Phuket is a fantastic diving destination, offering a range of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers. Some of the best places to scuba dive in and around Phuket are:
1. Similan Islands
- Distance from Phuket: About 1-2 hours by boat.
- Why it’s great: The Similan Islands are part of a national park and are considered one of the best dive sites in the world. Known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes, this location offers great opportunities to see manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and colorful coral reefs.
- Best for: Advanced divers due to deeper sites and currents.
2. Racha Islands (Racha Yai and Racha Noi)
- Distance from Phuket: Around 30-45 minutes by boat.
- Why it’s great: Racha Islands are popular for their calm waters, making them ideal for beginner to intermediate divers. The coral reefs are vibrant, and you can encounter various species like barracudas, rays, and turtles.
- Best for: All levels of divers.
3. Koh Phi Phi
- Distance from Phuket: About 1.5 hours by boat.
- Why it’s great: Famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs above and below the water, Phi Phi offers diverse dive sites. You can explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with blacktip reef sharks, and enjoy the beauty of underwater caves.
- Best for: All levels, especially those interested in dramatic underwater topography.
4. Shark Point
- Distance from Phuket: Around 45 minutes by boat.
- Why it’s great: True to its name, Shark Point is a prime location for spotting leopard sharks and blacktip reef sharks. The site features an incredible underwater ecosystem with diverse fish, soft corals, and sponges.
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced divers.
5. Anemone Reef
- Distance from Phuket: Around 45 minutes by boat.
- Why it’s great: Known for its sea anemones, this site offers a fantastic array of marine life, including moray eels, giant groupers, and various species of colorful fish. The reef itself is home to a wrecked boat, which adds to the dive experience.
- Best for: All levels of divers.
6. King Cruiser Wreck
- Distance from Phuket: About 1 hour by boat.
- Why it’s great: This wreck, which sank in 1997, has become an artificial reef and is teeming with marine life. You can explore the wreck itself and see everything from schooling fish to large groupers, and sometimes even manta rays.
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced divers due to the depth and current.
7. Koh Doc Mai
- Distance from Phuket: About 1 hour by boat.
- Why it’s great: A small island that’s home to beautiful wall dives, Koh Doc Mai offers a wealth of marine life like lionfish, barracudas, and moray eels. It’s also a great place for macro diving, where divers can find tiny critters like nudibranchs.
- Best for: Intermediate divers who enjoy wall diving and macro photography.
8. Koh Yao Islands
- Distance from Phuket: 30-45 minutes by boat.
- Why it’s great: Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are quieter islands with pristine dive sites. You can expect to encounter a range of fish, coral gardens, and even some larger species like rays and reef sharks. These islands are less crowded compared to other popular dive spots, making for a more relaxed experience.
- Best for: All levels, especially if you prefer less crowded dive sites.
The best dive spot depends on your experience level and what you’re hoping to see underwater. For beginners, Racha Islands or Koh Phi Phi are excellent choices, while advanced divers might want to explore Similan Islands, Shark Point, or the King Cruiser Wreck. All offer unique experiences that make Phuket a diving paradise!