Thailand Divers

Thailand Divers has been operating in the Phuket region since 2004, serving as a PADI 5 Star centre for both local reef exploration and long-distance expeditions. Located in Rawai, the centre provides a gateway to the Andaman Sea, with daily departures from Chalong Bay.

The operation covers a vast range of diving, from shallow, sheltered bays suitable for beginners to the more demanding currents found around the national marine parks. Whether you are looking for day trips to the Racha Islands or multi-day liveaboards to the Similan and Surin Islands, the logistics are handled through included hotel transfers from anywhere in Phuket.

The centre operates with a focus on structured, safe diving, maintaining a ratio of a maximum of 4 divers per guide. This ensures that whether you are completing a certification or exploring a new site, you have dedicated professional attention.

Instruction is provided by a multilingual team, and for those seeking a more tailored experience, private instructor options are available. For students completing PADI courses, dive insurance is included as part of the training programme.

The centre offers a comprehensive PADI curriculum for all stages of a diver's development. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the PADI Open Water Diver course, with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Deep Diver courses available to build technical proficiency.

Specialised training is also provided, including the PADI Nitrox Diver course. For those looking to explore more structured environments, the Explore Scuba Diving programme is available for those moving beyond the initial entry level.

For those travelling light, the centre provides full equipment hire, including Aqualung kit. You can rent complete sets or specific items such as masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time, making it a practical choice for the multi-dive days common in this region.

The local reefs are teeming with life, from large pelagics to colourful reef fish. You will frequently encounter various species of turtles, rays, and sharks, including the Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata), blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), and whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus). Schools of Jack (Carangidae), barracudas, and snappers are common sights alongside parrotfish (Calotomus) and various species of angelfish (Pomacanthidae).

For those interested in the smaller inhabitants, the macro life is diverse. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), garden eels (Gorgasia), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). You may also find octopus (Octopus vulgaris), cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) tucked into the coral structures.

Seasonality plays a role in what you might see; between November and April, the chance of encountering a Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) or Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) increases significantly, particularly during trips to the Similan and Surin Islands.

Diving conditions vary depending on your chosen location. Local sites like the Racha Islands generally experience low to moderate currents, making them accessible year-round. However, certain spots such as the southern tip of Racha Noi or Koh Doc Mai can present strong or unpredictable currents.

For trips to the national marine parks, including the Similan and Surin Islands, the best window for diving is from November to May. During these months, the conditions are most favourable for visiting the deeper pinnacles and reefs.