Dive into Adventure at Thailand's 6 Best Diving Spots

Are you planning your first dive trip to Thailand and don't know where to start?

Thailand is home to some of the most amazing dive sites in the world packed with stunning coral reefs and sea life! There are numerous scuba diving sites from the west coast to the east coast of Thailand that cater to a range of diving levels from advanced divers to beginner divers. With so many dive sites to choose from, it can be difficult to choose where to start, so here's a guide to the best diving sites in Thailand as well as what marine life you can expect to see.

Scuba diving is great in Thailand, thanks to the high chances of diving with whale sharks and manta rays.

Many dive sites have stunning underwater limestone pinnacles as well as an abundance of marine life. Thailand dive schools have a good reputation, which is why it is one of the best places to learn scuba diving or improve your skills as a certified diver. Thailand is one of the best scuba diving destinations in Southeast Asia because of its diverse marine life, wrecks, and dive sites for divers of all levels!

Generally, October to April is the best time to go scuba diving in Thailand. However, each dive site has a different timeline so it depends on where you want to go and what you want to see.

The most famous dive sites in Thailand are:

Koh Tao is a popular dive spot for people to learn how to scuba dive as it's got over 70 dive schools. Whale sharks, leopard sharks, bull sharks, and many other fish species can be found while scuba diving in Koh Tao, Thailand. Chumphon Pinnacle, a haven for fish, shrimp, white moral eels, and crabs, should be on your bucket list. The best way to see this colorful aquatic life is by diving into the stunning underwater scenery!

Popular dive sites in Koh Tao include Chumphon Pinnacle, Southwest Pinnacle, Sail Rock, Shark Island, White Rock, Green Rock, and HTMS Sattakut Wreck. Divers can usually expect around 30m visibility.

Phuket is another popular spot to go scuba diving in Thailand! There are numerous dive sites to explore with its warm, clear waters and colorful soft corals. Shark Point, Richelieu Rock, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, Anemone Reef, and the King Cruiser Wreck are among the best dive sites in Thailand. These sites provide divers of all levels with a range of experiences, from shallow coral reefs to deeper, more difficult dives.

Phuket is home to a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, and reef sharks. During certain times of the year, larger creatures such as manta rays and whale sharks can also be seen. Divers can usually expect approximately 25m to 40m visibility.

Famous for its fire shows and beach parties, scuba diving is one of the most underrated activities in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi is one of the most beginner-friendly dive sites in Thailand so you won't have to go far to see coral reefs and schools of fish!

Koh Phi Phi is also famous for its beautiful and soft coral fans and limestone formations underwater as well as crystal clear water and white sand above. Bida Nok, Bida Nai, King Cruiser Wreck, Palong Wall, and Koh Dok Mai are some of the dive sites we recommend for you to visit! Divers can usually expect approximately 10m to 15m visibility.

Koh Lanta has some of the best diving sites on Thailand's west coast! Koh Lanta is home to vibrant reefs, caves, and deep drop-offs. The best dive sites at Koh Lanta are Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai, and Koh Rok. Divers can usually expect approximately 15m to 40m visibility.

Koh Phangan is well known for its huge range of hard coral and fringing reefs which are frequently swarming with tropical and colorful reef fish! Since Koh Phangan is in a rather isolated location, there are many submerged rock pinnacles that are a magnet for nearby marine life.

The best dive sites at Koh Phangan are Mae Haad, Haad Salat, and Haad Yao Reefs. Similar to Koh Tao, divers can usually expect around 30m visibility.

Unlike the other dive sites, Similan Islands is located in a marine park that is located just off the Andaman Sea. You can reach Similan Islands from Phuket, Ranong, or Khao Lak. There is a wide range of underwater landscapes when diving in Similan. Diving ranges from deep rocky gorges to smaller coral reefs.

The best dive sites at Similan Islands are East of Eden, Elephant Head Rock, North Point, Deep Six, Boulder City, Shark Fin Reef, and Christmas Point. Divers can usually expect around 20m to 30m visibility.

Thailand, which is located in the Andaman Sea, is a tropical haven very rich in amazing marine life. Here are the top four sea creatures that you'll encounter when you go scuba diving in Thailand:

Also known as the gentle giants of the Andaman sea, whale sharks can grow up to 12 meters long! Whale sharks are a highlight for most scuba divers but encountering whale sharks when scuba diving in Thailand is quite rare.

Manta ray sightings are fairly common when diving in Thailand. They are frequently seen in shallower waters, so even inexperienced divers and snorkellers have the chance to encounter manta rays!

These adorable creatures are quite popular sightings when scuba diving in Thailand! The most common turtles that you can spot are Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. They're usually spotted close to the coral reefs.

Seahorses are a beautiful sight to see when scuba diving! The most common sea horse that you can spot in Thailand is the Tiger Tail seahorse.

Discover more diving experiences in other parts of the world like Indonesia! Bali has many diving spots perfect for divers of all levels like Padang Bai and Tulamben. If you're still not confident about your diving skills or just want to learn the basics of diving, we've got you covered:

Happy and safe travels!