Phoenix Koh Lanta

Based in Saladan on Koh Lanta, Phoenix Divers has been operating in the region since 2002. The centre draws on extensive international experience from diving in the Maldives, the Red Sea, and French Polynesia to provide a professional foundation for every trip.

As a PADI 5 Star IDC centre, they serve a wide spectrum of divers, from those taking their first breaths underwater to professionals working towards their Instructor Development Course. Their operations are centred around the rich marine ecosystems of the Koh Mu National Park and the surrounding Andaman islands.

The team is composed of experienced Thai and international instructors, ensuring a high standard of training and guidance. They maintain a strict ratio of one guide for every three divers, which allows for more personalised attention during both recreational dives and formal training sessions.

Beyond standard scuba instruction, the centre is a dual-discipline facility, offering both PADI and AIDA freediving programmes. They are also recognised as a PADI Green Star centre, demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection through waste management and participation in Project Aware initiatives.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering the full PADI progression from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water Diver through to Divemaster and the Instructor Development Course (IDC). For those looking to specialise, they offer PADI Deep Diver, Nitrox, and PADI Digital Underwater Photographer courses.

Freediving is a significant part of their offering, with PADI and AIDA programmes available from basic levels up to Master Freediver and Instructor. They also provide environmental training through AWARE Shark Conservation and Dive Against Debris courses.

The centre operates a fiberglass diving speedboat powered by three engines, designed to reach the offshore sites efficiently. The boat is configured for small group excursions, ensuring there is enough space for all divers to move comfortably.

Full-day trips include breakfast, snacks, and lunch on board, with fresh fruit and Thai food provided. Nitrox is available for use on the boat for those requiring enriched air for their dives.

A well-stocked dive shop is available on-site, carrying equipment from brands such as Mares, Cressi, Scubapro, Aqualung, and Ocean Dynamics. Divers can hire a full range of kit, including regulators, BCDs, and fins.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre offers specialised training in underwater photography. They also provide various PADI and AIDA certifications, ranging from introductory courses to professional instructor levels.

The reefs are characterised by a vibrant array of hard corals and soft corals, including massive barrel sponges and delicate Sea fan (Gorgoniidae). You will find large populations of colourful reef fish, such as various species of snapper, grouper (Epinephelus), and barracuda.

In the blue, larger pelagics frequently pass through, including Manta ray (Mobula alfredi), Whale shark (Rhincodon typus), and various species of shark such as the Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) and Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). You may also encounter Eagle ray (Aetobatus) and Tuna (Thunnus) patrolling the currents.

Macro life enthusiasts can find a wealth of smaller organisms, including Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), various species of Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), and Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus). The crevices and sandy patches also host Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), Frogfish (Antennarius), and various species of Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and Cuttlefish (Sepiidae).

The diving season is most consistent from November to May. During the low season, from May to October, weather and sea conditions can be unpredictable, and certain areas within the Koh Mu National Park may be subject to seasonal closures.

Conditions at the offshore sites can vary significantly; while some lagoons offer low to moderate currents, sites like Hin Daeng and the wrecks can experience moderate to very strong currents. The centre uses tide tables to plan all dive profiles accordingly.