Helpful answers to commonly asked questions about diving in Phuket, Thailand
Welcome to the Aussie Divers Phuket FAQ About Scuba Diving page. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate in contacting us.
Q: Do I need a licence to try scuba diving?
A: No, you can do the PADI Discover Scuba Diving which is a one day scuba diving activity in the sea with a highly qualified PADI Instructor. Read this blog to see how the typical PADI Discover Scuba Diving happens in Phuket. Click here
Q: How long does it take to get my scuba diving licence?
A: The minimum time to get your PADI Open Water Certification is three days. Here is a blog on how the typical PADI Open Water course is done in Phuket. Click here.
Q: Do I need to know how to swim to be able to scuba dive?
A: Yes and no. You do not need to know how to swim to do a PADI Discovers Scuba Diving experience, however knowing how to swim does give you confidence in the water. You do need to swim for 200 metres or snorkel for 300 metres and tread water for 10 minutes to obtain your PADI Open Water certification. Here is a blog swimming and scuba diving. Click here.
Q: How deep will I be scuba diving?
A: PADI has defined depth limits for scuba diving. PADI Discover Scuba Diving is limited to 12 metres, PADI Open Water Course 18 metres, PADI Advanced Open Water course 30 metres and PADI Deep Diver Specialty 40 metres.
Q: What temperature are the waters around Phuket?
A: The water temperature around Phuket is normally standard at 29 degrees Celsius. It rarely changes + or – 1 degree either way.
Q: What is the water visibility like around Phuket?
A: Of the day trips, Racha Noi would have the best visibility often around 20 -25 mtres, Racha Yai can have visibility that can often get to 20+ metres however it can be less than that at times and can even get as low as 7 metres. Phi Phi has verying visibility between 5 – 25 metres as does Shark Point, Koh Doc Mai, Anemone Reef and King Cruiser. The Similan Islands are best known for their great visibility often 30 metres +.For more information read this blog.
Q: Will I see a Whale Shark whilst scuba diving in Phuket?
A: Whale Shark sightings in Phuket are very rare and are not predictable. You will need to be very very lucky however it is not impossible. Read this blog to understand more. Click here
Q. Are there any dangerous sharks around Phuket?
A: No. Phuket is blessed with some lovely sharks including Leopard Shark, Black Tip Reef Shark, Bamboo Shark and on rare occasions Whale Sharks and White tip Reef Sharks. For more information about sharks in Phuket read this blog.
Q: What nationality will my instructor be?
A: As the company name would suggest there are a few of us that are from Australia. Phuket is however blessed with some great freelance instructors. We have many instructors able to assist you with you needs, currently we have instructors from Ireland, USA, England, Thailand, Japan, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia