Andaman Sea, Thailand

Diving around the Andaman Sea can take place at a number of locations, the majority of which can be accessed by flying into Phuket or Krabi.

Phuket
While there is diving on Phuket proper, most people with only a couple of days tend to head out to dive sites within an hour or two of Chalong Bay — Phuket's hub for sea-going trips. Such sites include Koh Racha Yai, Koh Racha Noi, Koh Doc Mai, Shark Point, Anemone Reefs, the King Cruiser Wreck, and the Phi Phi Islands.

From Phuket liveaboards can be boarded to sail to outstanding sites such as the Similan and Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock and across the border to Myanmar's Mergui Peninsula and Burma Banks.

Krabi
The island of Koh Lanta Yai is the largest and the only island on Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park that is adequately equipped with amenities suitable for international visitors. Fortunately it has escaped the onslaught of mass tourism, retaining its idyllic appeal.

Locally referred to as 'The island of long beaches', the western coastline comprises of mile after mile of golden sand, only occasionally broken by rocky headlands. Lanta Yai is a popular family destination, with many returning to the island's beach-front resorts year after year to simply 'get away from it all'. The diving around Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park can be exceptional and definitely ranks amongst the best in the country. The diving concentrates around offshore islands, islets and rocky outcrops as well as a spectacular submerged pinnacle known as Hin Mouang, which is also the deepest drop off in the country. There are wall dives, fringing reefs, caves and even a wreck to explore. Clear waters are complemented by a rich diversity of healthy marine life.

Getting there:

Phuket, Similans, Phi Phi, Burma Banks:
Silk Air, Tiger Airways and Jet Star Asia fly to Phuket, from where you will be greeted by our local operators and transfered to your hotel or liveaboard.

Koh Lanta:
Tiger Airways and Jet Star Asia fly to Krabi. Koh Lanta Yai is then reached via minibus or taxi, which we can arrange from Krabi international airport.

Dive season and climate:
Tropical climate, with the dive season ranging from November to April. Diving is possible in what is called the "rainy" season from May through to October, but only in the relatively-sheltered waters in and around the greater Phuket area.

Liveaboards to the Similan and Surin islands generally cease operating during this time.

Water temperatures are generally warm, and for most diving, a 3 mm suit or equivalent should be sufficient.