Andaman Dive Adventure

Andaman Dive Adventure is an established PADI 5 Star IDC centre situated on Koh Lanta, Thailand. With over ten years of experience in the region, the centre has built a reputation for professional standards and a relaxed, personal approach to diving in the Andaman Sea.

Based in the Longbeach area, the centre serves as a hub for both recreational divers and those looking to advance their careers through professional training. The operation is built around a commitment to safety and local marine conservation, ensuring a high standard of service for every diver.

As an Instructor Development Centre (IDC), the team is highly qualified to take divers from their first breaths underwater through to professional levels. The staff includes DMCR-certified dive controllers, bringing a deep understanding of local marine environments and conservation to every trip.

Safety is managed through strict instructor-to-diver ratios, with a maximum of four divers per guide. This ensures that whether you are a student or an experienced diver, you receive the necessary attention and supervision required for the local conditions.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of PADI certifications. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, progressing through Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver, eventually reaching the Divemaster level.

Specialised training is also available, including the PADI Nitrox course and the PADI Deep Diver Specialty. For those looking to specialise in local wildlife, the centre offers the Shark Specialty course. As an IDC, they also provide the necessary training for aspiring professionals to enter the industry.

The centre operates the ADA Numchock 9, a large boat built in 2013 and significantly upgraded in 2015 with a second deck and a new roof for increased space. This vessel is designed to provide a comfortable platform for full-day excursions to the more remote reefs of the Andaman Sea.

On board, you will find a buffet breakfast, Thai lunches, fruit, and a variety of drinks including water, coffee, tea, and sodas. The boat is equipped to handle long-distance trips to sites like the Bida Islands or the Hin Daeng pinnacles, making it a reliable base for multi-dive days.

The centre provides full rental kit, featuring high-quality equipment from Cressi. For those who prefer to use their own gear, a daily reduction is available for divers bringing their own complete set.

On-site facilities include a Nitrox compressor and a dedicated Nitrox station, allowing divers to extend their bottom times safely. The centre also maintains its own hydrostatic station to ensure cylinder integrity and reliability.

The Andaman Sea is home to impressive pelagics, particularly from November to February when you may encounter whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and manta rays (Mobula alfredi). Large schools of barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), jacks (Carangidae), and various snappers (Lutjanus) are common sights around the pinnacles and walls.

On the reefs, you will find a rich tapestry of life including blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata), and various species of turtles (Cheloniidae). The walls are draped in soft corals (Alcyonacea) and giant gorgonians (Gorgoniidae), providing a home for colourful reef fish, groupers (Epinephelus), and rays (Batoidea).

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, from ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) and seahorses (Hippocampus kuda) to various nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani). Look closely among the corals for harlequin shrimps, imperial shrimp, and various species of scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), as well as octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and cuttlefish (Sepiidae).

Diving in this region is best experienced from October to May. During this period, the sea conditions are generally more favourable for exploring the outer reefs.

Divers should be aware that currents can be strong, particularly around the Bida Islands, Koh Yung, and the Hin Daeng/Hin Muang pinnacles. Conditions can be further complicated by tidal movements around the new moon and full moon, which can bring increased surge and stronger currents.