Phuket Island Day Trip Dive Sites
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Phuket Island, commonly referred to as the " Pearl of the Andaman Sea", is Thailand's largest Island and the scuba diving mecca of Southeast Asia. Lying in the Andaman Sea off of Thailand's southwestern coast, its location is what sets it apart from all other diving locations in Asia. With the benefit of a multitude of top side attractions and an impressive choice of Day Trip Diving sites its no wonder Phuket is the top diving destination in Asia year after year.
From the picturesque shores of Phuket you will have a multitude of scuba diving options: Phuket Speed Boat Dive Charters, Local Day Trip Boats, Dive Similan Islands Day Trips, Hin Daeng Liveaboard, Koh Phi Phi Diving, Phi Phi Overnight, or Similan Liveaboard. Phuket is Thailand's only resort area where all of the best dive sites Thailand has to offer are only a day trip away!
No less impressive is Phuket's assortment of local dive sites; from the azure waters of the Similan like Racha Islands, to the natural treasures of Shark Point Marine Sanctuary, and the King Cruiser Wreck, Phuket has something for divers of every skill level.
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With unlimited access to all of Thailand's best dive sites, an incredibly diverse local marine ecosystem, and world renowned topside attractions Phuket has something to offer even the most seasoned of diving travelers. Come with us and discover the magnificence of Phuket Island.
Phuket Dive Sites
Shark Point Marine Sanctuary
Shark Point Marine Sanctuary actually consist of two separate dive sites: Shark Point and Anemone Reef. Given official marine sanctuary status in 1992, both sites truly offer world class quality diving. These rock pinnacles which are ranked among some of the best coral reefs on the planet are home to an incredible and diverse variety of marine life. Dive this site on your thailand diving holiday!
Phuket Shark Point (East of Phuket Island)
Rising from the deep blue sea, the only evidence of Shark Point is the exposed tip of a rock pinnacle, which is only a few meters above sea level. However, once below the surface three large reef sections provide a wealth of diving options, and an explosion of tropical species. This reef is covered with brilliant purple and pink soft corals, sturdy star and brain corals, not to mention the huge gorgonian's and sea fans. Squadrons of jacks, tuna and snapper patrol the reef while stingrays and barracudas cruise by. Leopard sharks, after whom the site was named, can be seen on nearly every dive lying on the sandy bottom surrounding the pinnacles. These harmless and generally shy sharks which grow to over two meters are among the biggest attractions at Shark Point.
Currents are moderate, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 22+ meters. A Thailand natural treasure!
Anemone Reef (East of Phuket Island)
Lying less than 600 meters to the north of Shark Point and just below the surface, is an amazing reef which resembles Shark Point, only on a smaller scale. True to its name, the top portion of this reef is covered in a living carpet of sea anemones and soft coral. Many of the anemones are home to delicate porcelain crabs, gorgeous anemone shrimp, and one of four different species of clown fish. Scuba Diving in Phuket!
Anemones are not all this stunning reef has to offer. The rocky slopes, which drop off dramatically to a depth of over 30 meters are heavily populated with brilliant soft coral growths, colorful gorgonian's, several species of moray eels and a number of invertebrates. This site is also a haven to larger predators like grouper and snapper, which terrorize small bait fish in the shallows. Keep your eyes open for the larger pelagic's, deep into the blue.
Currents are moderate, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 25+ meters. A Thailand natural treasure!
King Cruiser Wreck (East of Phuket Island)
In may of 1997, the King Cruiser was suddenly and surprisingly added to Phuket's dive site portfolio. During a sightseeing expedition, between Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands, the passenger ferry savagely collided with Anemone Reef and slowly but surely began to sink into the blue; finally coming to rest on the sandy bottom one mile to the east of Shark Point. Fortunately all persons onboard were rescued without incidence and Phuket was provided with a fascinating wreck. When scuba diving in Phuket this is a must see.
The King Cruiser is an enormous car ferry that was built in Japan 30 years ago, as a comfortable catamaran-hull passenger cruiser with four decks. She has a length of 85 meters and a breadth of 25 meters. She is lying in an almost upright position in fairly shallow waters. The steering house is at about 10 meters below the surface while the propellers rest at the deepest point of 32 meters. The most interesting areas to explore are the passenger decks, between 15-20 meters deep. Exploration of this area of the ship does not require penetration.
The wreck has quickly become a new home for many species of fish and coral. Large schools of big mouth mackerel cruise in the blue, while large groupers guard the holes and crevices. The wreck is an incredible opportunity to observe the progress of marine life forms colonizing a new part of their environment.
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 30+ meters. A man made wonder!
Koh Doc Mai (East of Phuket Island)
Koh Dok Mai is a small island rising vertically out of the sea, that offers some of the best wall diving in the Phuket area. In thai the name means flower island, which becomes obvious once you descend and see the walls covered in flowering soft coral down to 30+ meters. Koh Doc Mai is a favorite among macro enthusiast and photographers, as well as among cave divers as there are a series of caves and caverns on the east side of the tiny island. The walls here are a macro lovers dream offering ghost pipefish, sea horses, colorful nudibranchs, and variety of small crabs and shrimp. Don' forget your macro lens!
Currents moderate to strong, intermediate to advanced divers.. Depth: to 30+ meters. A Phuket Island best kept secret!
Racha Islands
To the south of Phuket lie two beautiful tropical islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. Both islands feature sloping hard coral reefs punctuated with inspiring rock formations and patches of powdery white sand. There is an abundance of marine life here which includes schools of barracuda, lionfish, moray eels, nudibranchs and countless other invertebrates. These two islands which are so similar and yet so different offer a variety of diving experiences for both the beginner and expert diver.
Racha Yai (South of Phuket Island)
Known for its easy diving, crystal clear water and abundant marine life the east side of Racha Yai is undoubtedly the best diving around this island. A typical dive consist of a gentle drift along the sloping rocky face while large schools of barracuda patrol the outer edges. On the reef itself, it is common to encounter blue spotted stingrays, octopus, colorful reef fishes and massive giant triggerfish.<br> On the northeast tip of the island there is also the wreck of the Andaman Explorer sitting on the sandy bottom, at a depth of 24 meters. The wreck attracts a variety of reef fish and large schools of the unusual batfish. The diving here is generally very peaceful and allows divers time to absorb all of its treasures.
Currents are slight, for divers of all levels. Depth: to 24+ meters. A favorite dive site for divers and snorkelers alike!
Racha Noi (South of Phuket Island)
A few miles to the south of Racha Yai, the slender, rocky island of Racha Noi offers, the experienced diver, conditions and scenery similar to that found in the Similan Islands. The northern tip of the island features rocky slopes, hard coral gardens and giant rock pinnacles which start at the surface and plunge almost vertically to beyond sport diving depth. Visibility is excellent during high season, ranging from 20-40 meters. Marine life here includes both hard and soft corals, crinoids of many colors, a wide variety of reef fish and there is always the possibility of spotting the oceanic giants like Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. As the depths are generally greater and the tidal currents much stronger, the diving around this island is a bit more challenging than on its sister island to the north. Day Trip Diving Phuket at its very best!
Currents moderate to strong, for intermediate to advanced divers. Depth: to 40+ meters. A world famous Phuket dive site!!
Phuket Island Diving Quick Facts
- Diving Season: Year Round (The best diving is November to May)
- Distance from Phuket: 45 Km East of Phuket (1 1/2 Hours)
- Depth: 5 to 30+ meters
- Current: Depending on the site, gentle to strong
- Visibility: Varies from 8 to 40+ meters
- Water Temp: 26-29°C
- Experience Level: All levels of certified divers
- Access: Phuket Day Trip Boats, Phuket Speed Boat Diving Charters, Phuket Liveaboard
- Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Weeks to dive all locations
- Highlights: Macro, Beginner Dives, Great Topside Attractions, Snorkeling, Great Value
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