Scuba Diving in Thailand - the Secrets of One of the Worlds Most Popular Diving Destinations

Scuba Diving in Thailand - the Secrets of One of the Worlds Most Popular Diving Destinations

Thailand has one of the world's most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations.

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centres, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Phuket and the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving in Phuket is of the highest standard, and the waters surrounding the ‘island' host a number of excellent dive sites. However, the real underwater treasures of Phuket lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Similan Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia's finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world's most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centres and excellent dive sites.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Chumpon Pinnacle are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Pattaya, Krabi, Ko Chang and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centres.

Today, Thailand is one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.

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Scuba Diving Thailand : Especially in Phuket

Scuba Diving Thailand : Especially in Phuket

One of the most diverse aquatic habitats are present in Thailand with over 300 main reef groups around an area of more than 4500 sq. miles. From submerged rocks and pinnacles to sheer walls and coral gardens, scuba diving Thailand has a lot to offer to the scuba divers with all levels of expertise and experience. Due to this diverse marine and diving environment, Thailand has attracted diving lovers from throughout the world due to which it has become one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving. Located on its western coast is the wonderful island of Phuket, covering an area of 300 sq. miles.

For the last three decades, Phuket has been catering to a huge number of visitors from almost every part of the world out of which a large percent is of scuba divers looking out to dive in some of the finest diving sites in Asia. Today, scuba diving Thailand has become on of the biggest businesses and the island of Phuket offers many great diving centres and services from leisure dives to advanced courses in diving.

Scuba Diving destinations in Phuket:

One of the best diving sites in Phuket is the Racha Islands located off Thailand's southern coast. The small island of Racha Noi provides some overwhelming underwater scenic views and has been renowned for encounters with manta ray and whale shark. King Cruiser Wrecks and Shark Point also attract a large number of scuba diving enthusiasts to try their hands on.

The water around and in the Ao Phang-Nga has been notable for their marine life profusion offering access to diverse marine and coral life unrivalled anywhere else in Phuket. Diving in the destinations such as Mergui Archipelago, Burma Banks and Similan islands can be an awe-inspiring experience for the fans of scuba diving Thailand. Ko Phi Phi Lae and Ko Phi Phi Don are the regions characterised for stunning topography, amazing cliffs of limestone, many hard coral gardens and excellent soft corals, sea whips, black coral and orange sea fans.

Why and when scuba diving in Phuket:

While scuba diving, the divers can frequently see whale sharks, large pelagic fishes, manta rays and silver tip sharks. With its vast variety of tropical fishes variety, the place has impressed even the most seasoned divers. Scuba diving Thailand can be done all year through but the best time is during October to June when the waters are calm and you can have the ultimate scuba diving experience.

It will be impossible to talk about scuba diving Thailand without mentioning Phuket. Undoubtedly, diving in this area is of a high standard and the place is a host of many excellent diving sites. In fact, Phuket has managed to develop an entire tourism industry due to its scuba diving attractions and today, a large number of scuba divers visit the place every year. There are endless diving opportunities in Thailand and the place has been listed in the top ten scuba diving sites.

It is not surprising why a large number of people get attracted towards the place due to its world-class scuba diving Thailand sites, crystal clear water and white clean sandy beaches. It is just the ideal place for the adventure lovers.

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Thumbs Up to Diving in Phi Phi, Thailand

Thumbs Up to Diving in Phi Phi, Thailand

Matt Butcher is thirty three years old and hails from Essex, UK. After quitting his job at London’s, Stansted International Airport, where he was employed as an operations controller for a handling company (a high stressed job with very little reward), Matt decided to leave England in search of a fresh challenge and to pursue his dream of becoming a diving instructor and it is in Thailand where he has been living and working for the last six years.

Matt first came on holiday to Thailand in 1993; he immediately fell in love with the country and its people vowing one day to return. Matt did return to Thailand in 2000, and it was on Phi Phi where he first leant to dive -Koh Phi Phi is situated in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Koh Lanta. After discovering for himself the underwater delights that diving offered, he decided that he wanted to progress his dive skills and knowledge; and eventually after much studying became a full time Padi Open Water Diving Instructor.

Matt is one of the most famous Scuba divers in Thailand if not the whole of South East Asia, if only for his misfortune. Here in his very first interview; he tells us about living and working in Thailand, what it’s like to dive with huge Mantas Rays and Whalesharks, life as a videographer and his true love for Moray eels.

Hi Mat, why did you choose Phi Phi Island as the place where you would learn to dive, there must be closer places to home than Thailand?

I chose Phi because it is a great place to dive as well as a great holiday destination. The water temp is always around 30 degrees; there are lots to see like Sharks, Turtles, and other interesting stuff. Phi Phi is also a nice place to live and work, it’s has a small community where there is always something going on, it’s also a great place to party. I did my open water and advanced courses on Phi Phi, then travelled to Koh Tao for my rescue and Divemaster courses. As far as the quality of diving goes Phi Phi wins hands down, there is just much to see.

Have you ever dived in the UK? If not, why not?

No. The main reason, I guess, is that I’m not too keen on the idea of diving in cold water. I like coral reefs, colorful fish, good visibility, and being able to dive in just a pair of board shorts. I’ve never used a dry suit and don’t really fancy it. Saying that, maybe one day I wouldn’t mind trying some hardcore ice diving.

So, you really do not think you will be returning back to work in England any time soon then?

It’s very unlikely. Two weeks a year in the UK is enough for me. Thailand’s my home these days and I’m happy here; I live here with my Thai girlfriend and our young daughter.

What’s it like working on a paradise Island like Phi Phi, is that the place where the filmed the movie The Beach?

A4: Working on Phi Phi is great, everything is close by and everyone knows everyone. Workers get discounts in bars and restaurants, and life is generally good. I like the fact there are no roads, cars, or motorbikes. The downside about staying on Phi Phi is that it is getting quite expensive, especially when it comes to renting rooms and bungalows. For the monthly rent you pay on Phi Phi for a basic room with a bed and a fan, you could easily get a two or three bedroom house in Phuket, and Phuket isn’t exactly cheap. It was after The Beach was filmed that prices shot up, people just became too greedy.

Have you worked anywhere else in Thailand, if so where?

I am very lucky as my job takes me to the Similans islands and Phuket dive sites.

Phuket, wow, what’s the diving like there?

The diving is surprisingly good. I was pleasantly surprised when I first dived in Phuket after years on Phi Phi. The visibility is usually good, and we are always seeing cool stuff like Manta Rays at Racha Noi.

Have the recent problems at Bangkok airport affected tourism where you are?

Yes, it’s pretty quite at moment. I just hope they can sort out the political problems soon. It seems that which ever side is elected the other side cannot accept it and they throw their toys out of their cots and start causing trouble. It has to stop. If some people cannot accept a democratically elected government, elected by a majority, maybe they should take the privilege away, though where that may lead to is a scary thought.

You mentioned the Similan Islands before, where exactly are they?

They are about six hours north of Phuket by boat. Or like many do, you can travel by bus to Khao Lak (a beautiful beach resort 50 minutes north of Phuket International airport) from there you go to Tab la mo port and the journey is a bout 2 hours in a speed boat.

Apparently these are some of the best dive sites in the world; can you elaborate on them please?

The great thing about the Similans is that it’s a protected marine park. The visibility is usually excellent, and there are some pristine coral reefs which teem with fish. There’s also a huge variety of dive sites to choose from, some gently sloping coral reefs, some with massive boulder formations.

What is your favorite dive site and why?

I like a lot of them. Elephant Head Rock is cool, it’s easy to find Sharks there; well it is if you know where to look. Three Trees has some great corals and a lot of fish, but my favorite sites are just north of the Similans, like Koh Bon, I have had some wicked dives with Mantas Rays there, and Richelieu Rock (the most famous dive site in Thailand), as I’ve seen quite a few Whalesharks there.

So now you have become a videographer? You must have some amazing footage.

Yeah I’ve got a few external drives full of good stuff.

What is your favorite sea creature and why?

Probably Manta Rays, they always take my breath away when I see them gliding past they are just so graceful, the boat is always buzzing after a Manta sighting.

Everybody who comes to dive in Thailand wants to see a Whaleshark or Manta Ray how many have you seen?

I have seen more than 100 Manta Rays and seven or eight Whalesharks. I saw two Whalesharks on a single dive once at Hin Muang.

Is it true you once had a close encounter with a Moray Eel, what happened?

There used to be a famous Moray called Scarface at East of Eden in the Similans and a lot of instructors and dive guides would take food down for her, and feed her in front of their guests. I was careless one day, and wasn’t paying attention when I was removing food from a plastic bag. Scarface came around behind me, could smell the food, and accidentally latched onto my thumb. I tried to prize her jaws open and get her off me but it was no good. Within seconds there was a sickening popping sound and my thumb was bitten clean off. She swam away and that was the last I saw of my thumb. It was my fault, firstly for feeding a wild animal, and secondly for being careless. My dive buddy Bex was holding my camera and managed to get some footage of it happening.

You mean you have video footage of it? Can you tell us about the operation?

After several months when the wound healed and the Doctors were happy that there was no infection, I flew up to one of the best hospitals in Bangkok; where a specialist hand micro surgeon amputated one of my second toes and attached it to my hand. In an operation which lasted over six hours, he connected all the nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. Now I have a new thumb, which is almost as good as the old one. I can feel it, and move it like a real thumb.

Did it not put you off diving?

Not at all, I was back in the water less that a month after having the operation. Why would it put me off? It was an accident.

How do other people react when you tell them the story?

These days I don’t mention it, unless someone asks. They’re usually quite amazed at how normal my toe / thumb looks.

I heard this story in a dive shop in Koh Tao (another Thai Island) how do you deal with the fame?

It’s not something to be proud of really, and it’s not really fame. Not many people know it was me, and I like to keep it that way.

Would you feed Moray Eels again or have you learnt your lesson?

Well, I used to love feeding her, but no, I wouldn’t do it again. It’s not really a good idea to feed marine life, it’s not natural, and with animals like Morays and Sharks especially, they can start associating scuba divers with food. Accidents can happen.

When and where will your next dive be?

My next dives will be tomorrow at Koh Doc Mai and Anemone Reef near Phuket. I head up to the Similans in a few days for a week or so.

Well good luck Matt, take care and Thank you for talking to us!

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New Career Become a PADI Diving Instructor in Phuket, Thailand?

New Career Become a PADI Diving Instructor in Phuket, Thailand?

Change

The urge for a change in direction seems sometimes to coincide with mid-life. The children are now grown up which releases us from our weary daily routines, awakening a longing to break out of the mould and dive into new challenges.

The sea

Have you ever thought how amazing the undersea world is? And what wonderful mysteries lie beneath our oceans? And if you are one of those who love scuba diving, can you pinpoint the reasons behind your love for the sea? Thailand, especially the southern waters around the regions of Phuket and Phi Phi offer some of the most scenic oceanic diving views you could possibly imagine. What a wonderful place to visit, where you can visit and develop your new skills in scuba diving?

The experience

A lot of people first experienced the undersea world with Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997). He helped design the world’s first aqualungs in 1943. Through his TV series, he made it possible for millions to discover the world’s undersea mysteries. He lead us into new underwater habitats and introducing us to some of the many species of plants and wildlife living beneath our oceans. Through the Calypso, his crew and his eyes, he was able to share these amazing discoveries with us. Cousteau taught generations about the necessity to love, respect and protect the environment that lay below our seas. His pioneer documentaries paved the way for all that came after.

Like flying an aircraft, diving the oceans is one of humankind’s special gifts, and it’s one that we can all enjoy throughout our lives.

The instructor

If you already have a lot of experience in scuba diving and you hold qualifications such as a PADI Divemaster, PADI Assistant Instructor, or similar with another training organization, then you are already on the road to taking a PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) and Instructor Examination (IE). Passing that will almost certainly take you to your desired profession, but if you don’t have any experience yet, don’t worry, your skills can be built up from a very beginner with Chris Owen’s Indepth PADI IDCs. Chris can help you achieve this and other goals.

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors or PADI formed in 1966 is the world’s largest recreational diving membership and training organization for divers and diving instructors. The PADI membership consists of PADI Instructors and PADI Divemasters and teaches most of the world’s recreational divers, in fact PADI currently certifies around 1,000,000 divers a year throughout the world. PADI courses are proactive based dive programs that start from entry level programs like PADI Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver to PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI), Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) and PADI IDC Staff courses.

Becoming a PADI diving instructor will take time, but with your effort and the correct training you can accomplish your goal. PADI IDC classes are suited for those who are not only determined but who are also not afraid of hard work, yet at the same time students can enjoy the experience of a life time with lots of fun and wonderful memorable moments.

With confined and open water training available, students can utilize accumulated knowledge and experience from professionals like PADI Course Director Chris Owen. Consider other advantages of signing with Chris such as monthly small classes of up to ten students, which allow team bonding and creates good team spirit making it that much easier to progress through the course. Class language is available in English, French, Dutch, German, Danish, Swedish or Thai, but language assistance for other nationalities is also available. In regards to signing up with Chris, there is a 5% Early Bird Discount for those who signup early and another 5% Cash Incentive discount, a total of 10% discount off the whole package. The programs are so well structured; they aim to intensify training periods with equally long relaxation periods. He uses tried and proven method that really do help students improve that much faster.

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