Phuket

Phuket, Thailand, is the heart of diving in the Andaman Sea, offering unparalleled access to a diverse underwater world. With over 18 local dive sites, it serves as a bustling hub for both day trips and longer liveaboard excursions to the world-renowned Similan and Surin Islands. The local diving is characterized by vibrant coral reefs, granite boulder formations, and intriguing shipwrecks like the King Cruiser. This variety caters to a wide spectrum of interests, from macro photography enthusiasts searching for seahorses and nudibranchs to those seeking dramatic underwater landscapes and bustling reef ecosystems.

Diving in Phuket is possible year-round, with warm tropical waters that rarely dip below 27°C (80°F). The high season, from November to April, boasts the best conditions with calm seas and excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters. This accessibility, combined with a vast array of dive centers offering courses for all levels, makes Phuket an ideal destination. Whether you're taking your first breath underwater or are a seasoned pro looking for new adventures, Phuket's combination of convenient logistics, rich marine biodiversity, and stunning topside scenery makes it a premier global diving destination.

Top Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in Phuket, Thailand?
The King Cruiser Wreck is arguably Phuket's most famous dive site. This 85-meter passenger ferry sank in 1997 and now rests upright, creating a spectacular artificial reef. It's popular because it's teeming with huge schools of fish, including snappers, barracuda, and trevallies. Its depth (18-32 meters) makes it an exciting multi-level dive for advanced divers, offering a unique wreck experience in the Andaman Sea.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Phuket, Thailand?
Well-known sites like Shark Point and Anemone Reef are fantastic for their vibrant soft corals and leopard shark sightings. For a less crowded experience, explore the local sites off Kata or Karon beaches, such as Koh Pu. These shallow reefs are perfect for macro life, housing ghost pipefish, seahorses, and various nudibranchs. They offer a relaxed dive away from the main boat traffic, ideal for photographers and critter hunters.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Phuket, Thailand?
Water temperatures in Phuket, Thailand, are consistently warm and tropical, making diving comfortable year-round. They typically range from 28-30°C (82-86°F) during the high season (November-April). In the monsoon season (May-October), temperatures might occasionally dip to a still-pleasant 27°C (81°F). This stable warmth means you can enjoy the underwater world without needing a thick wetsuit, regardless of when you visit.
When is the best time to visit Phuket, Thailand?
The best time for diving in Phuket, Thailand, is during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, you can expect calm seas, sunny weather, and optimal underwater visibility, often reaching 25-40 meters. This period is also the peak season for liveaboards heading to the Similan and Surin Islands. While diving is possible year-round, the monsoon season (May to October) can bring choppier seas and reduced visibility.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Phuket, Thailand?
During the prime dive season in Phuket, Thailand (November to April), underwater visibility is generally excellent, ranging from 20 to 40 meters (65-130 feet) at most offshore sites. Local beach dives may have slightly lower visibility. In the green season (May to October), visibility can be more variable due to plankton blooms and runoff, typically ranging from 10 to 20 meters (30-65 feet). However, these blooms can attract larger filter feeders.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Phuket, Thailand?
Yes, the high season (November to April) is the best time for spotting pelagics around Phuket, Thailand. While not guaranteed, whale sharks and manta rays are more frequently sighted during this period, especially at sites like Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, which are accessible via liveaboards or long day trips. The plankton-rich waters attract these magnificent filter feeders, offering divers a chance for a truly memorable encounter.
What marine life can I expect to see in Phuket, Thailand?
Phuket, Thailand, boasts a rich diversity of marine life. Common sightings include leopard sharks, blacktip reef sharks, turtles, and large schools of snappers and barracuda. The reefs are vibrant with anemonefish, moray eels, lionfish, and scorpionfish. Macro enthusiasts will find seahorses, ghost pipefish, and a wide variety of colorful nudibranchs. Cuttlefish and octopus are also frequently spotted among the coral and rock formations.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Phuket, Thailand?
With water temperatures in Phuket, Thailand, ranging from 27-30°C (80-86°F) year-round, a full-length 3mm wetsuit is the most common choice. This provides sufficient thermal protection for multiple dives and protects against minor scrapes or jellyfish stings. Some divers are comfortable in just a shorty or even a rash guard and shorts, especially during the warmest months. A hood is generally not necessary.
How do I get to Phuket, Thailand?
Getting to Phuket, Thailand, is straightforward as it has a major international airport (HKT) with direct flights from many countries. From the airport, you can easily take a taxi, pre-booked transfer, or shared minibus to the main tourist areas like Patong, Karon, or Chalong, where most dive operators are based. Chalong Pier is the main departure point for most local dive boats.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Phuket, Thailand?
The choice depends on your goals. Staying on shore in Phuket, Thailand, is great for local day trips, taking courses, and enjoying the island's topside attractions. It offers flexibility and access to sites like the King Cruiser Wreck. A liveaboard is essential if you want to dive the world-class Similan and Surin Islands or the southern sites of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, as they are too far for day trips.
All Dive Sites in Phuket (24)
Anemone ReefAo Sane BeachAussie Reef Racha NoiBanana Bay Racha NoiBuddha IslandBungalow Bay Racha YaiCamera Bay Racha NoiHarruby WreckKaron RockKata Beach House ReefKata Beach NorthKata Beach SouthKing Cruiser WreckKoh Doc MaiMai ThonMarina Baymaritas RockNui BeachRacha NoiRacha Noi IslandRacha Yai IslandSiam Bay Racha YaiSouth TipThe G Beach ClubYanui Beach