Scuba Diving in Phuket: What to Know

Phuket offers convenient access to both easy bay dives and proper Andaman Sea sites. Most trips head to the Similan Islands, Phi Phi, or closer spots like King Cruiser and Shark Point. Expect warm water (27–30°C), decent visibility (10–30m depending on season), and a mix of reefs, wrecks, and the chance to see reef sharks, rays, and turtles. Day trips involve two dives with a surface interval on the boat; liveaboards give you three or four days of solid diving with less travel time. The diving itself is straightforward for anyone with an Open Water certification—strong currents are possible but guides manage groups conservatively.

Best time is December to April when the Andaman Sea is calmer and visibility is better. May to October brings cheaper prices and fewer crowds but rougher seas; many operators stop Similan trips entirely during the monsoon. Expect to pay around $120–180 for a two-dive day trip including gear and lunch, $400–650 for a three-day liveaboard. Full PADI courses run $350–500.

Pick a smaller operator that limits group sizes to four or five divers per guide. Skip the cheapest boats that pack 25 people onto one vessel—you'll spend more time queuing for equipment and fighting for space on the platform than actually diving. If you're new, do your Open Water course in calm Kata or Karon rather than trying to learn in the Similans.