Best Places For Scuba Diving in Thailand

Overview

Thailand is one of the best places in the world for diving. Scuba diving in Thailand features warm, clear water and amazing sea animals. There are dive spots for everyone, from shallow coral reefs for beginners to deep wreck dives for experienced divers. You might even see whale sharks and manta rays.

The diving conditions change throughout the year. The Andaman Sea, which includes places like Phuket and the Similan Islands, is best from November to May. The Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Samui and Koh Tao, is great for diving from May to October.

With colorful reefs, exciting underwater caves, and lots of sea life, Thailand is perfect for unforgettable diving adventures. Scuba diving spots in Thailand offer coral reefs, rich marine life, and diverse underwater landscapes.

Why Thailand is a Top Diving Destination?

Rich Marine Life: See colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, manta rays, and whale sharks during Scuba diving in Thailand.
Warm, Clear Water: You can dive all year with water temperatures between 26-30°C (78-86°F). The water is clear, and you can see well underwater.
Great Facilities: Thailand has many dive schools, skilled guides, and resorts that are perfect for divers.
Affordable Options: You can enjoy amazing dives at lower prices compared to other places.

Top Scuba Diving Locations in Thailand

Similan Islands

Main Highlights: Famous for clear waters, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral reefs.
Diving Fee: Around 3,000-4,000 THB per dive.
Location: Off the coast of Phang Nga Province, in the Andaman Sea.
Getting There: A liveaboard or boat from Phuket or Khao Lak.
Lodging Options: Liveaboard boats or hotels in Khao Lak.

Khao Lak

Main Highlights: Easy access to Similan Islands, rich marine life, and coral gardens.
Diving Fee: 2,000-3,000 THB per dive.
Location: About 60 km north of Phuket, on the Andaman coast.
Getting There: A 1.5-hour drive from Phuket.
Lodging Options: Resorts, guesthouses, and dive centers.

Richelieu Rock

Main Highlights: Famous for spotting whale sharks and rich biodiversity.
Diving Fee: 3,500-4,500 THB per dive.
Location: 18 km southeast of Koh Tachai, in the Andaman Sea.
Getting There: Boat from Khao Lak or liveaboard trips.
Lodging Options: Liveaboard or stay in Khao Lak.

Koh Phi Phi

Main Highlights: Stunning underwater landscapes, clear waters, and vibrant reefs.
Diving Fee: 1,500-3,500 THB per dive.
Location: Located in Krabi Province, in the Andaman Sea.
Getting There: 2-hour ferry ride from Phuket or Krabi.
Lodging Options: Resorts, guesthouses, and dive resorts.

Surin Islands

Main Highlights: Diverse coral gardens and the chance to see large marine species.
Diving Fee: 2,500-4,000 THB per dive.
Location: Located in the Andaman Sea, near the Myanmar border.
Getting There: By boat from Khao Lak or liveaboard.
Lodging Options: Liveaboard boats or tents on the islands.

Koh Tao

Main Highlights: Known for vibrant coral reefs, easy diving conditions, and abundant fish.
Diving Fee: 1,500-2,500 THB per dive.
Location: In the Gulf of Thailand, near Koh Samui.
Getting There: Boat from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
Lodging Options: Budget hostels, resorts, and dive centers.

Koh Lipe

Main Highlights: Crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and beautiful coral reefs.
Diving Fee: 2,500-3,500 THB per dive.
Location: In the southern part of the Andaman Sea.
Getting There: Boat from Pak Bara Pier in Satun.
Lodging Options: Beach resorts, hotels, and dive resorts.

Koh Samui

Main Highlights: Shallow reefs, great for beginners, and a relaxing island experience.
Diving Fee: 1,500-2,500 THB per dive.
Location: Gulf of Thailand, near Koh Phangan.
Getting There: By ferry or flight from Surat Thani.
Lodging Options: Resorts, hostels, and dive centers.

HTMS Chang, Ko Chang

Main Highlights: A famous wreck dive site, home to various marine life.
Diving Fee: 1,500-3,000 THB per dive.
Location: Off the coast of Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand.
Getting There: By boat from Koh Chang.
Lodging Options: Hotels and Resorts on Koh Chang.

Sail Rock

Main Highlights: Clear waters, great for spotting large fish and underwater rock formations.
Diving Fee: 2,500-3,500 THB per dive.
Location: Between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Getting There: Boat from Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.
Lodging Options: Resorts on Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.

Shark Point

Main Highlights: A popular site for spotting sharks, coral gardens, and vibrant marine life.
Diving Fee: 1,800-3,000 THB per dive.
Location: Near Phuket in the Andaman Sea.
Getting There: Boat from Phuket.
Lodging Options: Resorts and hotels in Phuket.

Pattaya

Main Highlights: Easy access, lively diving spots with vibrant fish and wreck dives.
Diving Fee: 1,500-2,500 THB per dive.
Location: On the Gulf of Thailand, near Bangkok.
Getting There: 2-hour drive or ferry ride from Bangkok.
Lodging Options: Hotels and resorts in Pattaya.

Phuket

Main Highlights: Known for rich marine life, including wreck dives and coral reefs.
Diving Fee: 2,000-3,000 THB per dive.
Location: Andaman Sea, southern Thailand.
Getting There: By plane or boat from Krabi.
Lodging Options: Resorts, guesthouses, and dive centers.

The Island of Koh Ma

Main Highlights: Shallow reefs and easy access for beginner divers.
Diving Fee: 1,500-2,500 THB per dive.
Location: Off the coast of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand.
Getting There: Boat from Koh Phangan.
Lodging Options: Guesthouses and resorts on Koh Phangan.

Koh Tachai

Main Highlights: Stunning underwater scenery, vibrant fish, and a chance to see manta rays.
Diving Fee: 3,000-4,000 THB per dive.
Location: In the Similan Islands National Park, Andaman Sea.
Getting There: Boat from Khao Lak or liveaboard.
Lodging Options: Liveaboard boats or stay in Khao Lak.

Marine Life You Will See on Scuba Diving in Thailand

Thailand’s waters are full of amazing sea animals which you can see while scuba diving in Thailand. You might see huge whale sharks, manta rays, and leopard sharks. There are also whitetip and blacktip sharks swimming around. Spotted eagle rays and blue-spotted rays glide, while colorful fish like pufferfish, trevally, and trumpetfish make the reefs beautiful.

What are Scuba Dive Certification and Training Opportunities?

Thailand is a great place to learn or improve your diving skills. With experienced teachers and well-known certifications like PADI and SSI, Thailand’s dive schools offer affordable courses for everyone. Beginners can take the Open Water Diver course, which lasts 3-4 days and includes lessons and practice. Advanced divers can take the Advanced Open Water course in 2-3 days or choose specialized courses like Deep Diver or Wreck Diver. The Dive Master course takes about four weeks.

Thailand has calm, clear waters, especially around Koh Tao, making it perfect for training. The shallow reefs and colorful marine life make learning fun and safe. Instructors focus on dive safety and protecting the ocean, so you dive responsibly. With beautiful dive sites and great training, Scuba diving in Thailand is perfect for exploring the underwater world while helping keep it safe for the future.