Underwater Beauty: Top 6 Famous Scuba Diving Spot in Thailand

Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia known for its long coastline, beautiful landscapes, and tropical waters perfect for experiencing scuba diving activities. Below are some stunning scuba diving spots in Thailand that you might find interesting.

Best Time to Experience Scuba Diving in Thailand

The best time to go scuba diving in Thailand is usually from November to April, during the dry season. This period is suitable for experiencing diving in most of Thailand’s coastal destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao, and many other islands. During this phase, you’ll find clear waters, sunny skies, and fewer storms or heavy rains. November is often the best time to spot whale sharks in Koh Tao.

If you plan to experience scuba diving in Thailand, consider planning and booking in advance, especially if you intend to participate in diving courses or diving tours. The peak season can be crowded, and diving centers may fill up quickly.

However, if you plan to visit Thailand during the rainy season (from May to October), you can still dive at some destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Phi Phi. The rainy season may even offer more active marine life. However, it’s essential to monitor the weather, sea conditions, and consult with local dive centers to ensure safety.

In summary, the best time to go scuba diving in Thailand is during the dry season from November to April. This ensures you have a chance to experience clear waters and engage in scuba diving activities safely.

Top 6 Famous Scuba Diving Spots in Thailand

1. Koh Tao Island

Koh Tao Island, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of the premier destinations worldwide for scuba diving activities. It attracts thousands of tourists and divers from around the globe each year, not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its friendly diving environment and opportunities to explore a diverse underwater world.

Koh Tao boasts various unique and exciting dive sites. Colorful coral reefs and transparent sea areas create an enchanting underwater world. Popular dive sites include Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, Sail Rock, Shark Island, White Rock, and Green Rock, where you might encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, and hundreds of other fish species.

Apart from daytime diving, Koh Tao is famous for night diving. Night diving offers a thrilling experience, allowing you to witness nocturnal marine creatures like octopuses, bioluminescent jellyfish, and various fish species.

2. Phuket

Phuket is a highly renowned scuba diving destination in Thailand. Shark Point, Richelieu Rock, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Anemone Reef, and King Cruiser Wreck are among the best dive sites in Thailand. These sites offer different experiences for divers at all levels, from shallow coral reefs to more challenging deep dives.

Phuket is home to a variety of marine creatures, including tropical fish, turtles, and sharks. At certain times of the year, you might also spot larger creatures like manta rays and whale sharks. Divers can expect visibility ranging from 25m to 40m.

3. Koh Phi Phi

When talking about scuba diving spots in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi cannot be overlooked. This famous island is known for its fire shows and beach parties. Specifically, Koh Phi Phi is one of the most beginner-friendly diving spots in Thailand, allowing you to explore coral reefs and fish schools without going too far.

The island is renowned for its beautiful and soft coral reefs, limestone formations underwater, and crystal-clear waters along with white sandy beaches. Bida Nok, Bida Nai, King Cruiser Wreck, Palong Wall, and Koh Dok Mai are some of the diving sites you should visit. Divers can expect visibility ranging from 10m to 15m.

4. Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a renowned scuba diving spot in Thailand on the west coast. It hosts vibrant coral reefs, caves, and even deep underwater waterfalls. A unique experience while diving in Koh Lanta is the chance to see unique marine creatures like whale sharks, jellyfish, and other large fish species. The island is also famous for its caves and marine caverns, creating adventurous and thrilling diving expeditions.

For beginners, Koh Lanta offers diving courses suitable for all skill levels, from basic to advanced. Professional dive guides will guide you through the process and ensure safety throughout the underwater journey. The best diving spots in Koh Lanta are Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai, and Koh Rok.

5. Koh Phangan

Scuba diving activities in Koh Phangan introduce travelers to a new world, where you can explore diverse and colorful coral reefs. Under the bright sun, you’ll have the chance to encounter beautiful coral reefs surrounded by colorful fish.

Koh Phangan is also known for organizing diving courses suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. These courses are typically conducted by professional dive instructors, ensuring safety and understanding of the deep-sea world for everyone.

One of the most exciting experiences while diving in Koh Phangan is exploring stunning underwater caves and coral reefs. Beneath the clear turquoise waters, you’ll witness beautiful rock caves where fishermen once hid for centuries. The sensation of relaxation and immersion in the untouched nature of the ocean is unforgettable. The best diving sites in Koh Phangan are Mae Haad Coral Reef, Haad Salat, and Haad Yao.

6. Similan Islands

Unlike other scuba diving spots in Thailand, the Similan Islands are located in a marine national park near the Andaman Sea. You can reach the Similan Islands from Phuket, Ranong, or Khao Lak. There are various underwater landscapes when diving in the Similan Islands, ranging from deep rock canyons to smaller coral reefs.

The Similan Islands are famous for their diverse coral reefs, resembling a coral world with exciting opportunities for exploration. The coral reefs here are often colorful and vibrant, providing a chance to see unique coral species. The Similan Islands are not only home to coral species but also to diverse fish species, from seahorses and jellyfish to sharks. The best diving spots at the Similan Islands are East of Eden, Elephant Head Rock, North Point, Deep Six, Boulder City, Shark Fin Reef, and Christmas Point.

Scuba diving spots in Thailand are not only beautiful but also rich in marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver.

Source: Compiled from the Internet.