Diving in Thailand

Dive in the Land of Smiles

Holidays in Thailand, the Land of Smiles, mean enjoying the great hospitality of the local people, the beauty of the land and the rich bounty of the warm sea that laps against its shores. For years Thailand has been a firm favourite both with hard-core divers who come to dive some of Asia's best sites and also with holiday-makers and backpackers who know that a few days diving here will add hugely to their experience of the country.

Diving in Thailand is not limited to any one particular area but the best spots are on the west coast with dive sites of world-renown such as those of the Similan Islands, as well as Richelieu Rock, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. You can cruise the seas on fantastic well-run liveaboards or stay in some of the fine resorts of Phuket, Krabi or Phi Phi Islands. Enjoy some great diving without compromising on comfort or quality.

The Andaman Sea is characterised by sights such as the huge submerged boulders of the Similans and the chance to swim with whale sharks, leopard sharks and manta rays. However the diving is so diverse that there is really something for everyone and a holiday to suit every budget.

Highlights

Similan Islands - Ask anyone who knows about the region and the first place they will mention is the Similan Islands. This small collection of islands set in the beautiful Andaman Sea are the jewel in the Thailand scuba diving crown. World class dive sites pepper the area such as Fantasy Reef, East of Eden and Elephant Head which are among the finest in Thailand and as good as anywhere in Asia.

Hin Daeng / Hin Muang - These two pinnacles closer to the mainland offer some of the best diving outside the Similans. Manta rays, whale sharks and a variety of other sharks make frequent visits to these two spots where the diversity and sheer numbers of fish can be breathtaking. Shorter liveaboards trips that go here can give you a glimpse into some of Thailand's finest underwater treasures.

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How to Dive Thailand

The best diving is found in the Similan Islands, which are accessed by a large number of liveaboards. We promote the best boats across the price spectrum - boats that we know provide good service and value for money. To see the liveaboards we recommend please take a look at our Thailand liveaboards section.

If liveaboards are not what you are looking for, you can take daily dive trips to the best of Thailand's west coast from the comfort of your resort in one of the popular southern resort areas such as Krabi, Phi Phi or Phuket. For more information and to find the resort that suits you, have a look at our Thailand resorts pages.

Diving Season

Thailand diving is all year round with November through to April being the peak season with optimum conditions. February to May is the best time for whale sharks. The more remote dive sites like Hin Daeng and Richelieu Rock are sometimes inaccessible during the May to October period. Liveaboards run to the Similans from early October to mid-May.

Reef Summary

Great for: Small animals, underwater photography, diving value-for-money, advanced divers, beginner divers, snorkelling, non-diving activities
Not so great for:
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 5 - 40m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 26 - 31°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: >250
Access: Liveaboards and diving day tours
Recommended length of stay: 1 - 3 weeks

Touching on Thailand

So where do you want to dive? Read more on all these great spots:

For more on these and other destinations, visit our website Thailand dive sites.

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