Andy's Scuba Diving

Based in the Rawai and Nai Harn region of Phuket, Andy's Scuba Diving operates as a dedicated PADI Dive Resort. The centre provides a gateway to some of Thailand's most iconic diving, from the shallow coral gardens of Kata Beach to the deep, current-swept wrecks of the Andaman Sea.

Whether you are looking for day trips to the Phi Phi Islands or multi-day liveaboards to the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, and Koh Bon, the operation is built around professional standards. They also facilitate trips further afield, including expeditions to Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, and Myanmar.

The team is led by Jon, a Master Diver, with Lisa managing the administrative side of the centre. This family-oriented structure ensures a personal approach to every guest, maintaining a focus on safety and clear communication throughout your training or recreational dives.

The centre is a PADI Dive Resort and holds SHA Plus approval. Environmental stewardship is a core part of their identity, with active support for Shark Guardian, Project Aware, and the Mai Khao Turtle Foundation.

Instruction is conducted in English, covering everything from the Discover Scuba Diving programme for beginners to professional-level Divemaster training. For those working through their certifications, the centre has its own swimming pool available for confined water sessions.

The centre provides a comprehensive curriculum of PADI courses for all experience levels. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Junior Open Water programme, progressing through to the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers the PADI Deep Diver and Wreck Diver specialties. More advanced training includes the PADI Rescue Diver course and the Divemaster programme, as well as PADI First Aid training.

For liveaboard expeditions, the centre utilises vessels such as the Manta Queen series and the MV Dolphin Queen. These boats provide the platform for extended trips to the Similan Islands and beyond, with the MV Dolphin Queen offering 3-day and 5-day itineraries.

On these trips, amenities include breakfast, lunch, snacks, and fresh fruit. The boats are equipped with Bluetooth audio systems and provide reef-safe sunscreen for guests. For those looking for a more private experience, speedboat charters are available for non-divers.

A full range of diving kit is available for hire, including regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits. If you are planning night dives, torches are available for rent. For those diving on liveaboards, long wetsuits and dive computers can also be provided.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. On the Manta Queen vessels, Nitrox can be arranged per cylinder or as a package for the entire trip, while the MV Dolphin Queen offers similar options for its 3-day and 5-day voyages.

The Andaman Sea is rich with diverse marine life. You can expect to see large pelagics such as Manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and various reef sharks, including Blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and Leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata). During the months of May to October, you may also encounter whales.

The reefs are home to a vast array of colourful fish, including snappers, Jacks (Carangidae), Groupers (Epinephelus), and various species of Batfish (Platax). You will also find Lionfish (Pterois volitans), Barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), and Tuna roaming the waters.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from Nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani) and various species of shrimp to Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae). Look closely for Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), Seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of Moray eels (Muraenidae).

The seascape is defined by healthy coral formations, including soft coral gardens, which provide a habitat for many smaller inhabitants like Garden eels (Gorgasia), Stonefish (Synanceia), and various species of pufferfish.

Diving conditions in the region vary by season. The dry season from November to April generally offers more settled conditions, while the wet season from May to October can bring more swell and heavier seas.

Certain sites, most notably the King Cruiser Wreck, are known for having moderate to very strong currents, which requires a certain level of experience and buoyancy control to navigate comfortably.