Sirolodive

Sirolodive is a long-standing fixture in the Phuket diving scene, having been operational since 2000. As an SSI Dive Resort, they have built a reputation for professionalism and high standards, serving both the local diving community and visiting divers looking for structured excursions.

The centre is primarily known for its daily departures from Chalong Pier, heading out to the Racha and Phi Phi Islands. These trips offer a variety of underwater topographies, from shallow reef flats to steep walls and interesting wrecks, making it a versatile base for any diver.

The team at Sirolodive consists of approximately 30 staff members from around the world, all driven by a shared interest in scuba diving. This international presence ensures a professional environment with a wide range of perspectives on dive instruction and boat management.

Instruction is delivered through a comprehensive curriculum, with a preference for small group sizes to ensure better learning and closer supervision. They maintain strict safety and quality standards, employing permanent staff instructors to lead both training courses and guided fun dives.

The centre offers a complete range of SSI training, from initial entry-level programmes to professional development. New divers can begin with the Discover/Try Dive or the Open Water Course, with subsequent levels including the Advanced Open Water Course and the Deep Dive Course.

For those looking to specialise, Sirolodive provides several specialty courses, such as Wreck Diver, Night Diving, Sidemount, and Navigation. They also offer more technical and scientific training, including the Search & Recovery course, the Science of Diving, and courses in Marine Ecology, Shark Ecology, and Coral Identification. Professional divers can work towards their Dive Master Course through their structured training programmes.

The M/V Sirolo is the centre's own dedicated diving vessel, designed to provide a comfortable and spacious platform for daily trips. The boat allows the centre to maintain flexibility in its operations and management, ensuring a consistent experience for those on board.

Onboard facilities include bar facilities, freshwater showers, and WiFi. For those on full-day trips, a delicious lunch, breakfast buffet, snacks, and refreshments are provided. The vessel is equipped to handle various trip types, including day trips and night dives.

Sirolodive provides full equipment hire for divers who do not wish to carry their own kit. This includes all the necessary components for a complete diving setup. For those looking to extend their bottom time, Enriched Air Nitrox is available on site.

The centre also maintains its own equipment to high standards, with regular replacement and maintenance schedules to ensure reliability for both students and experienced divers.

The reefs around Phuket are teeming with life, from large pelagics to delicate reef fish. You will frequently encounter various species of snappers, angelfish (Pomacanthidae), butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and fusiliers (Caesio). Schools of trevally, mackerel, and barracuda are common in the more open areas, while turtles and blacktip reef sharks are often seen patrolling the sites.

The hard and soft coral landscapes provide a home for a massive array of inhabitants, including parrotfish (Calotomus), triggerfish (Balistidae), and various species of surgeonfish (Acanthuridae). You might also spot lionfish, moray eels (Muraenidae), and giant moray eels in the crevices of the rocks and wrecks.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, with a diverse range of small creatures inhabiting the reef. This includes nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of shrimp. Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), octopus (Octopus vulgaris), and various types of pipefish add to the biodiversity found in the smaller cracks and sandy patches.

Conditions vary significantly depending on the specific dive site. Racha Yai and the Phi Phi islands generally offer mild to intermediate currents, making them suitable for a wide range of experience levels. However, sites like Shark Point, the King Cruiser Wreck, and Koh Dokmai can experience moderate to strong currents.

Visibility across the region typically ranges from 5 to 30 metres, though it is subject to change depending on the specific location and seasonal conditions. Divers should be prepared for a variety of environments, from calm, shallow reef slopes to more exposed sites with stronger water movement.