s best dive sites. Here are some reasons why you should choose Phuket for your next scuba diving adventure:

• Accessible Dive Sites – Phuket is a great starting point for diving in the Andaman Sea and many of the dive sites that can be reached within an hour or two by boat. This makes it easy to plan your diving trip and allows you to explore multiple sites during your stay.
• Diverse Marine Life – The Andaman Sea is known for its diverse marine life, and Phuket is no exception. You can expect to see a variety of fish including barracudas, groupers and snapper as well as colorful coral reefs. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some larger marine creatures such as whale sharks, manta rays and turtles.
• Warm Water Temperatures – Phuket’s water temperatures are warm year-round, rarely dipping below 77°F/25°C. which means you can dive comfortably in a wetsuit or even a rash guard. The warm water also supports a wide range of marine life, making it an ideal destination for diving.
• Experienced Dive Operators – Phuket has a large number of dive operators, many of whom have been operating for years. These operators have a wealth of knowledge about the local dive sites and marine life and can help you plan your dive trip. They also provide equipment rental and can guide you on your dives, ensuring your safety and enjoyment.

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Best Time to Dive in Phuket

The diving season in Phuket can be divided into two periods: high season and low season. High season runs from November to April, while low season runs from May to October. During high season, the sea is calm and the weather is dry and sunny, making it the best time to dive in Phuket. However, during low season, the sea can be rough, and the weather can be rainy and windy, making it less favorable for diving.

If you are planning to dive in Phuket during high season, it is recommended to book your dive trip in advance, as the popular dive sites can get crowded. During low season, you can find better deals on dive packages and accommodation.

Here is a table summarizing the best time to dive in Phuket:

Season	Months	Sea Condition	Weather	Visibility	Water Temperature
High	Nov-Apr	Calm	Dry	Excellent	27-30°C
Low	May-Oct	Rough	Rainy	Good	28-31°C

Book your trip to Phuket here!

Safety Tips for Scuba Diving in Phuket

Scuba diving in Phuket can be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. However, it is important to prioritize safety to ensure a successful and enjoyable dive. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind before and during your dive:

Before Your Dive

1. Choose a reputable dive operator: Research and choose a dive operator that has a good reputation, experienced instructors and well-maintained equipment. Ask for recommendations from other divers or your hotel.
2. Check your equipment: Before your dive, check your equipment to ensure it is in good condition and functioning properly. Make sure you are comfortable with your gear and know how to use it.
3. Be honest about your experience: Inform your dive instructor about your level of experience and any health issues you may have. This will help them tailor the dive to your abilities and ensure your safety.

Check out these: 3 Best Travel Bags for Scuba Gear

During Your Dive

1. Stay within your limits: Do not push yourself beyond your limits. Follow your dive instructor’s instructions and stay within your comfort zone.
2. Monitor your air supply: Keep an eye on your air supply and communicate with your dive buddy or instructor if you need to surface or end the dive early.
3. Watch your depth and time: Pay attention to your depth and time underwater to prevent decompression sickness. Always follow your dive instructor’s guidelines on maximum depth and dive time.
4. Stay calm and relaxed: If you encounter any problems during your dive, stay calm and relaxed. Signal your dive buddy or instructor for assistance and follow their instructions.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable scuba diving experience in Phuket. Remember to always prioritize safety and have fun exploring the beautiful underwater world of Thailand.

FAQs

Conclusion

There you have it, my 6 best options for best scuba diving in Phuket. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there any other favorites you have in the region.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul