Sunrise Divers

Sunrise Divers has been a fixture of the Phuket diving scene since 1999, operating as a dedicated training centre and liveaboard agent. Located at Karon Beach, the centre serves as a gateway to some of Thailand's most iconic underwater landscapes, from the sheltered reefs of Racha Yai to the remote pinnacles of the Surin Islands.

For those looking to go beyond day trips, the centre specialises in arranging liveaboards. These trips offer the best opportunity to explore the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock, providing access to sites that are often difficult to reach on a standard daily excursion. They facilitate trips to the Similan, Surin, and even further afield to Myanmar, Indonesia, and Komodo.

With 27 years of experience navigating the waters of Thailand, the team at Sunrise Divers focuses on providing individualised service and small group sizes. Their deep understanding of the local currents, seasonal shifts, and site-specific conditions ensures that both novice and advanced divers are well-prepared for their environment.

As an affiliated training centre for both PADI and SSI, they provide a structured environment for all levels of progression. The staff is experienced in managing everything from initial Discover Scuba Diving sessions to advanced technical training and liveaboard logistics.

The centre offers a complete range of certifications through both PADI and SSI. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba or the Open Water Diver course, with the option to complete a Combined Open Water & Advanced programme. For those looking to refine their skills, Scuba Review and Advanced Adventurer courses are available.

Advanced divers can progress through Rescue Diver and Nitrox Diver certifications. The centre also provides specialised training such as the Adventure Deep Dive and Advanced Diver courses specifically tailored for the Similan Islands. Their curriculum covers everything from basic reef exploration to more advanced diving techniques.

For those opting for the Dolphin Queen, the centre provides transfers to and from Patong, Karon, and Kata. While specific boat details for the daily excursions are not listed, the centre manages a variety of liveaboard options ranging from budget-friendly trips to luxury experiences. These vessels are the primary way to reach the more remote sites like Richelieu Rock and the Surin Islands.

The physical shop at Karon Beach is fully equipped for divers needing rental kit, including full sets, dive computers, masks, fins, snorkels, and wetsuits. The facility is designed to support both training and expedition preparation, offering a professional environment for divers to organise their equipment.

Onboard the liveaboards and during excursions, the centre ensures divers are well-fed with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with water, electrolyte drinks, and fruit. They also provide dedicated facilities for underwater photographers, including a dedicated work table, a rinsing tank, and a dry room to manage kit after the dives.

The reefs around Phuket and the Similan Islands are teeming with life. You will regularly encounter various reef fish, including snapper (Lutjanus), fusiliers (Caesio), and damselfish. Large schools of trevally and barracuda often patrol the open water, while turtles and various species of sharks, such as the whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) and leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata), are common sightings.

In the deeper or more current-driven areas like Richelieu Rock, the scale of marine life increases. Divers often see manta rays (Mobula alfredi), eagle rays (Aetobatus), and the occasional whale shark (Rhincodon typus) during the peak season from October to May. Large groupers and napoleon wrasse are also frequent visitors to these pinnacles.

For macro enthusiasts, the crevices and soft corals (Alcyonacea) provide a home for a diverse array of smaller creatures. You can find nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), various species of shrimp (Caridea), and many types of pipefish and seahorses (Hippocampus kuda). Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae) and various species of octopus (Octopus vulgaris) add to the biodiversity of the seabed.

Fixed life is abundant across the sites, with healthy gardens of soft corals (Alcyonacea) and various anemones (Actiniaria) providing colour and structure to the reefs. These habitats support a wide range of inhabitants, from colourful butterflyfish (Chaetodon) to much larger predators cruising the walls.

The primary diving season on the west coast of Thailand runs from mid-October to mid-May. During this period, the conditions are most favourable for exploring the Similan and Surin Islands.

Divers should be aware that certain sites, such as Elephant Head Rock and Koh Tachai, are known for having strong currents. It is important to check the local conditions with your guide, as the swell and current can significantly impact the type of diving possible at any given site.