 
SCUBA DIVING Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular
water sport and the country boosts some of the most beautiful
dive sites in the world – the water is clear, sea life plentiful,
transport and accommodation readily available and instruction
to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively
cheap, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand,
you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world.
Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility
changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best
time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand
from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand
the water is so clear that the under-water world is visible
from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish,
dolphins and coral reefs.
All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international
dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All
over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international
standard boats and professional facilities.
For group or family travelers, all good live aboard operations
will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends
and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy
the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of
the world’s most beautiful waters.
Underwater
experience
Day 1 : Transfer from Phuket Airport to Chalong Bay.
Board night boat from the bay to Similan islands.
Day 2 : Arrive Similan. Rest of the day at dive sites
around island exploring the reefs of the Similan Archipelago
and myriad colours exhibited by countless fish and corals. There
are three dive spots scheduled, and one night dive.
Day 3 : Continue your diving odyssey at three locations.
Three daytime dives are scheduled at Ko Bon island and Ko Tachai,
home to manta rays, whale sharks and colourful coral. There
is one dive at Surin Island.
Day 4 : Three dives scheduled at Richelieu Rock, playground
of the whale shark.
Day 5 : Dive at three more Similan locations before taking
the night boat to Phuket.
Andaman
adventure
Day 1 : From Patong Beach, Phuket, sail overnight to
the Similan Islands.
Day 2 – 3 : Wake up at a Similan dive site and after
breakfast, explore the area. Surroundings Range from delicate
sloping reefs to giant boulder drop-offs The variety of marine
life here is exceptional, with diverse corals and an enormous
huge range of fish. Set sail For the Myanmar Banks in the evening.
Day 4 – 5 : Two days are spent on the Myanmar Banks exploring
marine life including many different varieties of shark The
area is subject to strong currents and changing underwater visibility
visibility so it is strictly for experienced dives.
Day 6 : Dive at Richelieu Rock and Ko Ta-chai. Return
to Similan in the evening
Day 7 : The last full day of diving around Similan, visiting
several important reefs such as Shark's fin and Elephant's Head.
Evening departure for the return passage to Phuket.
Day 8 : Early morning arrival at Patong. Participating
divers should be certificated, but there is plenty of action
on these tours for non-divers and various entertainments on
board the mother ship, plus the chance to explore ashore.
Divers'
paradise
Day 1 : Arrive Samui and continue by boat to Ko Tao (Turtle
Island). After lunch, enjoy swimming and snorkeling around this
tiny island considered to be the best dive site in the Gulf.
The marine ecology of Ko Tao is the habitat of several rare
species, including spotted rays, giant trigger fish and the
occa-sional and harmless whale shark.
Day 2 – 7 : Enjoy diving lessons offered by international-standard
diving schools or discovering the beautiful under-water world
with experienced divers.
Day 8 : Leave Ko Tao for Chumphon. City tour and visit
to the many caves and beautiful beaches. Overnight in Chumpon.
Dive
sites
 ANDAMAN
SEA : Dive sites are found off the coast of Phuket with
prime spots such as Shark Point, Red Rock, Ko Yao, Ko Yai, and
the twin islands of Ko Racha, extending to the Similan and Surin
islands to the west, Krabi and Trang to the east.
GULF
OF THAILAND : Sites are around Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko
Tao, Ko Nang Yuan, Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, and
Ko Chang in Trat Province near the Combodian border.
EAST COAST
: On the east coast of the Gulf, Pattaya offers dive trips out
to Ko Larn, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Rin, Ko Pai and Ko Marn Vichai.
There are dozens of dive shops offering courses and tours to
any level and in any language.
Misconceptions
about learning
IT IS
DANGEROUS. Not true. All the recommended dive companies
listed here are PADI certified and have well qualified, experienced
staff. As long as divers follow instructions and are prepared,
there is less danger than swimming in the sea.
IT TAKES
A LONG TIME TO LEARN AND IS EXPENSIVE Not true. All PADI
centres offer beginner’s courses in a swimming pool for a half
or full day. Becoming PADI certified will take four days in
Thailand. Anyone over eight years can do a “Bubble Blowers”
course in a pool for free. A Discover Scuba Diving course will
cost around 4,000 baht and take one day. A full Open Water PADI
course will take four days and cost around 10,000 baht
IT’S
DIFFICULT AND YOU HAVE TO BE VERY FIT. Not true. Anyone
over the age of 12 can do a PADI certified course. As long as
they are in good medical condition and have no history of asthma,
heart or breathing problems, a severe cold or problems with
your ears, then they are ready to dive.
Precautions & preparations There are some precautions
and preparations that should be taken before diving, whether
you are experienced or a beginner.
Never
go diving too soon after or before flying. The change in atmospheric
pressure can cause “The Bends” either underwater or in the air,
so divers should always consult an instructor to time diving
and training to flight schedules.
Never
dive after a heavy meal. The blood flows to the stomach to aid
digestion and may cause cramp.
Never
consume alcohol before diving (including the night before).
The underwater effect of alcohol is multiplied many times, leading
to disorientation and lack of judgment.
If
a heavy smoker, cut down before beginning to dive.
Always
follow safety procedures as advised by the instructor.
Never
go diving alone.
If
a diver has experience but has not been diving for a while (six
months or more), they should tell the instructor and ask for
a quick refresher course on procedures, safety and practices.
Look
for PADI certified dive shops only. Ask around at the resort
to see who is recommended. Don’t take the first option or the
cheapest (necessarily).
If
sure to dive before leaving on a trip, access the official PADI
site at Padi.com and look for PADI certified dive shops at the
destination.
Read
as much as possible about the destination. If experienced, a
diver should know about the best dive sites before they even
get to a resort. |
