Diving and Snorkelling in Thailand

Thailand’s beaches and islands are some of the best in the world, offering exotic landscapes and flawless beaches. But it is the crystal clear water and coral that really provide the fascination and draw for many of the kingdom’s visitors, whether for a dedicated diving holiday, or just part of a holiday experience.

Although best between October and June, diving is possible all year round. For novices with no experience of diving or snorkelling, there could not be a better location for a first attempt. Compared to the west, diving is relatively cheap and all the equipment needed is available for rent at a reasonable price – no major outlay to indulge in something you might only ever try once or twice. Diving in Thailand is also safe – there are hundreds of dive schools and PADI – a professional diving organisation - (http://www.padi.com) oversees training standards. There are no short cuts, nothing done on the cheap – diving in Thailand is as safe as anywhere else in the world.

For people with a bit of experience, Thailand offers a delightful diving experience. In some of Thailand’s waters visibility is up to 30 metres and there is a lot to see! Underwater mountains, coral gardens, undersea rock formations, hard and soft corals – it is all there, alongside a rich variety of marine life including whale sharks, silver tip sharks and manta rays – enough to impress even the most experienced of divers. There are also sites for more experienced divers that offer holes in rock formations to swim through and journeys into sunken battleships.

Krabi

Hin Bida

About 5 kilometres southeast of Koh Binda Nok, Hin Bida drops 22 metres and is best described as a group of rocks at the centre of a number of boulders. There is plenty of hard coral to take a look at here and marine life includes sting-rays. Although good for snorkeling, strong currents mean this site should only be approached by intermediate-level divers.


Koh Bida Nok

Koh Bida Nok features seafans, sea whips and soft corals alongside Scorpionfish, Leopard Sharks and Manta Rays. The great diversity of marine life available here draws visitors on liveaboard cruises. The southwest of the island features a large with excellent coral and rock formations creating colourful diving walls. Marine life includes moray eels, Leopard, Reef and Black tip sharks with the occasional manta.