
Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas
★★★★★
★ 9.4/10 (332 reviews)
5.8 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Khao Lak · Thailand
4.9216 Google reviewsExperience the Similan Islands from the MV Blue Dolphin, a dedicated liveaboard designed for extended expeditions.
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Based in Khao Lak, Big Blue Diving has been a fixture of the Phang Nga diving scene since 2003. The centre serves as a primary gateway to the national marine parks of the Andaman Sea, specifically the Similan and Surin Islands.
Whether you are looking for day trips via speedboat or multi-day expeditions, the focus remains on the high-quality sites that define this region. The centre's long-standing presence in the area provides a level of local expertise essential for navigating the varied conditions of these island chains.
With over two decades of experience in Thailand, the team at Big Blue Diving focuses on professional service and environmental stewardship. They maintain a strong connection to the local marine ecosystem through a partnership with Andaman Turtle Watch.
This partnership allows for educational expeditions centred on turtle research, making the centre a choice for divers interested in marine conservation. The team is well-versed in the logistics of both recreational and technical diving, ensuring support for a wide range of diver profiles.
The centre offers a range of educational opportunities, including specialised Turtle Conservation programmes. These programmes are designed for those looking to engage with marine research and environmental protection.
Technical divers will find the centre's infrastructure suitable for advanced training and expeditions involving more complex gas management and equipment setups.
The MV Blue Dolphin is the centre's dedicated liveaboard vessel, operating 4-day/4-night cruises. The boat is equipped with air-conditioned accommodation and various zones for relaxation, including shaded areas and a sun deck.
On board, you will find a spacious outdoor dining area and a kitchen serving both Thai and international cuisine. For those bringing professional camera gear, there is a dedicated preparation space. The Wave Rider speedboat is used for day excursions, providing access to the islands from Khao Lak.
Both vessels are configured to support the needs of the divers, with the liveaboard providing a stable base for multi-day exploration of the most remote reefs.
The centre is fully equipped to support technical divers, offering compatibility for CCR (Closed Circuit Rebreather) and side-mount configurations. This makes it a reliable base for those moving beyond standard recreational setups.
Divers can also make use of the centre's online shop to organise their kit requirements before arriving on site.
Richelieu Rock is widely regarded as the premier dive site in Thailand. It is a high-biodiversity site where you can frequently encounter whale sharks.
Koh Bon is a key site within the Similan Islands National Park. It is a reliable location for spotting pelagic species such as tuna.
Christmas Point offers a more challenging experience with stimulating currents. It is a site suited for divers looking for more active water movement.
Three Trees is an ideal location for drift diving. The site features moderate currents that allow for effortless movement along the reef.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The marine life in this region is defined by its large pelagics and healthy reef ecosystems. You can expect to see turtles regularly throughout the area. During certain periods, divers have the opportunity to encounter whale sharks and tuna.
On the reefs, the biodiversity is significant, with various species of fish and hard corals providing a complex habitat. The presence of large schools of fish is a common feature of the Similan and Surin Islands.
Conditions across the dive sites vary significantly. While many sites offer manageable environments, others like Christmas Point are known for having strong currents that require confidence and experience.
Drift diving is a common feature at sites such as Three Trees, where moderate currents are used to glide along the seabed or reef structures.
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