Thailand's great diving has long been kept somewhat of a secret from the world. Residents of Southeast Asia and those more adventurous divers from Europe and North America however, long ago discovered the wondrous attractions that dwell in our undersea Kingdom. Thailand is blessed with two bountiful seas, the Gulf of Thailand in the East and the Andaman Sea-part of the eastern Indian Ocean-in the west.

Thailand's territory stretches from the eastern border with Cambodia, to the western border with Burma, and then south to Malaysia. The riches that these oceans behold are a delight to those of us that have had the pleasure to dive here. Furthermore, the Kingdom is blessed with a remarkable history and culture, friendly natives who offer friendly service, beautiful national parks, a wide range of accommodation possibilities at every price level and some of the most delicious and extraordinary food and exotic tropical fruits in the world.

Often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Smiles," Thailand is a joyous country in which to travel or work. One of the first Thai phrases travelers learn is “Mai pen rai” which literally translates to "it is nothing." It also is used in the same ways that "never mind" or "that's OK" are used in English. However, Mai pen rai is more than that-it is almost a philosophy that teaches one to hide problems and keep one's "public face" smiling and happy. For the visitor this attitude creates of feeling of burdens lifted. It makes you feel satisfied, content and cheerful. While exploring the country you'll feel carefree, lighthearted and safe-you'll feel Mai pen rai. Is it any wonder so many of us expatriates have decided to stay, or any wonder that people visit Thailand time and time again?

Thailand offers the working diver diverse undersea experiences along with an unbelievable amount of topside recreation. It's the perfect place for a diving career. World-class diving, heavenly tropical islands and immaculate white sand beaches await you. With water visibility often exceeding 30 meters, an average ocean temperature of around 28Ç C, and uncommonly calm sea conditions, Thailand has some of the most comfortable and safe diving environments found anywhere in the world.

Scuba instructors are employed in Phuket, Samui, Ko Tao, Bangkok, Pattaya, Krabi, and Ko Lanta. Depending on if you prefer a wilder nightlife, or the tranquility of a beach community, there is something for everyone.

Every year more and more words are written describing the diverse marine life that prowl the depths of Thailand's oceans and every year more and more divers visit the country. There are three reasons for this: First, new destinations such as the Burma Banks, the Mergui Archipelago, and the Andaman Islands in the Andaman Sea; and Ko Tao in the Gulf and Ko Chang near the Cambodian border have been made more accessible to a wider variety of visitors. Second, Thailand's infrastructure has vastly improved making it easier to communicate with the people who offer the diving, the dive center owners. Third, the diving boats, diving resorts, diving operations and diving staff have improved their services and amenities so greatly that they now cater to even the most discerning diver.

Diving takes place in three general areas: Pattaya, near the capital of Thailand, Bangkok; the southern islands of the Gulf of Thailand; and the two triangles of diving in the Andaman Sea on the west coast of Thailand's isthmus. Here is a general overview of the diving around the country, and if you would like more information on specific dive sites, please click here.

Phuket’s Northern Liveaboard Destinations

To the Northwest of the island of Phuket lie the most popular, famous and best-loved dive sites in Thailand. Many liveaboard boats visit the Similan Islands, nine islands of stunning beauty and dazzling marine life, from Phuket. The reasons the area has become so famous are unlimited diving in warm, clear water at one of over 25 dive sites, and mild, comfortable sea conditions.

Approximately 180 kilometers to the Northwest of the Similan Islands lie the relatively unexplored Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks, a group of underwater mountains rising from depths of over 350 meters to just below the surface. Close encounters with large silver tip and nurse sharks, the thrill of soaring over the tops of underwater plateaus pushed by strong currents, and large schools of pelagic fish have made these banks celebrated worldwide.

Three hundred fifty kilometers further to the Northwest are the newly opened Andaman Islands, a vast array of islands running north to south in the Indian Ocean. Diving possibilities are endless and only just being explored. You'll be hearing more and more about these islands in years to come.

Richelieu Rock completes our triangle, back near the border of Burma. This tiny pinnacle is one of the best places in the world to consistently swim with that gentle giant the whale shark. Seen here over 60% of the time, these amazing animals grow to over 15 meters in length.

Phuket’s Southern Liveaboard Destinations

Beginning in Phuket, we travel east to the popular day-trip spots of Shark Point and Ko Phi Phi which offer stunning collections of soft corals. Also, the area is famous for frequent sightings of the docile leopard shark that grows to over two meters in length. The remarkable landscape and casual shore-life of Ko Phi Phi attract thousands of visitors every year.

Moving south we discover unpopulated, unspoiled islands covered with tropical jungle lapped by clear blue water, and offshore pinnacles like Hin Daeng with vertical drop-offs of over 60 meters. Whale sharks, dazzling fish and healthy, spectacular coral growth are just a sampling of the diving possibilities that await you.

Phuket's Day-dive Destinations

One-day trips take us to Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and the Phi Phi Island group which all lie to the East of Phuket Island. Great soft coral, leopard sharks, and nice walls are things not be missed. Also, the topside scenery is stunning. We visit the paradise islands of Ko Racha Yai and Noi located just to the South of Phuket. Exciting drift dives, great visibility and superb hard coral growth characterize these two islands.

Islands in the Gulf

The friendly laid-back islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao are located a relatively short distance from Thailand's east coast city of Surat Thani. Originally coconut plantations, these islands have developed into a paradise for people searching for a completely relaxed lifestyle. Exotic dive site names such as Ko Wao, Hin Bai and Chumpon Pinnacle all lie within easy reach of Ko Tao and Ko Samui, and some of the diving here can be spectacular. These sites present the casual diver a pleasant diversion from such strenuous activities as lying on the beach drinking cool coconuts fresh off the tree, or dancing to reggae music at one of the local nightclubs. Interesting diving combined with a very pleasant stay on the islands makes for an all around great time.

Ko Tao has turned itself into a real divers' Mecca, and hundreds of courses are taught there every month.

Pattaya: Fun City

Frequently referred to as "Southeast Asia's Fun Resort", Pattaya is located just a short two hour drive from Bangkok. Pattaya, a weekend escape for those living a chaotic life in the capital, her dive sites stretch from Pattaya Bay to the border of Cambodia. Although mainly a popular place in Thailand for diving instruction, the waters around Pattaya can offer the experienced diver the opportunity to dive on shipwrecks, an activity sadly lacking in other locations around the country. From pleasant diving during the day, to the exotic and frantic bar and entertainment scene at night, Pattaya is the most comprehensive resort in Thailand and attracts a wide variety of visitors from all over the world.