7 best scuba diving spots in Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination for scuba diving due to the warm waters and exotic marine life. With ample locations to choose from, Thailand offers diverse diving experiences for both beginner and seasoned divers. Here is the top 7 diving locations in Thailand:
- Similan Islands Located in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are considered one of the best diving spots in Thailand. The clear waters boast beautiful coral reefs, stunning rock formations, and a diverse range of marine life including blacktip reef sharks, whale sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays. The Similan Islands are only accessible by boat, and the best time to visit is from November to April when the seas are calm and visibility is optimal.
- Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is a popular island in the Gulf of Thailand known for its affordable diving courses and beautiful underwater landscapes. The shallow waters are ideal for new divers, and there are plenty of dive sites available for more experienced divers. The marine life in Koh Tao is diverse, and divers can expect to see barracudas, reef sharks, and colourful fish swimming among the vibrant coral reefs.
- Chumphon Pinnacle is a submerged granite rock formation located near Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. The pinnacle rises from the ocean floor to a depth of 14 meters and is home to a wide range of marine life, including whale sharks, barracudas, and giant groupers. The visibility is typically good, and divers can enjoy the stunning views of the underwater landscape.
- Hin Daeng and Hin Muang Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are two submerged pinnacles located in the Andaman Sea. These sites are known for their impressive vertical walls that drop down to great depths, and divers can explore the caves, crevices, and overhangs along the wall. The waters around Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are home to a large number of big fish species, including manta rays, whale sharks, and the occasional grey reef shark.
- Richelieu Rock, situated north of the Similan Islands, is one of the premier diving destinations in Thailand. The site is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coral formations. Divers will have the opportunity to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, and barracuda, as well as a range of smaller marine life like nudibranchs and seahorses.
- Koh Lanta is a laid-back island in the Andaman Sea that offers a range of diving experiences suitable for divers at all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, the waters around Koh Lanta offer a diverse range of marine life, including seahorses, lionfish, and clownfish. The dive sites around Koh Lanta are known for their colorful coral formations and wrecks.
- Koh Phi Phi is a popular island in the Andaman Sea that offers fantastic diving opportunities in clear waters with diverse marine life. The waters around Koh Phi Phi are home to a variety of sharks, including reef sharks and leopard sharks, as well as schools of colorful fish, octopuses, and sea turtles. The nearby Bida Islands offer deeper dives, with opportunities to explore caverns and crevices.
In conclusion, Thailand offers an unparalleled diving experience, with a diverse range of locations that cater to divers of all experience levels. From beginner-friendly shallow dives to deep dives on submerged pinnacles, there is always something to discover beneath Thailand’s tropical waters. Hope you enjoy!