Thailand’s diving sites have been rated as some of the world’s finest because they offer divers and nature lovers an exhilarating opportunity to observe a vibrant underwater world teeming with a tremendous diversity of colorful marine life.
The tropical waters around Thailand are particularly calm and clear and provide an ideal habitat for more than 200 species of coral and a myriad of other fascinating marine life. Thailand’s exceptional marine bio-diversity is the result of two distinct marine ecosystems — the Gulf of Thailand to the east with the islands of Samui, Tao, and Ang Thong, the largest marine national park, being the crown jewels of the region.
To the west, hundreds of idyllic islands are dotted around the Andaman, which forms part of the Indian Ocean. Of these tropical islands of the Andaman, Phuket and Phi Phi being the best known, while the Similan and Surin islands have been rated as world-class diving sites. On the side of the Gulf of Thailand, are more wonders to enjoy from the Thai seas.
While the Andaman is at its best between October and April, the best time to be in the Gulf of Thailand is between May and September. With access to one of the two locations at various times of the year, snorkeling and diving conditions are ideal all-year-round.
Here are some more places to be to experience the amazing wonders of the Thai seas:
PATTAYA
All-year-round diving. Depths of 18-30metres with 6-10metres visibility. Recommended attractions: The islands (koh) of Lan, Pai, and Rin
KOH SAMET
The diving season in Koh Samet is from November to June. Depths of 18-30 metres with 10-20meters visibility. Recommended attractions: Koh Coral and shipwrecks
KOH CHANG
The diving season in Koh Chang extends from November to June. Depths of 18-30meters with 10-25meters visibility. Recommended attractions: Koh Wai and Koh Kradat
KOH SAMUI
The diving season in Koh Samui is from March to October. Depths of 15-40meters with 10-25meters visibility. Recommended attractions: Koh Tao and the Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park
PHUKET
The diving season extends from November to April. Depths of 30-45meters with 10-25meters visibility. Recommended attractions: Koh Racha and Shark Point
SIMILAN
The diving season extends from December to April. Depths of 25-90meters with 35-40meters visibility. Recommended attractions: Koh Huyong and Elephant Rock
SURIN
The diving season extends from December to April. Depths of 25-70 meters with 20-40 meters visibility. Recommended attractions: HQ Bay and Turtle Ledge
KOH PHI PHI
The diving season extends from January to March. Depths of 25-40meters with 15-30meters visibility. Recommended attractions: Phi Phi Don and Koh Bida Nok
TRANG
The diving season extends from January to May Depths of 25-45meters with 20-40meters visibility. Recommended attractions: Emerald Cave and shipwrecks
KOH TARUTAO
The diving season extends from December to May. Depths of 15-35meters with 15-35meters visibility. Recommended attractions: Koh Khai and Koh Ngam (Additional info from the Tourism Authority of Thailand)
