Guide to scuba diving in Thailand

Where to go scuba diving in Thailand

Scuba diving in tropical and sub-tropical Thailand gives you the chance to explore beneath the surface of some of the most transparent waters in the world. You can see whale sharks, manta rays, seahorses and more. The main areas to scuba dive in Thailand include:

• Koh Lipe
• Koh Tao 
• Koh Phangan 
• Krabi 
• Pattaya 
• Koh Samui 

With so many beautiful diving sites across the country, the only question is where you should start. 

Beginners 

Thailand is an exceptional place to learn to scuba dive – and not only because of the clear waters. It’s a popular destination, with many dive schools to choose from. Koh Tao – more affectionately known as Turtle Island – offers an incredible location to scuba dive in Thailand. These shallow waters are home to diverse marine life, with whale sharks, leopard sharks and green sea turtles to name a few. 

With clear, calm and shallow waters, exploring is easy for beginners. On top of that, it’s a popular spot for guided dives, so you’ll always be in good hands.

Intermediate 

Koh Lipe’s white-sand beaches aren’t just picturesque, they’re less frequently visited too. Beyond the shoreline is the real magic though – where Koh Lipe hides a treasure trove of preserved coral reefs and a plethora of dive sites. With technicolour displays of red and pink soft corals, it’s like a scene from a movie.

The sites 8 Mile and Stonehenge can be great locations to start your underwater tour.

Advanced 

Asia has an array of advanced dives, and Thailand is no exception. If you’re after something a bit different, then Pattaya has more than marine life and reefs to explore. Dive sites like Koh Man Wichai’s “Fingers” – named for the coral’s resemblance to a giant hand – are exceptional. It’s the reef-covered wrecks that really interest us here though. These skeletal remains of old ships rest around 30m underwater, now home to an entirely new ecosystem of marine life. 

Phuket is another great dive spot, with caverns, caves and wrecks to navigate.

When to go scuba diving in Thailand

You can find good diving conditions all year round in Thailand. Scuba diving in this Southeast Asian country is split in two diving zones, each with its own diving season. These are:

• The Gulf of Thailand (May – September)
• The Andaman Sea (October – April)

Though you can go scuba diving year-round in Thailand, there are some other things to consider:

• Wildlife – If you’re looking to sight specific species of marine life, consider when they’re most active. For example, whale sharks are more common during February – May, when their hunting grounds are richer in plankton.
• Rainy season – October to February is rainy season in Thailand, with thunderstorms towards the early evening common. While the rain rarely lasts all day, it’s worth considering as clouds can affect visibility, rainwater entering the sea from the mainland can cloud the water, and storms can make it choppy. For the most part, Thailand is sunny all year round.
• Monsoon season – October to November can bring several days of heavy rainfall. Many diving centres will be closed, but some remain open. This can be a difficult time to dive, especially for intermediates and beginners. 

Depending on the diving zone you choose, these dates could vary but the seasons are largely similar across dive sites.

Planning and accommodation for scuba diving in Thailand

You’re visiting Thailand to dive, not drive – so, when you’re looking for accommodation, you’ll want somewhere close to your dive site. If you can’t find a hotel nearby, you might be able to find accommodation with shuttles to dive sites. 

Serious divers may consider a trip on a liveaboard – a vessel purpose built for divers. On a liveaboard, you’ll travel with a group of other enthusiastic divers and staff, hopping between dive sites. Usually, these experiences last a week, but some go shorter or longer.  

If you don’t have your own equipment, it’s okay. Dive schools will usually offer diving equipment hire for a cost, or you can rent equipment from a scuba shop. You can buy scuba equipment in Thailand, but it can be just as expensive as purchasing at home.

Travel Insurance for your scuba diving trip

Get your travel insurance before taking off to Thailand, so you’re covered against any mishaps along the way.

At Sainsbury’s Bank we offer flexible travel insurance, with policies to suit you, underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Ltd.  Get single, multi and extended trip policies, with optional extras to help protect you on your adventure. With a 24/7 helpline in case of medical emergencies and cover for many pre-existing conditions, you can get what you need with Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance.

Travel money for your scuba diving trip

Arrange travel money with Sainsbury’s Bank ahead of your trip to Thailand. Trade your GBP to THB before you go, so you’re ready to start your scuba adventure as soon as you touch down. Many places in Thailand may not accept card, so it’s a good idea to take both cash and card. 

You can order travel money online for delivery or collection or visit us in store to buy Thai baht. Nectar members get even better rates, so don’t forget your Nectar card.