Best Diving Spots in Thailand
Tamsyn is a certified diver with firsthand experience exploring and diving Thailand's underwater wonders, from the vibrant reefs of Phuket to the crystal-clear waters of Koh Phi Phi. In this guide, she shares her top picks for the best dive sites in the country. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, get ready to discover Thailand’s most breathtaking dive spots.
Introduction to Diving in Thailand
With tropical, clear waters, vibrant reefs and abundant marine life, Thailand is a popular destination for divers with beginner-friendly spots to challenging dives for advanced divers. From manta cleaning stations in the Andaman Sea to gentle but vibrant coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand, each region has its own personality above and below the surface. Add in beautiful beaches, local culture and laid-back island life, and it’s easy to see why so many scuba divers return year after year. Whether you’re looking for a liveaboard adventure or an easy day trip from the beach, these are some of the stand-out spots and popular dive sites to add to your logbook.
Similan & Surin islands
Located in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, the beautiful Similan and Surin Islands are a scenic group of islands, and lay claim to having two of the most famous dive destinations in the world. The east coast reefs are packed with corals and marine life, while the west offers deeper boulders and wall dives with a chance at seeing larger species including leopard sharks. Top dive sites like Elephant Head Rock, Christmas Point and Koh Bon (a manta cleaning station) are unforgettable. Further north, Richelieu Rock is famous for whale sharks and manta rays, with pinnacles draped in colourful coral and sea fans. These islands are a must-visit destination when scuba diving in Thailand.
These dive sites are commonly visited on liveaboard trips, and can make a great introduction to liveaboard diving. We recommend that you're at least an Advanced Open Water Diver, with the possibility to complete the Advanced Open Water course often available as part of the liveaboard experience.
The Similan Islands can also be dived on a day trip from Khao Lak, a popular beach resort on Thailand’s Andaman coast.
Our Diving Holidays to Similan & Surin Islands
Koh Phi Phi & the Bida Islands
Koh Phi Phi’s limestone cliffs drop straight into clear Andaman waters, creating colourful, beautiful soft coral walls, swim-throughs and caves that make it popular with divers. The soft rock has been shaped over time into overhangs and caverns that provide shelter for a wide range of marine life.
Made up of two main islands - Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh - the area offers more than 15 dive sites, with plenty to keep all experience levels interested. Swim-throughs are often hidden behind clouds of glassfish and gorgonians, while sea fans are home to pipefish, seahorses and shrimpfish. Shallow coral gardens fringe much of the coastline, where hard and soft corals, sponges and tropical fish thrive. It is also possible to see green and hawksbill turtles here, along with blacktip reef sharks. Our dive holiday to Koh Phi Phi includes visits to Shark Point and the King Cruiser wreck, a highlight for many scuba divers. The area is renowned for its beautiful beaches, clear water and excellent diving conditions.
Our Diving Holidays to Koh Phi Phi
Koh Lanta
Laid-back and scenic, Koh Lanta offers easy access to some of Thailand’s best dive sites. Koh Haa’s lagoons and caverns, plus the twin seamounts of Hin Muang and Hin Daeng, deliver vibrant marine life and, in season, possible manta and whale shark encounters. The island itself is perfect for unwinding between dives. Koh Lanta’s west coast is blessed with a ribbon of white sand beaches, with a backdrop of lush, jungle-clad mountains down the spine of the island. The eastern shore has a thriving local community based around the fascinating Chinese Old Town. Traditional houses and restaurants are built on stilts over the water, an ideal spot for a refreshing drink or a lunchtime stop.
Our Diving Holidays to Koh Lanta
Phuket
Surrounded by 21 kilometres of coastline, fringed with white sandy beaches and quiet coves, Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, has easy access to manta rays, soft coral gardens, colourful fish and the clear waters around the Racha Islands. It’s a full-day commitment for most dive trips, but comfortable dive boats and the variety of diving makes for a great trip. Once an important trade route linking India and China for tin and rubber, the island boasts a rich history, vibrant local traditions, unique crafts, and stunning temples. With excellent tourist amenities, its most frequented beaches - Patong, Karon, and Kata - are lively hubs filled with bars, eateries, and budget-friendly shopping options. The island's inland areas are equally captivating, featuring rolling green hills, coconut groves, and expansive rubber plantations.
Learning to Dive in Thailand
If you're a beginner or perhaps want to encourage a family member to learn to dive, Thailand is the ideal dive destination! Our learn to dive holiday in Thailand is based in Phuket, as there are several dive sites that are accessible for beginners, however we can arrange learn to dive holidays in all of Thailand’s diving locations. Your dive certification takes three or four days, and your time is spent between the classroom, swimming pool and the ocean!
Dive schools here offer dive courses and day trips to the surrounding islands, and are operated by experienced instructors, with all scuba gear included in the price.
Our Diving Holidays to Phuket
Koh Tao
In the Gulf of Thailand, the charming island of Koh Tao is a favourite for training and fun dives alike. Famous dive sites include Sail Rock, Japanese Gardens, a gentle start for beginners, and Chumpon Pinnacle which draws in big pelagic fish and the occasional whale shark. Affordable stays, golden beaches and plenty of dive schools make it a solid all-rounder. With golden beaches, charming coves and affordable accommodation, Koh Tao is ideal for families, those looking to learn, further their education or simply enjoy a budget diving break.
Our Diving Holidays to Koh Tao
Get a Taste of Liveaboard Diving in Thailand
If you've always wondered about a liveaboard diving holiday, Marco Polo offers 2-4 night itineraries to Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. They give divers the perfect introduction to liveaboard diving, without a big commitment on your time.
Planning Your Dive Trip
The best time for diving in Thailand is from November to April, and we also offer diving holidays to Phuket, Khao Lak and Koh Phi Phi in May. Whale sharks can make an appearance at any time, but consistently calm seas from February to April, allied to the warmest water temperatures, make this a good time for sightings. Thailand's diving conditions are excellent, with clear waters and warm temperatures ranging from 28-30°C, making it ideal for scuba diving. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, depending on the dive site and time of year.
With various dive sites throughout the country, from shallow reefs to deep drop-offs, Thailand is an ideal destination for scuba divers of all levels.
Summary
Whether it’s your first trip to Thailand or your tenth, the combination of world-class diving and the easy rhythm of island life is hard to beat. Each region offers its own mix of marine life, beautiful dive sites and atmosphere, giving you plenty of reasons to return and explore somewhere new. If you want to dive Thailand, take a look at our Thailand scuba diving holidays and start planning your next adventure to a tropical paradise.
If you feel inspired by our best scuba diving recommendations in Thailand, you can contact us to find out more from our expert team today.
