Phuket is a diver’s dream, with a stunning array of underwater landscapes teeming with marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting, these six must-see dive sites will leave you in awe and longing for more. Get ready to explore the vibrant coral gardens, mysterious wrecks, and diverse marine life that make Phuket a world-class diving destination! Kiwidivers is ready to take you to these sites safely and with the best service on the island!
1. Phi Phi Islands
Location: Approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) east of Phuket
Average Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours by boat
Average Depth: 10-30 meters (33-98 feet)
Marine Life: Phi Phi Islands offer some of the most spectacular diving in Thailand. Here, you’ll find an abundance of colorful coral reefs, schools of vibrant fish, and playful sea turtles. Keep an eye out for blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks, and occasionally, a majestic whale shark passing by. The underwater visibility is often excellent, making it a perfect spot for underwater photography.
2. Racha Yai
Location: Approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Phuket
Average Travel Time: 1 hour by boat
Average Depth: 5-25 meters (16-82 feet)
Marine Life: Racha Yai is known for its crystal-clear waters and gentle currents, making it an ideal site for beginners and experienced divers alike. The dive site is home to a plethora of marine life, including barracudas, octopuses, and cuttlefish. Explore the artificial reefs and shipwrecks that have become havens for schools of snapper, moray eels, and scorpionfish.
3. Racha Noi
Location: Approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of Racha Yai
Average Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours by boat
Average Depth: 10-40 meters (33-131 feet)
Marine Life: Racha Noi offers deeper dives and the chance to see larger pelagic species. The waters here are frequented by manta rays, eagle rays, and sometimes, the elusive whale shark. The site is renowned for its stunning underwater landscapes, featuring massive granite boulders, hard and soft corals, and an impressive array of tropical fish.
4. Anemone Reef
Location: Approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of Phuket
Average Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours by boat
Average Depth: 5-25 meters (16-82 feet)
Marine Life: As the name suggests, Anemone Reef is adorned with an abundance of sea anemones and their resident clownfish. This vibrant dive site is also home to lionfish, porcupine pufferfish, and schools of yellowtail barracuda. The reef’s unique structure and colorful marine life make it a favorite among divers seeking a dynamic and visually stunning underwater experience.
5. Shark Point
Location: Approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) east of Phuket
Average Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours by boat
Average Depth: 10-30 meters (33-98 feet)
Marine Life: Shark Point is a marine sanctuary known for its frequent sightings of leopard sharks resting on the sandy seabed. The site features a series of submerged pinnacles covered in soft corals, sponges, and gorgonian sea fans. Divers can also encounter banded sea snakes, blue-spotted stingrays, and a variety of nudibranchs.
6. King Cruiser Wreck
Location: Approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of Phuket, near Anemone Reef and Shark Point
Average Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours by boat
Average Depth: 12-32 meters (39-105 feet)
Marine Life: The King Cruiser Wreck, a sunken car ferry, has become a thriving artificial reef teeming with marine life. The wreck is encrusted with corals and home to schools of trevally, barracuda, and snapper. The eerie yet fascinating structure attracts moray eels, lionfish, and scorpionfish, making it a thrilling dive for wreck enthusiasts and marine life lovers alike.
Dive Into Adventure
Phuket’s dive sites offer a mesmerizing mix of marine biodiversity, breathtaking underwater landscapes, and exhilarating experiences. Whether you’re navigating through the colorful reefs of Phi Phi Islands or exploring the haunting depths of the King Cruiser Wreck, each dive promises a new adventure. Pack your gear, book your dive trip, and get ready to discover why Phuket is a must-visit destination for divers from around the world. Dive in and create memories that will last a lifetime! Let Kiwidivers be your guide on your trip. Let us take care of everything for you! Come dive with us!