Phuket is famous for its scuba diving sites but is even more famous as a general tourist destination.
So, even for those who have been diving a lot, this is their first time in Phuket.
Or, I met many people who didn’t know about diving in Phuket!
So, some people need to familiarize themselves with the Phuket diving system.
Today, I will explain the Phuket diving system.
It’s not like a grand system study,
I would like to mainly tell you about the differences from other areas famous for diving spots. 🙂
1. The overall system
Due to the regional characteristics of Phuket, there is a diving shop like in the Philippines or Palau. Still, rather than a system where you take a boat directly from the shop and go diving, all boats depart from Chalong Pier
So, divers who come to Phuket usually plan their trip this way.
(1) Diving – Reservation at a diving shop
(2) Hotel or resort – Reservation through the diving shop or directly
(3) Meal – We sometimes have dinner with the instructors after diving. Still, usually, we find a good restaurant or eat near the hotel according to our schedule. (Usually, breakfast and lunch are provided on the boat during diving.)
So, it is almost like independent travel. Unfortunately, like in the Philippines, you get on a boat right from the diving shop, go out for a dive, and then come back and get meals and lodging provided by the dive shop. Instead, you make your plans like people who travel independently.
Of course, the diving shop has a lot of information, so if you have any questions about what you don’t know when making a plan, you can ask any diving shop, and they will provide a friendly and detailed explanation.
2. The Boat
And the diving boats that are commonly used are not small boats, but large boats that can accommodate up to 60 people, and these large boats are usually used to overcome the high waves of Phuket’s rainy season.
Since you are using such a large boat, you can spend a very comfortable time on the boat. For those of you who have tried liveboarding, you can think of it as a liveboarding system, just because there are no rooms.
(1) Advantages of Phuket’s special large dive boats
1) Unless there are big waves over 3 meters, you can move without any problems.
2) There are rest areas throughout the ship, so you can move to the diving point comfortably. (You can sleep lying down haha)
3) There are usually 2 to 3 restrooms, which also function as restrooms and changing rooms.
4) There is a shower facility, so you can take a shower (shampoo x) after diving. (You don’t have to be soaked in salt water ^^)
5) The chef will board the boat and you can eat freshly prepared food for breakfast and lunch.
6) There is an indoor space, so those who get cold after diving can stay warm in the indoor space (so there is no need for a windproof jacket).
(2) Disadvantages of Phuket diving
1) Long travel time to the diving point (1 hour 20 mins for the closest one) – but while moving, you can leisurely listen to music, have a long conversation with a friend, or talk a lot about diving with the instructor!
2) Do not anchor on an island or beach during a dive. Must be on board only. (We have powerful Thai sickness medicine on board, so if you take sickness medication in advance, you won’t feel too much discomfort just on the boat.)
3. General introduction of Phuket diving points
There are 3 Diving areas in Phuket.
First, Racha Island (Racha Yai Island, Racha Noi Island)
Second, Marine Park (King Cruise Shipwreck, Shark Point or Anemone Reef, Koh dokmai)
Third, Phi Phi Island
All boats depart at approximately the same time.
It starts at 8:30 a.m. and returns after diving; depending on the point, it is between 5 and 7 p.m.
The following post will provide more details regarding the Phuket diving schedule and points.
If you want to preview more details,
Please click the Blue Dive Center homepage link below to take a look!