Thailand’s largest island is a place where adventure spans both the land and the sea. Here at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, we offer ethical Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities that take place in our very own piece of lush jungle. But even more natural wonders await in the ocean. To get the most out of your visit to Phuket, we recommend both exploring our verdant forests and diving beneath the waves!
As such, we’ve created this guide to scuba diving in Phuket, including the best locations to dive and how to combine your scuba excursions with our tours back on land. Keep reading for our top tips, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our sanctuary!
What Makes Phuket a Prime Scuba Diving Destination
Phuket is a diver’s paradise, offering everything from colorful coral reefs to dramatic pinnacles and historic shipwrecks. Dive sites are located offshore or at nearby islands, making diving here easily accessible. And with warm, clear waters, you’ll be able to enjoy the diversity of marine life, including clownfish, angelfish, moray eels, sea turtles, manta rays, leopard sharks, and more.
Diving in Phuket is suitable for people of all levels, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver. There are also numerous dive centers and operators available, from Aussie Divers Phuket, who offer both PADI courses and scuba diving excursions, to Phuket Dive Tours, who provide snorkeling tours and equipment in addition to their dives.
Of course, if you’re not ready to dive into the deep end, there are plenty more activities to enjoy in the water. Check out our guide to Water Sports in Phuket You Should Not Miss!
The Best Time to Visit Phuket for Scuba Diving
The most popular and reliable time to dive is from November to April, when the Andaman Sea is calm, water clarity is at its best, and surface conditions make for smooth boat rides. This period also coincides with Phuket’s dry season, meaning sunny days both for your dive trips and your other island adventures.
Between May and October, the monsoon season brings more wind and occasional rain. However, diving is still possible. Conditions can vary between more cloudy and sunny days, and some offshore sites may be temporarily closed, such as the Similan Islands. That said, this period has its own appeal — fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and often lower prices!
The Best Locations for Scuba Diving Around Phuket
Phuket offers an impressive selection of dive sites, each with its own unique attractions. Here are just some of the best dive spots on the island:
Shark Point and Anemone Reef
Located about 28 kilometers to the east of Phuket, Shark Point and Anemone Reef are among the island’s most famous underwater spots. Anemone Reef consists of one pinnacle, while Shark Point has three! Both sites are bursting with colorful soft corals, sea fans, and swaying anemones. At Shark Point, leopard sharks are often seen resting on the sandy bottom, hence the name. The currents can be strong at times, so this site is best for intermediate divers.
King Cruiser Wreck
The King Cruiser Wreck offers a different kind of thrill. This former ferry sank in 1997 as a result of striking the Anemone Reef, but all 600 passengers were rescued. Today, it serves as an artificial reef teeming with fish. The site is better for more experienced divers, who can explore its coral-covered decks and navigate through the structure.
Racha Yai and Racha Noi
South of Phuket, the Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands provide some of the best diving conditions in Thailand. Known for their crystal-clear water and gentle conditions, Racha Yai’s shallow reefs are perfect for beginners, while Racha Noi’s deeper sites attract advanced divers hoping to spot manta rays. Both islands can be accessed on a boat tour, alongside numerous other islands that are prime for diving. Check out our guide to Phuket Day Trips & Excursions to Nearby Islands for more ideas!
Kata Beach
If you’d prefer a dive site with easier access, Kata Beach is perfect. The shallow reef here is accessible from shore, making it ideal for beginners, refresher dives, or anyone wanting to explore without a boat ride. Beneath the surface, you’ll find vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish, seahorses, sea moths, cuttlefish, and even the occasional turtle gliding by.
Koh Doc Mai
Last but not least, Koh Doc Mai, a tiny limestone island east of Phuket, is famous for its vertical walls and hidden caves. It’s a favorite among underwater photographers thanks to its abundance of creatures — bamboo sharks can be found here, while seahorses and nudibranchs tuck into the coral. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale shark!
Combining Scuba Diving with an Elephant Tour at PENR
To experience Phuket above and below the surface, combine your scuba diving experience with one of our Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities! You’ll not only get to immerse yourself in the island’s otherworldly marine diversity, but also appreciate the creatures that roam on land, too.
Plan your scuba diving excursion for one day, and either our Half-Day Elephant Adventure in Phuket or 90-Minute Elephant Adventure in Phuket for another, giving yourself time to rest in between. Our ethical elephant encounters will bring you safely up close to these gentle giants, almost as close as to the leopard sharks in the sand! Whether you come for the diving, the elephants, or both, your experiences in Phuket will stay with you long after you leave. Any questions about our tours? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
