Dive Shack

Located at Bang Tao Beach, Dive Shack provides access to some of the most diverse marine environments in Phuket. Whether you prefer the local feel of a traditional longtail boat for shorter trips or the stability of larger dive boats for full-day excursions, the centre is set up to handle various diving styles.

Operating primarily from November to April, the centre focuses on providing a relaxed, small-group atmosphere. This approach allows for a more tailored experience, whether you are exploring shallow reef flats or heading out to deeper sites like the King Cruiser wreck.

The centre is run by Chris and Karen, instructors with over seven years of experience specifically in the Phuket region. Their long-term local knowledge is a significant asset for navigating the seasonal shifts and site-specific conditions of the Andaman Sea.

Safety and personalised attention are central to their operation, with a guide-to-diver ratio of one instructor for every four divers. This ensures that even during more challenging conditions, such as the currents at Sharkpoint, you receive the necessary supervision.

They welcome mixed groups, making it possible for families to spend the day together even if some members are diving while others are snorkelling. The centre also offers flexible scheduling to accommodate your plans in the Bang Tao, Surin, or Laguna areas.

The centre is an SSI affiliate and provides a comprehensive range of training programmes. Beginners can start with the Try Scuba Diving programme or progress through the SSI Scuba Diver and SSI Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to advance their skills, the SSI Advanced Open Water course is available. The instructors focus on building a solid foundation of safety and buoyancy, ensuring you are prepared for the more varied conditions found at deeper or more current-driven sites.

For local, half-day excursions, the centre utilises traditional longtail boats, which are ideal for reaching nearby sites like Koh Waeo. These trips are a practical way to experience the reef without committing to a full day at sea.

For full-day trips, larger dive boats are used to reach more distant sites such as Phi Phi or Racha Yai. On these longer excursions, the crew provides breakfast, lunch, tea, coffee, and water to keep you fuelled between dives.

Dive Shack offers full equipment hire for divers who do not wish to travel with their own kit. This includes all the necessary components for a complete setup, from regulators to BCDs.

For those interested in night diving, torches are available to help you explore the marine life that emerges after sunset. The centre's main office and beach shop serve as the primary hubs for organising your kit and excursions.

The reefs around Phuket are teeming with life, from large pelagics to colourful reef fish. You will regularly encounter snappers, lionfish, and blacktip reef sharks, alongside various species of corals and soft corals (Alcyonacea). On deeper sites, look for great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda) and large schools of fusiliers (Caesio).

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to investigate on the sandy bottoms and reef flats. Keep an eye out for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), and various species of shrimp. You may also spot moray eels (Muraenidae) tucked into the reef structure.

During night dives, the marine life transforms, often featuring bioluminescent plankton. This is an excellent time to observe species that are more active in the dark, including various crabs and smaller crustaceans.

The best period for diving in this area is from November to April. During these months, you can expect visibility to range from 5 to over 20 metres.

While many sites are relatively calm, certain locations like Sharkpoint are known for having stronger currents. Divers should always check with their guide regarding the specific conditions for the day before heading out.