Sea Bees Diving Nai Yang, Paradise Diving Asia

Paradise Diving Asia, part of the Sea Bees Diving group, is established on the quiet sands of Nai Yang beach in Phuket. With 30 years of local expertise, the centre has become a cornerstone for diving in the region, offering a professional approach rooted in high safety standards and German-style maintenance protocols.

The centre is an SSI Diamond Training Centre, a distinction that reflects its long-standing commitment to quality instruction and equipment care. Whether you are looking for a relaxed day trip to nearby reefs or a more ambitious excursion to the Similan Islands, the operation is built around a private fleet and a highly trained crew.

The team is composed of professionally trained staff dedicated to safety and a high standard of service. Instruction is delivered in English and German, making it a reliable choice for international divers. The centre maintains a strict ratio of no more than four divers per guide, ensuring close supervision and a personalised experience on the water.

Beyond training, the centre is deeply involved in the local marine environment. They participate in reef monitoring projects in partnership with the United World College Thailand and the University of Southampton, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the conservation of the Andaman Sea's ecosystems.

As an SSI Diamond Training Centre, the course catalogue is comprehensive, catering to everyone from absolute beginners to advanced technical divers. You can complete your Open Water Diver or Scuba Diver certifications here, with the option to use a referral to finish your training elsewhere. For those looking to progress, the centre offers Advanced Course, Rescue Course, and Divemaster training.

Specialised training is also available to refine specific skills, including Nitrox, Wreck, Navigation, and Perfect Buoyancy. Divers interested in the artistic side of the sport can take Photo & Video courses, while others may opt for Deep or Wave, Tides & Currents modules to prepare for more challenging environments.

The centre operates its own fleet to ensure reliable service and consistent quality. This includes speedboats for quick access to local sites, a 23m day-trip boat, and a catamaran for more comfortable excursions. These vessels are equipped with dedicated storage areas for your kit and facilities to rinse equipment after a dive.

On full-day trips, the boats are well-provisioned with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and fruit. Nitrox is available on all boats, allowing for extended bottom times during your excursions. The fleet allows for a range of trips, from short half-day outings at Koh Waeo to full-day adventures reaching the Similan Islands or Richelieu Rock.

The shore-based facilities are designed for convenience and professionalism, featuring dedicated areas for rinsing equipment and storage. For those requiring gas management, Nitrox is available on-site. The centre also provides 12-litre aluminium cylinders as standard for their excursions.

Training is supported by on-site pools, allowing for a controlled environment to master skills before heading into open water. The maintenance of all kit and breathing apparatus follows strict German workshop standards to ensure reliability and safety for every diver.

The reefs around Phuket and the Similan Islands are teeming with life. You will encounter a vibrant array of reef fish, including Parrotfish (Calotomus), Clownfish (Amphiprion), and various species of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae). Large schools of Snappers (Lutjanus), Fusiliers (Caesio), and Trevallies are common, alongside the occasional Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and Jack (Carangidae).

For those looking for larger animals, the region is famous for its pelagics. You may encounter Manta rays (Mobula alfredi) at Koh Bon, and Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are regular visitors to the Phuket area throughout the year. Blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus) and Bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium) can also be spotted patrolling the reefs.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the smaller details of the reef. The area is home to various Nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), and several types of shrimp, including Cleaner shrimp (Lysmata). You can also look for Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), Seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae).

Fixed life is equally impressive, with vast gardens of corals and Sea anemones (Actiniaria) providing habitat for many creatures. You will see various species of sea cucumbers, sea slugs, and a variety of soft corals (Alcyonacea) decorating the walls and reef flats.

Diving in the Andaman Sea is highly seasonal. The best conditions for sites such as Koh Waeo, the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock are found between November and April. During this window, the water is generally calmer and more conducive to long-distance boat trips.

Phuket's southern and eastern sites, including the Racha Islands and Shark Point, can be explored year-round. While conditions vary, these areas offer consistent opportunities for diving with depths typically ranging between 18 and 30 metres.