Khao Lak Explorer Dive Center and Resort

Located in Khao Lak, Thailand, Khao Lak Explorer Dive Center and Resort has been operating since 2010. The centre serves as a base for divers looking to explore the Andaman Sea, offering both day excursions and multi-day liveaboards.

The centre is ideally positioned for those wanting to visit the Similan Islands National Park. It is situated near local restaurants and markets, approximately 1 km from the beach, with transfers from Phuket available upon request.

As a PADI 5 Star dive centre, the team maintains a high standard of professional instruction and safety. They operate with a low diver-to-guide ratio, typically limiting groups to 4 or 5 divers per guide to ensure personalised attention.

The staff is multilingual, capable of providing instruction and guidance in English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, and Italian. This makes the centre a practical choice for international divers looking for clear communication during training or technical briefings.

Beyond standard instruction, the centre is a certified Shark Guardian, reflecting an active commitment to marine conservation and the protection of local pelagic species.

The centre offers a comprehensive curriculum through PADI, ranging from Discover Scuba Diving for beginners to professional-level training. You can complete your Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver courses here, or progress through Rescue Diver and Divemaster.

Specialised training is also available for those looking to expand their technical or recreational skills. This includes PADI Nitrox Diver, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Sidemount Diver courses, as well as PADI Instructor training and Emergency First Response certification.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for divers who prefer not to travel with their own equipment. This includes regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits.

On-site facilities include a dedicated diving pool with both shallow and deep sections, which is ideal for skills practice or refresher courses. The resort also features a second pool for relaxation overlooking the mountains.

The region is a hotspot for large pelagics. Between 15 October and 15 May, you have the opportunity to encounter Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and Whale shark (Rhincodon typus). You may also see various species of sharks, including Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) and Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus).

Reef life is abundant, with many species of colorful tropical fish, including Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Parrotfish (Calotomus), and various species of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae). Schools of Fusilier (Caesio) and Jack (Carangidae) are common, alongside larger predators like Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and various snappers.

For those interested in macro life, the sites offer a great variety of Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) and other nudibranchs. You can also find Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Cuttlefish (Sepiidae), Frogfish (Antennarius), and various species of Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) amongst the coral structures.

The seabed is decorated with a mix of hard corals and soft corals, providing a complex habitat for species such as Stonefish (Synanceia), Boxfish (Ostraciidae), and various types of shrimp and crabs.

The primary diving season runs from 15 October to 15 May, coinciding with the opening of the marine national park. Outside of this window, the park is closed and weather conditions can be unfavourable.

Surge and currents at wreck sites tend to be moderate and are often influenced by the tides. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 33 metres depending on the specific location and seasonal conditions.