Thailand offers diverse and stunning dive sites on both its west and east coasts, providing unique experiences for divers, but where is the best diving? Let’s explore the differences between diving on the west coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi) and the Similan & Surin Islands on a liveaboard, as well as the east coast around Koh Tao.
West Coast Diving (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi):
The west coast is home to a variety of dive sites, ranging from vibrant coral gardens to thrilling wrecks. Shark Point, a marine sanctuary, is known for its leopard sharks, while Anemone Reef features colorful anemones and diverse fish. The King Cruiser Wreck offers a unique wreck diving experience. The monsoon season, running from May to November, results in the closure of most west coast dive sites though a few remain open (but not great). Strong currents, reduced visibility, and adverse weather conditions can make diving unsafe during this period.
Similan & Surin Islands Liveaboards (from Khao Lak):
The Similan & Surin Islands are part of a marine national park and are renowned for their exceptional underwater biodiversity. Liveaboards take divers to remote locations where they can witness stunning coral formations, encounter large pelagics like whale sharks and manta rays, and experience unparalleled visibility. Liveaboard trips typically last for multiple days, providing divers with the luxury of staying on a floating hotel. This allows for a more immersive experience, multiple dives each day, and the chance to explore distant and less frequented dive sites.
East Coast Diving (Koh Tao):
Koh Tao’s small size and unique geography, ensures that there is always a sheltered side of the island, allowing for year-round diving. Whatever side of the island the wind is coming from you’ll find a sheltered bay or beach on the other side. During the monsoon season in early December, certain dive sites may experience reduced visibility, but the island’s unique geography minimizes the impact. Despite its reputation as a scuba training hub, Koh Tao offers advanced dive sites that attract experienced divers. Sail Rock, known for its vertical swim-through and diverse marine life, and Chumphon Pinnacle, a pinnacle dive with the chance to spot whale sharks, are among the highlights. The Sattakut wreck adds an element of adventure.
Price Differences:
The cost of diving from Koh Tao is generally more affordable due to the proximity of dive sites. With shorter boat rides, transportation costs are reduced, making it a budget-friendly option for divers. While opting for a liveaboard to the Similan & Surin Islands involves a higher initial investment, the experience of diving in remote locations, the luxury of accommodation on the liveaboard, and the opportunity to explore some of Thailand’s best dive sites definitely make it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts.
Both the Similan & Surin Islands and Koh Tao offer incredible diving experiences, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether opting for the luxury of a liveaboard or the accessibility of Koh Tao, Thailand’s underwater world is sure to leave divers awe-inspired, but the Similans and Surin Islands islands truly are a diver’s paradise, offering diverse marine life, pristine coral reefs, and the chance to encounter large pelagics. A liveaboard trip with Big Blue Diving Khao Lak provides an exclusive and unforgettable journey into the best diving in Thailand. While Koh Tao, beyond its role as a training destination, surprising experienced divers with world-class sites such as Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle is definitely not somewhere to be overlooked. The affordability of diving around Koh Tao adds to its appeal, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned divers. Choosing a dive operation catering to experienced divers ensures a fulfilling underwater adventure so definitely choose Big Blue Diving Koh Tao.
