Year after year Phuket sees a larger number of travellers head over to this beautiful island nestled in the Andaman for many reasons than one. However scuba diving takes centre stage here with many of Thailand’s diving attractions being accessible from here. The Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Burma and Hin Daeng are some of the famous diving locations close to Phuket.
Scuba diving in Phuket is more of an adventure rather than an exciting water sport. With beautiful marine life not far from the surface of the waters and exotic coral pinnacles that form coral fringed islands it is a an adventure that most dive into head on! King Cruiser wreck is a car ferry that sank here in the past which forms another exciting diving site. There is also the option of diving with manta rays and come face to face with dolphins and occasional whales at the Racha Noi South Point.
Shark point and Koh Phi Phi are both excellent for underwater photography, where divers can photograph cuttlefish and leopard sharks to their hearts content. The Anemone Reef is a gorgeous pinnacle covered entirely in Anemones. Clownfish and turtles are seen in abundance here. Phi Phi Islands are accessible on day trips from Phuket. Here divers can feast on the sights of schooling reef fish such as fusiliers, pipefish and squid. The best conditions for diving in Phuket exist from November through to April, although most diving sites are accessible all year round. During the months of May to October the visibility is reduced by around 30% owing to the monsoon winds. The water temperature remains around 27- 30, perfect for a good deep soak in these turquoise blue waters.
If you are on the lookout for places to reside in while you explore these beautiful waters of Thailand, there are several amazing retreats in Thailand to choose from. A sports club Phuket that has made waves in the hospitality industry here as of late is the Thanyapura. This resort offers a relaxing stay to its guests in a tropical setting although located a little distance away from the beach.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.