The best diving season is from November to May, with Whale Sharks being sighted throughout this period. The weather is at it’s calmest during the months of February to April. Diving during the period of June to October is also a satisfying experience with the reduced numbers of divers, snorkelers and sight-seers. Although you can expect a little rain and slightly choppy waters, the diving is even more exciting since unusual large marine animal sightings that can occur, and the chance to view the reef inhabitants without the tourist rush.
Add to this the friendly people, varied cuisine, tropical climate and range of amenities and you have an ideal destination for a holiday, long term stay or simply, scuba diving in Phuket!
Accommodation in Phuket
Thara Patong Beach Resort & Spa
Thara Patong Beach Resort & Spa is strategically located by Patong Beach and close to shopping and nightlife areas. With 172 rooms equipped with tropical garden and pool views, this property contains all the amenities and services you would expect from a 4-star hotel. Also to be found at the hotel are Tantawan Restaurant, La Piazza and The Tandoor. Guests can indulge at the Thara Spa, relax in the Jacuzzi, take a dip in the swimming pool or enjoy drinks at the Dolphin Pool Bar, Tamarind Pool Bar and Palm Bar 170. Its convenient location, dedicated staff and first-rate facilities make this hotel a favorite among travelers.
Phuket Dive Sites
A dive at Anemone Reef usually starts with a descent to the bottom of the pinnacle. You can then slowly circle your way up the reef until you reach your safety stop level at the end of your dive. Sometimes the currents make it difficult to circumnavigate the reef in which case your guide will lead you on a zigzag route up one side of the pinnacle to avoid heavy finning against the current. Which ever way Anemone Reef is dived, it’s a spectacular diving spot.
Koh Dok Mai
The name means Flower Island in Thai and this diving site must be named for its underwater beauty because above the water there are no flowers, only a few trees and bushes. As soon as you descend however, the colourful flower-like coral covering the wall makes the name understandable.
Racha Yai
This beautiful palm covered island is dotted with small sandy beaches, and surrounded by fringing hard coral reef. Racha Yai is a granite island which means the water is always clear and the many shallow protected bays all around the island make it an ideal trip at any time of the year. Racha Yai is the perfect place to learn scuba diving in Phuket, for snorkellers, and for divers who haven’t been in the water for a while.
Local residents in the coral gardens and staghorn reef include titan triggerfish, moray eels, cuttlefish, octopus and giant pufferfish. Titan triggerfish are quite mean looking fish, with their beady, swivelling eyes. In nesting season their moods change to match their looks. The male stands guard of its nest on the sand, and woe-be-tide you if you cross into its territory – the zone in a full circle directly above the nest. The titan triggerfish will charge at you continuously until you swim out of its territory once again.
King Cruiser Wrec
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The King Cruiser was used as a passenger ferry between Phi Phi Islands and Phuket. In May 1997 the ferry struck Anemone Reef and sank nearby. There were over 500 people on board when she went down but no lives were lost and now the wreck remains as an underwater attraction in the Phuket dive industry.
The King Cruiser wreck is 85 metres long by 25 metres wide, and has 4 decks with large passages and window holes. The wreck is resting in an upright position on 32 metres, with the captain’s cabin the shallowest area at 12 metres. This depth, together with the frequent strong currents and low season rough seas, makes the diving here unsuitable for beginners.
Racha Noi
INCLUDES
- 2-way transfer from Phuket Airport
- 2-way transfer from Hotel to pier
- 3N Accomodation at Lemonade Phuket or equivalent (Chalong)
- Breakfast & lunch on diving days
- Up to 6 guided boat dives
- Weights & tanks
EXCLUDES
- Airfare
- Dive Insurance
- Equipment Rental and Dinner
- Accommodation at Patong (Extra charges apply)