Thailand diving is a unique experience. The country of Thailand has emerged as a popular destination for scuba divers from around the world. Many of the world’s best dive sites can be found in and around Phuket, Thailand. The abundance of coral reefs, the rich underwater environment, and the diverse marine life are reason enough to draw the attention of thousands of enthusiastic divers each year.

Popular Sites to Explore

The three most popular dive sites you will encounter during Thailand diving excursions are the Khao Lak, Nathon, and Koh Ma. However, there are other equally fascinating sites all over the country. These include the Bang Tao Island, Koh Ma Noi, and Ko Lanta islands which have wrecks where tourists can also explore the underwater world. Some other popular dive sites in Thailand include the following.

Richelieu Rock

One of the most spectacular scuba diving sites in Phuket is the Richelieu Rock. It is located in Ko Lanta. It is around 40 meters deep, with a huge cave entrance at its peak. This is where the world’s deepest diver can be found; this is also where the world’s largest whale shark can be found. If you want to see this attraction during your trip to Phuket, make sure you head to the main beach at Koh Ma.

Divers of all skills can visit this area because there are numerous interesting and thrilling activities they can participate in, such as snorkeling, surfing, and even swimming. When you first arrive at the site, you will be greeted by friendly staff who will help you prepare for your trip. You can go around the entire area by yourself or let the diving school students take turns teaching you and showing you around. Most schools also offer lessons to novice divers, which helps you learn how to handle your equipment while you explore the incredible underwater world.

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are located just north of Koh Ma. These islands were once part of Vietnam. Similans are small, palm-fringed islands, just a couple of hundred kilometers long and ten kilometers wide. The most popular and well-known dive sites in the region include Pagoda Island, Cat Ba Island, Bophut and Karon Islands, and Laem Singh Beach.

Andaman Sea

One of the most spectacular diving locations in all of Asia, the Andaman Sea is home to numerous wrecks, reefs, and colorful corals. The most photographed place in the sea is the Great Wall, an incredible formation of hundreds of thousands of brightly colored organisms and creatures. The best time to explore the Andaman Sea is the rainy season when it is dry, and the shallow water makes it easy for you to view the wonderful formations.

Bophut Bay

With its picturesque shoreline, palm trees, and sandy beach, travelers often forget Bophut Bay. However, a trip to this lovely seaside resort will quickly convince you of its importance. This is one of Thailand’s best-known natural dive sites, and many diving companies offer a guided trip to Bophut Bay.

You probably have heard about Bali and how it’s famous for diving. Well, this is true, and almost every professional diver can agree that it’s the top destination for divers in the world. The water in Bali and its surrounding islands present the best diving conditions and the most unrivaled endemic marine encounters that no other diving destination in the world would provide.

With that said, here are a few tips that would help you get ready for Bali diving.

Learn How to Dive

If you intend to go diving for your first time, you should learn how to do this before planning a Bali trip. Diving courses are similar to any other course that you have taken and would not be too challenging as you probably perceive. This means that you must have several things that can help you get through your scuba diving.

First, you should know the goals you want to accomplish in your course. Ensure your goal is something within your ability and realistic enough to accomplish. Also, get to know your scuba diving gears to maximize your potential in water and boost your confidence. Finally, training yourself physically and mentally will help you get through the course with ease.

Know the Best Season

Bali’s diving sites have increasingly become popular over the years. Nowadays, it’s common to see up to thirty-five boats carrying snorkelers and divers during peak season in places where you could see three to five diving operations years ago.

Having a lot of divers at one diving site seems outrageous. That’s why it’s recommendable to know which season is the best to avoid traveling when there is a lot of traffic. Typically, months between July and October are high Bali seasons since the weather is dry and sunny. January through March are a little bit wet and would not be the best time to dive.

So, when should you travel to avoid the high season? May, June, and November are suitable months to escape the high season rush and enjoy great diving experiences.

Bring a Friend or Local

Always stick to a friend or a local if you want to go diving in Bali. Local friends are better since they can help you navigate underwater if you are disoriented. Again, locals know less congested diving spots. Nobody wants to spend money going where the shore gets packed to the maximum. Such moves provide an opportunity to create a flexible schedule and squeeze as many dives as possible without limiting yourself to only two due to the high traffic level.

Locals can also maximize your experience beyond diving. For instance, if you need a restaurant or hotel, you’ll get guidance on the best options. The best way to avoid this is to stay local.

Diving in Bali is typically on every diver’s bucket list. However, as much as you want to plan a trip to this great diving destination, you must make the right preparations. Take heed of the tips provided above, and make your Bali diving experience memorable.