The Reasons Why We Love Diving in Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations for good reasons – and as scuba divers, there are even more! As well as incredible beaches and no shortage of topside activities, there is a huge range of places to stay, eat, drink and of course… scuba dive! Find out the reasons why we love diving in Phuket, Thailand.
Whether you are new to diving or a well-travelled veteran, Phuket has something to offer divers of all levels. Here are just a few of the reasons why we love diving in Phuket, Thailand…
Year Round Diving
Unlike some regions in South East Asia, Phuket offers year-round diving opportunities. Phuket’s tropical waters rarely drop below 77ºF/25ºC making diving extremely comfortable no matter when you visit. If you want to dive in the Similan Island Marine Park, it is open for diving from November-May.
Most of Phuket’s dive sites are located near the coast with shore entry or dived from boats so seasons rarely affect accessibility. Currents tend to be gentle all year making sites suitable for all abilities.
In addition to the water temperature and accessibility, Phuket also offers great visibility for 12 months of the year with a range from 25 meters up to a staggering 40 meters.
Diversity
One thing is for sure when you are diving around Phuket – you’ll never get bored! Phuket’s dive sites include everything from extensive fringing reefs to dramatic drop-offs, impressive granite walls, wrecks, caves, pinnacles, and tunnels.
It’s not only the topography of the dive sites around Phuket that displays extreme diversity – the marine life that resides here is equally as varied too! From macro critters through to schooling fish and the largest fish in the ocean (the whale shark), there’s plenty to discover underwater.
Incredible Marine Life
As divers, we always want to know what we might see underwater. It’s impossible to list here all of the incredible reef fish, critters and pelagics that are found around Phuket, but here are a few of our favourites to whet your appetite…
- Sharks: Blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks, whale sharks
- Rays: eagle ray, manta ray, blue spotted sting rays
- Critters: Seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranch, ribbon eels, harlequin shrimp
- Fish: Tuna, barracuda, giant trevally
- Cephalopods: Pharoah cuttlefish, reef octopus
- Turtles: Hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles
Epic Dive Sites
Phuket’s dive sites are bursting with colour and teeming with life – you certainly won’t be disappointed! Around two hours away from Phuket lay three of the region’s most famous dive sites in close proximity: Shark Point, Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser Wreck.
Shark Point (AKA Hin Musang)
Below this small rock outcropping lies one of Thailand’s richest coral reefs. Protected as a marine sanctuary since 1992 you’ll be blown away by the variety and abundance of marine species. Shark Point is simply teeming with life, bursting with colour and packed with action!
The site is around a rock pinnacle, at the base of which leopard sharks can be found resting on the sand. The pinnacle is entirely encrusted with coral and lionfish, moray eels and hoards of kaleidoscopic reef fish are constantly on the move, hunting or attempting to hide. The vibrant soft corals and gorgonian sea fans add pops of red, pink and orange to the blue seascape and at times it’s hard to know where to look next as there is always something to captivate you. It’s easy to see why this is one of Thailand’s most famous dive sites.
Anemone Reef
This submerged reef, located not far from Shark Point, is famous for its extensive fields of sea anemones which cover the shallower areas of the reef. It’s an almost hypnotic sight to watch the tentacles of the anemones swaying in the surge while energetic anemonefish dart in and out. Leopard sharks are also found here together with massive schools of smaller fish including fusiliers, snappers, butterflyfish, bannerfish, trumpet fish, sweetlips, and triggerfish.
Those who prefer to spot bigger species will not be disappointed either as larger pelagics also visit here, look out for tuna, jacks and the hunting barracudas which come in search of smaller prey. For macro enthusiasts, take a closer look into the reef and you’ll find it’s packed with critters just waiting to be discovered.
King Cruiser Wreck
This 87 meters (285 feet) catamaran passenger ferry sank in 1997 after straying off course and colliding with nearby Anemone Reef. The wreck is now an underwater hive of activity which attracts schooling snappers, yellowtail barracuda (which swarm over the wreck) and hunting predators. The wreck is subject to currents and is best suited to experienced divers and wreck enthusiasts who will be in awe of the multiple decks and passages which lay between 16 meters and 30 meters (50 feet to 100 feet).
The inside of the wreck is also home to a multitude of cryptic and nocturnal species that enjoy the shaded areas including lionfish, moray eels, scorpionfish, spiny lobsters and other crustaceans.
We can’t describe every dive site here as there are just too many but other iconic sites include: Koh Racha Yai, Koh Racha Noi, Koh Dok Mai, Bida Nok and Bida Nai.
Island Vibes
Thailand is known as the land of smiles and Phuket is no exception. As much as we would love to spend every moment underwater, we need to spend time on land – and Phuket delivers here too! When you are not out diving you’ll meet warm-hearted, friendly locals and you’ll be able to kick back, relax and absorb the island vibes. Is there a better way to end a day of incredible diving than by sipping an exotic cocktail and watching a stunning sunset?
Come to Phuket and find out the reasons why we love diving in Phuket, Thailand. Contact us and allow us to help book your dive trip of a lifetime!
We look forward to scuba diving Phuket in Thailand with you soon!
