Diving in Thailand
Dive in the Land of Smiles
Thailand diving holidays, in the Land of Smiles, mean enjoying the gorgeous weather, great hospitality of the local people, the beauty of the land and the rich bounty of the warm Andaman 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 1 particular area but most of 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, most of which now enjoy national marine park status. You can cruise the seas on fantastic well-run liveaboards or stay in some of the fantastic beach resorts of Phuket, Krabi or Phi Phi Islands, enjoying some great day trip diving without compromising on comfort or quality.
The Andaman Sea is crammed with colourful coral and tropical marine life, set around some stunning tropical islands, and is characterised by sites 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 Rock which are among the finest in Thailand and as good as anywhere in Asia. One of the best features of diving in the Similan Islands is its 2 distinct types of dive site - deep water buolder formations and pretty coral gardens.
Hin Daeng / Hin Muang - These 2 pinnacles away from the Thai 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 2 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 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.
Got a question?
Have a look through our Frequently asked questions
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:
• Thailand tourist information
View a map of:
• Thailand
• Send your diving holidays enquiry
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