Phuket is renowned throughout the world for offering some of the best diving in Asia. As Thailand is cheap overall, we highly recommend taking a look a diving course in Phuket. You will not be disappointed as the options here are so many.
Why a Diving Course in Phuket?
Well known to many are the legendary Similan and Surin Islands, Koh Phi Phi, as well as the famous dive sites Hin Muang and Hin Daeng. These amazing dive areas and dive sites are all easily accessible from Phuket.
You will not want to miss Richelieu Rock just northwest of the island. It is out of this world.
What does a scuba diving course entail?
A diving course in Phuket is a great place to start if you are keen to become a scuba diver.
With countless dive centres, boats, and instructors, it’s an understatement to say that Phuket is well equipped for diving tourism. No matter which diving certification agency you choose: PADI, SSI or any other, there will be training centres in Phuket offering diving courses for you.
The entry level diving course takes 3 full days, but can also be spread out over more. You may fancy spending time on the glorious Phuket beaches with your friends or family also.
The Open Water course includes 5 confined water training dives and 4 Open Water dives plus a theory exam. Depending on your dive centre, the Open Water dives take place either from the shore or from the boat.
Diving Course in Phuket – Open Water Dives
Diving from the shore is very convenient as there is always one relatively close by. It is possible to dive from many locations in Phuket so there will be always one not too far from your hotel. The dive centre will take you, your instructor, and the gear to the beach were you kit up, do your buddy check, and walk straight into the water.
On the other hand, boat diving is more of an all day adventure. Generally, diving boats leave at 8 am from Chalong Pier in Phuket and return around 4 pm. Lunch is served and drinks are available on board.
Doing the 4 Open Water training dives of your diving course at Racha Yai and Racha Noi, is very common, as they are near to Phuket.
When you have completed your initial course, heading up to Khao Lak (just north of Phuket) gives you access to the Similan and Surin National Parks. Just do be aware that both areas are closed at certain time of the year (more on that here – Phuket Diving Season), but offer Thailand’s best diving.
Course referral
Completing the ‘confined water’ (meaning: in a swimming pool or at a location with equal calm, shallow conditions) training dives and the theory exam at home, before jet setting to Phuket, is another possibility.
You then only need do the 4 Open Water dives to finish the diving course in Phuket, if you have a course referral in hand. This way you gain extra time on your holiday that you can spend on doing fun dives. That’s what it’s all about! Check with your local dive centre to schedule your referral diving course.
Your Diving Course in Phuket – Some handy tips
The water, as well as the climate, in Phuket is warm. The Andaman Sea has an average temperature of 27-29C.
When doing your diving course, you will breathe in relatively dry air from your tank. Hydrating is important, drinking up to 4 litres of water per day. It is very important to note that drinking alcohol before diving is not permitted. When you have succeeded in finishing your diving course, and you’ve become a certified diver… You are welcome to party as hard as you like.
Further reading…