Elixir Divers

Elixir Divers has been operating in the Andaman Sea since 2006, establishing itself as a reliable PADI centre on the island of Koh Yao Yai. The centre is designed for divers seeking a more personalised approach, moving away from the larger, more crowded tour operations often found in the region.

Their operation is built around short transit times to some of the area's most significant sites. Most of the premier reefs and pinnacles are accessible within 20 to 25 minutes, allowing for more time in the water and less time commuting between dives.

The team consists of three experienced PADI instructors who manage small groups to ensure a high standard of safety and individual attention. They maintain a ratio of no more than four divers per guide, which is essential for maintaining buoyancy control and monitoring buddy pairs in varying conditions.

Instruction is available in English, Czech, and Slovak, making the centre accessible to a range of international divers. Their long-standing presence in the area, spanning over 19 years, brings a deep level of local knowledge to every boat trip.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses for all experience levels. Beginners can start with PADI Discover Scuba Diving or progress through the PADI Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver courses. For those looking to expand their skills, the Advanced Open Water Diver course is available.

Specialised training is also provided to refine technique and expand dive envelopes. This includes PADI Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and Drift Diver specialties. They also offer more niche programmes such as Digital Underwater Photography, Fish Identification, Search & Recovery, and Underwater Naturalist courses.

The centre operates two custom-built aluminium and fiberglass speedboats. The Edie is a larger vessel with a capacity for 16 divers and is powered by twin 300hp motors. The Elixir is a slightly smaller boat, accommodating up to 10 divers with twin 250hp motors.

Both boats are equipped for comfort during the day, featuring marine toilets and freshwater showers on board. They also provide snacks and fresh fruit to divers between dives. Entry to the water is designed to be easy, facilitating smooth transitions for both beginners and more experienced divers.

For those looking to hire a full set of kit, the centre provides high-quality equipment including APEKS regulators and Scubapro or Aqua Lung BCDs. Rental sets include 12L aluminium cylinders, fins, masks, and 3mm shorty wetsuits, along with weights and weight belts.

Safety is a priority on shore, with oxygen availability provided for all diving activities. The centre is well-positioned for divers staying at various local resorts, offering taxi transfers to the office and Loh Jark Pier.

The reefs are characterised by a vibrant array of fixed life, including massive gorgonians, various soft corals, and colourful sea anemones. These structures provide the foundation for a busy ecosystem that supports a wide variety of fish.

In the water column and around the reefs, you will encounter schools of snappers, emperors, and fusiliers, alongside yellowtail barracudas and jacks. Larger predators like groupers, lionfish, and various species of eels are also common residents of the rocky outcrops.

Macro enthusiasts can look for blue-spotted stingrays, scorpionfish, pufferfish, and blue-ringed angelfish. The site also hosts various species of wrasse and rabbitfish near the coral heads.

For those seeking larger pelagics, the area offers sightings of bamboo sharks and nurse sharks, particularly around the King Cruiser wreck. While leopard sharks are rarer due to overfishing, they remain a significant part of the local marine history.

Dive departures are carefully timed to coincide with the tides. This ensures that most dives are conducted during periods of minimal current, providing more stable and comfortable conditions for the buddy pair.

While the area is known for its vibrant life, the centre adjusts its programmes to suit the prevailing sea conditions, ensuring that even drift dives are managed safely and predictably.