Hobo-Ya Phuket

Located in Rawai, Phuket, Hobo-Ya Phuket serves as a primary hub for divers seeking organized and reliable access to the Andaman Sea. The centre operates with a focus on safety and precision, drawing on more than two decades of experience in the region.

Departures for daily dive trips and island excursions are organised from Chalong Bay, situated to the southeast of Phuket. The centre provides a comprehensive service that includes daily trips to four main destinations: Racha Yai, Racha Noi, the Marine Park, and the Phi Phi Islands.

The centre is part of the extensive Hobo-Ya group, which maintains a presence in Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and the Similan Islands. This network provides a level of logistical stability and expertise that is rare in the region.

As the largest Japanese-affiliated centre in Thailand, the team is specifically geared towards providing a seamless experience for Japanese-speaking divers. All instructional materials, including videos and teaching aids, are provided in Japanese to ensure clarity and ease of learning during certification courses.

Hobo-Ya Phuket offers a complete range of training programmes for every level of experience. Beginners can start with Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver courses, while those looking to progress can enrol in Advanced Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster programmes.

Specialised training is also available, including Deep Diver and Nitrox courses. The centre's long-standing reputation is built on its high volume of successful certifications, providing a structured pathway from your first breath underwater to professional-level diver training.

The fleet used for daily excursions is diverse, consisting of large cruise boats, speedboats, catamarans, and smaller vessels. These boats are dedicated to diving operations, ensuring that the logistics of getting to the reefs are handled efficiently.

For groups or families seeking a more private experience, the centre offers private charters via speedboat to nearby islands. Nitrox is available on board to support extended bottom times during your trips.

The reefs are defined by a rich tapestry of fixed life, including vast forests of branching corals, soft corals (Alcyonacea), and large gorgonians. You will frequently encounter anemones (Actiniaria) and various species of sea fans that provide a colourful backdrop to the dive sites.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the crevices and sandy patches, where you can find the Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), various nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), and garden eels (Gorgasia). Look closely for the tiny details like harlequin shrimps, cleaner shrimp (Lysmata), and imperial shrimp.

In the open water and along the reefs, larger species often appear. You may see turtles, great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), and various types of rays, including the Southern stingray (Hypanus americanus) and leopard rays. During the rainy season, Manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are known to visit the area.

Schooling fish are a constant presence, with large numbers of fusiliers (Caesio), snappers (Lutjanus), and jacks (Carangidae) moving through the water column. You might also spot lionfish, parrotfish, and various species of damselfish (Pomacentridae) darting amongst the coral.

Diving in Phuket is highly seasonal. The dry season from November to April offers the calmest sea conditions and is the recommended time for most trips. During the rainy season from May to October, the swell can increase and visibility may be reduced.

Water currents vary significantly depending on the site and the lunar cycle. Some locations, such as the South Tip of Racha Noi or the Marine Park, are known for strong currents that require good buoyancy control and experience. Many sites, such as Bungalow Bay or Kata Beach, offer much calmer conditions suitable for all levels.