Scuba diving in Thailand is an experience truly not to be missed, famously attracting the interest of divers from all over the world.
With its beautiful coral reefs, marine life varieties, and crystal clear water visibility, Thailand has turned out to be the prime location for any beginner or experienced scuba diver alike.
This article will give insights into the reasons behind the popularity of scuba diving in Thailand. Plus, why you may prefer to take a liveaboard diving trip, to experience the underwater paradise to the fullest.
The Allure of Scuba Diving in Thailand
There is no underplaying the enchanting beauty of Thailand’s underwater world. Thailand has two core regions for diving – the Andaman Sea off the country’s west coast, and the more central Gulf of Thailand. Each area has varying dive sites, and for divers of all levels. All this makes scuba diving in Thailand evermore popular among tourists and locals too.
Great Visibility and Perfect Water Temperature
Great visibility is one of the main attractions for scuba divers in Thailand. For one, being able to see up to 30 meters is common. Warm water temperatures are also maintained from 25°C to 30°C, throughout the year. So, a comfortable temperature to dive in without heavy wetsuits (some even prefer just board shorts and a rash vest). In short, with warm temperatures in and out of the water, you get the ultimate in experience when exploring the underwater kingdom here.
Rich Marine Life
Scuba diving in Thailand also has great benefits when it come to marine life. There is such a great variety: majestic whale sharks, graceful manta rays, schools of vibrantly colored tropical fish, nudibranchs, and so many species in between.
It’s no wonder why such places as the Similan Islands, and Koh Phi Phi are so famous for diving. They are truly rich marine habitats, where you can immerse yourself and experience the beauty of the underwater.
Perfect Conditions for Any Diver Level
Whether one is a beginner seeking to learn, or an advanced diver in search of all-out adventures, scuba diving in Thailand offers it all. Beginners can start in shallow and calm waters, while there are deeper wrecks and dive sites reserved for the more experienced. In Thailand, there are numerous diving schools offering PADI or SSI certification whereby divers are assured of quality training too.
Scuba Diving in Thailand: Liveaboard Diving Trips
For the ultimate scuba diving experience in Thailand, booking a liveaboard is a must. Here are some reasons why, to name a few:
Access to Remote Dive Sites
Liveaboard diving is one of the best ways to visit some of the most pristine and remote dive sites in Thailand. Particular areas around the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock are usually less crowded, offering a closer and more personal experience with nature. These places are aptly rich in beautiful coral reefs and varied marine ecosystems, thus absolute favorites of all divers. As you are essentially in a floating hotel, you will often find that you and your group are the first to any dive site for the first dive of the day. Liveaboards will often start travelling whilst all guests are still asleep, meaning after a small breakfast you are ready to go!
Extended Dive Time
Firstly, on a liveaboard, you can dive several times a day, including night dives. Up to four dives a day is common, so you get more dive time overall to explore the different dive locations. As we see it, each dive is like ‘a mini adventure’, played out during a grander one. There is always the excitement of the chance of seeing something new too on each outing.
How Comfortable and Convenient
Being on a liveaboard, you can move between different dive sites without going back to the shore every day. All meals and accommodations are taken care of, allowing you to put all of your thoughts on your diving experience. At the end of your great day diving, kick back on deck and view the sunset. Enjoy the evening sharing stories with your fellow dive buddies.
Conclusion – How to Make the Best out of Scuba Diving in Thailand
Going diving in Thailand is an adventure in itself. The country as a whole is truly vibrant and varied, with such a peaceful, and safe energy. Plus, one can expect truly breathtaking experiences underwater, and meet an unbelievable world of marine life.
Thailand is possibly the one absolute best place in the world for any type of diver. With its combination of warm waters, excellent visibility, and great diversity of dive sites… and price tag too, makes for an awesome diving holiday destination.
Join a liveaboard diving trip to spend multiple days on the water. Explore new dive spots not easily covered in one day. Log in those extra hours under the water, especially if you are a newer diver to cement in those skills… and relax on the boat between dives, eating, snoozing, and enjoying the epic views.
Dive on in, and see just why Thailand is considered one of the hottest dive destinations in the world!
