Diving in Phuket

Shark Point – Protected as a marine sanctuary since 1992, this site epitomises the phrase “the living reef”. Schooling fusiliers pass by in the blue; hunting trevally dart in and out. Reef fish are everywhere and the corals provide a kaleidoscopic backdrop. Leopard sharks rest on the sandy areas at the base of the pinnacles (18 metres / 60 feet to 20 metres / 66 feet) and bamboo sharks are found under the hard corals and rocks. Don’t overlook the small stuff though – you’ll find numerous shrimp species, moray eels, lionfish, scorpionfish, octopus and so much more. Racha Noi South Tip – Interesting topography, great visibility, exhilerating drifts and passing pelagics make this an unbeatable dive. The collection of submerged boulders which rise up from the deep attract manta rays, whale sharks and other larger fish including tuna and schooling jacks. Currents here vary and the drifts can be an exciting ride. Koh Dok Mai - This is a superb wall and drift dive, with hidden caves and crevices lurking in its limestone rock face. Glide by gardens of yellow tube corals and look for moray eels peeking out of the reef. The beauty of this site becomes illuminated with the sun beams from above, and it is home from November through April to baby nurse sharks and whale sharks out in the big blue. The diversity at Koh Dok Mai is among the best in Thailand and no two dives are ever the same. Anemone Reef – This limestone pinnacle, which rises up from 30 metres / 100 feet, is completely shrouded in a stunning mass of multi-coloured anemones. As one would expect, anemone fish are not in short supply here but the pinnacle also attracts a plethora of reef life including fusiliers, snappers, butterflyfish, bannerfish, trumpet fish, sweetlips, triggerfish, moray eels and a range of critters to boot! It’s a colourful dive that’s bursting with life. Bida Nok / Bida Nai – These two limestone islands are breath-taking both above and below the water with stunning walls home to sea snakes and hawksbill turtles. Bida Nai also has numerous caves and overhangs where seahorses and other small critters like to hide out. The highlight here is the wide range of marine life from moray eels, wrasses, barracuda, leopard sharks, ghost pipefish and scorpion fish camouflaged against the reef.