The Best of Thailand Diving Spots

Thailand has over 2,500 km of coastlines and numerous islands off the coast of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Siam.

Dive sites easily accessible, shallow waters and an impressive diversity of species of coral and fish, this is what attracts diving enthusiasts.

From the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand, each destination offering quality dive sites more or less accessible depending on the season.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, it is easy to find a dive on many islands to be properly guided.

In the Gulf of Thailand, to the west, the dive sites are ideal for beginners, who can try diving and snorkelling in shallow water.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao, literally Turtle Island, is the true mark for divers. Accessible from Surat Thani to only 1h30 from Koh Samui. This island is well-known for the most beautiful coral reefs in Southeast Asia. It is the ideal place for those who want to start diving or snorkeling. Indeed, the waters are shallow, and diving centers are located in every corner.

In Koh Tao, you can experience fish species such as marlin, cobra or the impressive barracuda.

In recent years, the neighboring Koh Phangan was a victim of its success. The seabed, which attracts more and more people greatly. Some sites remain nevertheless preserved, such as Southwest Pinnacle. The bravest of you will make Chumphon Pinnacle, on the west coast of the island popular place for divers in search of whale sharks and bull sharks.

The ideal time to go diving in Koh Tao is from June to September as the rains generally begins in October.

Ang Thong National Park

Accessible boat ride from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, the archipelago of forty islands is totally preserved. The fact that the park is a protected area allows many species of fish and corals to live and breed there. This is a real treat for divers.

Warning: during the monsoon season, between November and December, the National Park remains closed because of the rough sea that makes dangerous access to the islands.

To the east, in the Andaman Sea, found the most breathtaking diving sites in Thailand. However, they are recommended for the most experienced divers as the dives are more technical, including the visit of underwater caves in the unique atmosphere.

The Similan Islands

Similan Islands are home to some of the most famous sites in Thailand. The diversity of fish species is incredible: you will find, among others, bonito, tuna, jacks, all surrounded by a landscape covered with corals.

Since 1982, the Similan Islands have the status of nature reserve. To the west there are quiet gardens of corals, while to the west the dives are completely different by the presence of rocky corridors. These spots will therefore be adapted to the most daring of you.

The Similan Islands are accessible by boat from Khao Lak and even Phuket (allow about 2 hours by boat). Indeed, the reserve consists of 9 islands, mostly uninhabited. The park is open from November to May and closed for the rest of the year.

Surin

Situated near the Similan islands and also accessible from Phuket, Surin is a delight for divers because of the diversity of species living there.

It is an archipelago of five islands, namely Ko Surin Neua (north) and Ko Surin Tai (South). The depths are composed of granite rocks, and offer magnificent landscapes for all fans of scuba diving.

You probably come across schools of colourful fish, swirling around the pink and purple coral, and the whale shark. Indeed, Surin is one of the few places in the world where this happens frequently.

Richelieu Rock

The shaped rock horseshoe in the middle of the Andaman Sea, between the Similan Islands and Surin … Richelieu Rock is one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. The species are so varied that divers do not know where to turn.

During a dive at Richelieu Rock, you may come across the biggest fish on earth: the whale shark. Manta Ray, of barracudas, black tip shark or giant moray … so many species that will satisfy lovers of diving.

The site is far too rich to be found in one dive. The South has a gently sloping sandy bottom, while the North is more difficult, rugged terrain with up to 35 meters deep.

The diverse landscape of Thailand is both on land and in the sea, the country offers a variety of impressive dives. Snorkelling in Koh Tao to the most amazing dives in the underwater caves of the Andaman Sea, you know where to find your happiness. And because Thailand has so much more to offer, enjoy the end of the day relaxing with a massage and dinner overlooking the sea that holds such treasures…