Dive sites in and around Phuket
The Phuket area has numerous dive sites located along the Andaman coast. These range from reefs to pinnacles, banks and walls. Dive sites in Phuket are well known and there are enough of them to ensure they don’t get crowded. Part of the attraction of the various dive sites is the unbeatable scenery nearby, such as Phi Phi Island and the Similan Islands.
In Phuket, dive sites are well known to the many dive operations on the Island and they usually run regular excursions to these. By shopping around you will invariably find a shop that is running a dive to a site near Phuket some time during your stay.
The Similan Islands are undoubtedly the most famous of Phuket dive sites in the Andaman Sea. This archipelago consists of nine islands that offer truly amazing conditions and stunning undersea beauty. The visibility has been known to top out at 100 meters and the sea life includes a vast array of colourful tropical fish as well as whale sharks.
Shark Point is named after the population of Leopard Sharks that make their home near this large rock pinnacle. Despite their fierce sounding name, Leopard sharks are small and docile, and no danger to divers. Shark Point offers a great dive at multiple depths as the pinnacle rises from 24 meters to six meters and is home to large schools of tropical fish as well as spectacular sea fans and soft coral. It’s one of the most rewarding dive sites in Phuket.
Koh Phi Phi is another popular dive destination in the Andaman Sea. A two hour cruise from Phuket brings divers to this spectacular island. Tree covered limestone monoliths rise straight out of the sea, reaching heights of 500 meters. The undersea landscape is just as interesting with a diverse array of dive profiles, ranging from reefs to walls and shallow caves. Phi Phi is inhabited and is a great base for a few days of exploring the local dive sites while in the Phuket area.
Racha Yai and Racha Noi are also often spelled Raya or Rajah. No matter how you spell them, however, these small islands right off the coast of Phuket offer some of the best year round diving in Phuket. Racha Yai offers two small bays near its northern tip that have tranquil conditions and good temperatures year round, while the east side of the island features an excellent leisurely drift dive. Racha Noi, the smaller of the two, has deeper waters and strong currents, making it less suitable for beginners. For the experienced diver, however, it’s an excellent place to see Manta rays and Whale sharks. Deep dive enthusiasts will find Racha Noi to be highly rewarding.
Richelieu Rock is located about 18 km east of the Surin Islands. This is possibly the best place in the world to swim with one of the most amazing creatures in the sea - the whale shark. Whale sharks are spotted around 60 percent of the time here, with the most sightings during February, March and April. Whale sharks are gentle creatures despite their 20 meter length and a swim with one is an unforgettable experience.
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