Thailand is renowned for its pristine beaches, tropical climate, and clear waters, making it a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. The country is home to some of the best dive sites in the world, with a diverse range of marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 scuba diving destinations in Thailand.
- Similan Islands
- Surin Islands
- Richelieu Rock
- Ko Tao
- Ko Phi Phi
- Ko Similan
- Ko Ha
- Ko Lipe
- Ko Ngai
- Ko Buddha
1. Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands located in the Andaman Sea. This area is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Thailand and is known for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. The islands offer a variety of dive sites suitable for divers of all levels, from shallow coral reefs to deeper walls and drop-offs. Some of the most notable species that can be seen here include manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles.
2. Surin Islands
The Surin Islands are another popular scuba diving destination in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea. The islands are surrounded by stunning coral reefs and offer excellent visibility, making them a perfect place for both beginner and experienced divers. The waters around the Surin Islands are home to a variety of marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and a plethora of colorful reef fish. One of the most popular dive sites here is Richelieu Rock, a pinnacle that rises from the depths and is covered in soft corals and gorgonian sea fans.
3. Richelieu Rock
Richelieu Rock is one of the most famous dive sites in Thailand and is located near the Surin Islands. This underwater pinnacle is covered in soft corals and sea fans, and is home to a diverse range of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and seahorses. Richelieu Rock is suitable for experienced divers and is best visited as a liveaboard trip as it is only accessible by boat. This unique dive site is considered one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks, and is a must-visit for any serious scuba diver.
4. Ko Tao
Ko Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is one of the best places in the country for scuba diving. The island is known for its shallow, sheltered bays and vibrant coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for beginner divers. The warm, clear waters around Ko Tao are home to a variety of marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and an abundance of colorful reef fish. In addition to diving, the island offers a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and is a popular spot for budget-conscious travelers.
5. Ko Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi is a group of six islands located in the Andaman Sea and is famous for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters. The islands offer a variety of dive sites, including coral reefs, walls, and shipwrecks, making it a popular destination for scuba divers of all levels. The clear waters around Ko Phi Phi are home to an impressive array of marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and a diverse range of reef fish. The island is also a popular spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and rock climbing, making it a great destination for adventure-seekers.
6. Ko Similan
Ko Similan is a group of nine islands located in the Andaman Sea and is considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in Thailand. The clear, warm waters around the islands offer a variety of dive sites, including shallow coral reefs and deep walls, making it suitable for divers of all levels. Some of the most notable species that can be seen here include manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. Ko Similan is only accessible by boat, and is best visited as part of a liveaboard trip.
7. Ko Ha
Ko Ha is a small island located in the Andaman Sea and is known for its excellent scuba diving. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and is home to an array of marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and an abundance of colorful reef fish. Ko Ha offers a variety of dive sites, including shallow coral reefs and deeper walls, making it a great destination for both beginner and experienced divers. The island is only accessible by boat, and is best visited as part of a liveaboard trip.
8. Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe is a small island located in the Andaman Sea and is known for its stunning beaches and excellent scuba diving. The island is surrounded by warm, clear waters and is home to a variety of marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and an abundance of colorful reef fish. Ko Lipe offers a variety of dive sites, including shallow coral reefs and deeper walls, making it a great destination for both beginner and experienced divers. The island is accessible by boat from the mainland, and is a popular spot for budget-conscious travelers.
9. Ko Ngai
Ko Ngai is a small island located in the Andaman Sea and is known for its stunning beaches and excellent scuba diving. The island is surrounded by warm, clear waters and is home to a diverse array of marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and an abundance of colorful reef fish. Ko Ngai offers a variety of dive sites, including shallow coral reefs and deeper walls, making it a great destination for both beginner and experienced divers. The island is only accessible by boat, and is best visited as part of a liveaboard trip.
10. ko-buddha
Ko Buddha, also known as Koh Bodum or Buddha Island, is a small island located off the coast of Thailand. While it is not as well-known as other scuba diving destinations in Thailand, it offers a unique diving experience with its clear waters and diverse marine life. The island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs, and is home to a variety of sea creatures, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish. Divers of all levels will find something to enjoy here, from shallow coral gardens to deeper walls, and the warm waters provide excellent visibility year-round. Ko Buddha is a great destination for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path diving experience in Thailand.