Diving and Snorkelling in Phuket and Phi Phi Islands
Part of the Phuket and Phi Phi Islands travel guide — see every topic in All Phuket and Phi Phi Islands Guides.
Phuket is one of the main diving centres in Thailand. Dive shops on the island run day trips to nearby reefs and longer trips to the Similan Islands to the north-west. The water is warm all year, and visibility is best in the dry season. Many reefs are inside national parks, with fees and seasonal rules. This guide covers the main areas, from easy snorkelling to deeper dives, and when each one is open.
Day trips near Phuket
The closest good reefs are around the Racha islands, south of Phuket. Racha Yai has clear bays that are good for snorkelling and for first dives. Racha Noi has deeper sites for more experienced divers. Other common day-trip sites include Shark Point and the King Cruiser wreck, a passenger ferry that sank in 1997 and is now covered with coral and fish. Most dive boats leave from Chalong Pier in the south. A day trip usually includes two or three dives, lunch and hotel transfers. In the monsoon months some sites close when the sea is rough.
The Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are a group of granite islands about 60 km off the coast north of Phuket, inside Mu Ko Similan National Park. They have some of the best diving in Thailand, with large boulders, coral gardens and very clear water. The park is open only from 15 October to 15 May each year. It closes in the monsoon season. For the 2026 season it opens on 15 October 2026. Visitor numbers are limited each day, and you cannot sleep on the islands. Most people go on a liveaboard boat or a long day trip by speedboat.
Snorkelling options
You do not need to dive to see fish. Racha Yai, the Phi Phi Islands and Coral Island near Chalong are popular snorkel trips. On calm days you can also snorkel from some beaches, such as the rocky ends of Kata and Ya Nui. Many tours rent masks and fins, but your own mask will fit better. Wear a rash guard to protect your back from the sun. Do not stand on coral or touch the animals. In national parks, some sun creams with chemicals that harm coral are banned, so bring a reef-safe brand.
Learning to dive
Phuket has many dive schools, and many teach in English and other languages. A beginner course usually takes three to four days, with pool sessions first and then dives in the sea. Choose a school with small groups and a good safety record, and check that instructors are certified. You must fill in a health form before diving. If you plan to fly, wait at least 18 to 24 hours after your last dive. The dry season, about November to April, gives the calmest sea and the best visibility for learning.
Diving and Snorkelling at a glance
| Getting there | Day boats mostly from Chalong Pier; Similan trips leave from piers north of Phuket |
|---|---|
| Hours | Day trips about 7 am to 5 pm; Similan visitors must leave the islands in the afternoon |
| Cost | National park fees for the Similans and Phi Phi; dive trips and courses extra |
| Best time | About December to April for the best visibility; Similans open 15 October to 15 May |
| Bring | Reef-safe sun cream, rash guard, your own mask if you have one |