Sea Bees Diving

Sea Bees Diving has been a staple of the Thai diving scene since 1989. Under the direction of Holger Schwab since 1995, this independent centre has built a reputation for high-standard operations, earning the Golden Dolphin award ten times and holding a 5-star DIN certification for proven service quality.

The operation is spread across several key locations, including Phuket, Khao Lak, and the Phi Phi Islands. Whether you are looking for a single day trip to local reefs or a multi-day liveaboard safari to the Similan Islands, the centre provides a structured and professional environment for both recreational and professional training.

As an SSI Diamond Instructor Training Facility, the centre is a major hub for professional development. They run a comprehensive academy capable of taking divers from their first Open Water course all the way through to Instructor training.

Safety and small-group interaction are central to their teaching philosophy, with a strict ratio of maximum four divers per guide. The team is experienced in handling everything from beginner reef dives to advanced technical environments, with all instruction delivered in English.

The training centre offers a complete curriculum through SSI. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, progressing through Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver levels.

For those looking to specialise, courses include Nitrox, Deep Diver, and Wreck Diver. Professional divers can pursue the Divemaster and Instructor pathways via their specialised training academy. They also offer a 'Zero to Hero' programme designed to streamline the progression from novice to professional.

The fleet is diverse, catering to different styles of diving. For high-speed transfers and excursions, the MC Stingray catamaran is a primary vessel. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the 23m Excalibur 2 and the MC Sundancer catamaran are available.

For longer trips, the MY Genesis 1 serves as a luxurious dive safari boat, while the MV Aragon and MV Sai provide additional capacity. Most boats are equipped with comfortable amenities including a covered sun deck, a diving bar, and a shaded lounge area. You will find freshly cooked lunches, snacks, and a variety of cold and alcoholic beverages served on board to keep you replenished between dives.

The shore-based facilities are designed to support both training and excursions. Divers can make use of dedicated personal gear setups, a rinsing station, and stable ladders for easy access to the water. The boats themselves feature low jump platforms for easier entries.

Full equipment hire is available for those not travelling with their own kit. Nitrox is available for use, with free access provided specifically on the Marco Polo cruises, while it is available for a fee on daily excursions and the MC Stingray.

The marine life in this region is incredibly diverse, ranging from colourful reef fish to large pelagics. You will regularly encounter blacktip reef sharks, bamboo sharks, and Leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) patrolling the reefs. Schools of fish, including snappers, fusiliers, and jacks, often create massive, moving clouds around the pinnacles.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, including various nudibranchs, shrimps, and octopuses. Keep an eye out for the Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and different species of scorpionfish and stonefish tucked into the reef structure.

In the deeper waters and during specific seasons, the area becomes a magnet for giants. From February to April, you have the best chance of encountering Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and Manta rays. During this same window, the nutrient-rich currents often bring even more activity to the cleaning stations.

Diving in the Andaman Sea is highly seasonal. The best period for Phuket and Khao Lak is between November and April, when the sea is generally calm. For those heading to the Similan Islands, the optimal window is December to April.

It is important to note that the Similan Islands and Khao Lak national parks are closed from mid-May to October. During the open season, you can expect varied conditions, with some sites like Koh Tachai known for producing strong currents that require more experienced divers.