The Dive Ao Nang

The Dive Ao Nang has been operating in the Krabi region since 2012, serving as a base for divers looking to explore the waters around Ao Nang, Phi Phi Islands, and Koh Lanta. Situated in the northern part of Ao Nang between Sirena’s Bakes and Johnny’s Pizza, the centre provides access to the diverse marine ecosystems of the Andaman Sea.

The area is known for its varied underwater topography, ranging from shallow reef flats to deeper pinnacles and wrecks. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are an experienced diver seeking a drift dive, the centre is positioned to reach the most significant sites in the Krabi province.

As a PADI affiliated centre, the team provides instruction in English, Thai, and German. The centre's approach is built around small group sizes and an eco-responsible methodology, ensuring that divers can focus on their skills and the environment simultaneously.

Instruction covers the full spectrum of PADI diver training, from entry-level courses to professional development. The team is experienced in handling both recreational divers and those pursuing professional qualifications like Divemaster.

The course catalogue is comprehensive, beginning with Discover SCUBA Diving [DSD] for those new to the water. For those seeking formal certification, the centre offers the Open Water Diver and Open Water Diver Referral courses, followed by Advanced Open Water and Nitrox Enriched Air Diver training.

Professional and specialty training is also available, including Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and the PADI Underwater Photography Specialty. All courses are conducted under PADI standards, providing a globally recognised certification path.

The centre provides full equipment hire for recreational diving packages, which includes a dive computer for every diver. This ensures you have the necessary tools to monitor your depth and ascent rates throughout the day.

For those interested in capturing the underwater world, the centre also offers underwater camera rentals, specifically featuring the Olympus TG7. This allows divers to document the local marine life without the need to carry heavy, professional-grade housings.

The reefs are home to a vibrant array of tropical fish and healthy soft coral gardens. You will frequently encounter species such as Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Parrotfish (Calotomus), and various Snappers (Lutjanidae), alongside schools of fusiliers and emperor fish.

Larger pelagics and reef residents include Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), various species of rays such as blue-spotted stingrays, and occasionally the Manta ray (Mobula alfredi). You may also see groupers (Epinephelinae), trevally, and large jacks (Carangidae) patrolling the currents.

For those with a keen eye for macro life, the area supports a rich variety of smaller organisms. Look for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus), and various species of pipefish and frogfish (Antennariidae). The crevices and reef structures also host octopus (Octopus vulgaris), mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda), and various types of shrimp and crabs.

The best time to dive in this region is during the green season from June to October. During this period, the local environment is at its most active, though divers should be prepared for the seasonal shifts in weather common to the Andaman Sea.