Water sports in Phuket
Phuket is getting an international recognition nowadays for water sports. There are many spots on the island for people who want to learn or improve surfing and other water sports.
So go ahead and take the plunge!
Windsurf and kite surf
In the West coast, 8 beaches have special facilities for windsurfing and kite surfing like in Rawai, Karon, Kata, Bangtao and Patong, where several shops are specialized for windsurfing.
You will enjoy yourself between November and April, when the sea and the wind are adequate for both sports.
If you are a beginner, you can take some lessons especially with hotels or tour operators.
Surf
Phuket has become a popular destination for surfing. Indeed, it hosts since 1999 international surfing competitions like The Phuket
Surfing Contest in Kata Beach, The Kalim Surf Contest and The Kamala Go Surfing Contest, in September.
The best places for surfing are on the West coast of Phuket, between Surin and Nai Harn during the monsoon season, from April to November. During that season, you will appreciate fully the rhythm of sea waves.
You do not know how to surf and you want to start? Go to Surf House Phuket in Kata where you will learn to slide on artificial waves before trying to tame the beautiful waves of Andaman Sea. For about 20€ the first hour, you will assimilate the basic techniques.
Sailing
Phuket is the first destination of South East Asia for sailing. In fact, it hosts the annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, which is the largest and the most famous regatta in Asia. Inaugurated in 1997 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, it takes place every year during the first week of December.
Phuket is well-known for sailing, for this is an area where the surrounding islands, beaches and crystal clear sea are stunning.
Starting from the large port of Ao Chalong, located in the South of Phuket, you can navigate in peace in the Andaman Sea, to the Koh Phi Phi islands in the South East, or to the Surin and Similan islands in the West of Phuket.
Canoeing
Kayaking is ideal for visiting the bays and islands around Phuket, throughout the year.
Take a guide from a local operator, and go to discover the famous Krabi or Phang Nga Bay where you will be amazed by the numerous underwater caves and interior lagoons. This eco activity will fascinate you with the floral and faunal diversity, which is accessible only by canoe.
Scuba diving
Phuket is one of the 10 best destinations in the world to scuba dive.
The best season for scuba diving and snorkeling is between October and May, but throughout the year, the water is warm, clear and full of aquatic mysteries: you can see large shoals of fish, manta rays, whale sharks or you can admire the amazing coral gardens.
Why not try also a cave diving to find out the many magic hidden caves and tunnels?
Clubs and professional centers will offer you full equipment and excursions and of course, you will not forget it soon.