Enjoy and Explore the Wonders of Phuket with Awesome Scuba Diving

Whether you want to learn how to dive or are simply looking to upgrade your skills, you can’t go wrong with Phuket. It’s a great place earn your PADI certificate as well as see wonderful underwater attractions that are unique to this part of the globe.

Phuket is one of the top 10 diving destinations not just in Asia but in the world. Experienced divers, as well as beginners, will appreciate diving attractions at Phi Phi, the King Cruiser wreck near Anemone Reef, and the excitement of Shark Point. Diving schools and centers in the area also boast many years of experience. Here are two tips to keep in mind so you can enjoy and explore the diving wonders of Phuket:

1. Just go. It doesn’t matter what month you come to Phuket because diving trips operate all year round.
2. Daytrips are okay, but liveaboards are better. If you want to make the most of your holiday in Phuket, join a liveaboard diving cruise to the Similan Islands. It’s more practical and more affordable than you might think.

You see, some of the best diving spots lie hundreds of kilometers from Phuket. Though Phuket is home to a lot of dive shops and hundreds of dive boats, it’s really just a base. Scuba diving activities really take place far out into the sea. To truly enjoy the very best diving sites, you will need to hire a very fast boat to take you on day trips to the Similan Islands and then back to Phuket. This can be costly as you will likely hire the boat for several days. Your dive time will also be limited because the travel time from Phuket will eat up a huge part of the day.

The other (and often better) alternative is to join a liveaboard for several days. A typical liveaboard trip that lasts 4 days covers 450 kilometers or so, and the prices are surprisingly affordable. Instead of paying for a hotel stay in Phuket, just spend your money on a liveaboard. This arrangement gives you more time to dive. Private trips can even be customized. You can choose to linger in a particular dive site if you wish.

Whatever type of Phuket diving holiday you choose, it’s a good idea to book early so you can get the best deals. But if you really don’t have the time to plan your Phuket holiday, don’t worry—the place is very tourist friendly, and you should have no problems buying an assortment of diving daytrips upon arrival. Are your companions’ non-divers? That’s okay, too, because snorkeling opportunities abound.

This article is written by Christopher Pace, the Platinum Padi Course Director at All4Diving. All4Diving is a leading academy in diving industry in Thailand.