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Diving & snorkelling in and around Thailand
Thailand has much to offer the visiting diver and snorkeller. There is a vast range of exhilarating sites of many different kinds, providing something for both recreational and technical divers alike, regardless of their qualification levels or experience.
With over 2,000km of coastline and hundreds of offshore islands, the variety is phenomenal, encompassing everything from extensive fringing reefs to deep drop-offs and wrecks, dramatic granite walls, caves and tunnels, coral-covered pinnacles, and open ocean seamounts. Spectacular hard and soft corals abound, and the marine life is prolific, ranging from minute and colourful reef dwellers to manta rays, sharks and pelagic visitors such as giant barracuda, tuna, trevally and the mighty whale shark.
With the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east, Thailand is unique in that it borders two distinct oceanic zones, each with their own peculiarities and marine life. Many dive sites all around the coast share common species, but on others the underwater terrain and reef communities show marked differences between the two sides of the peninsula’s coastline.
| Diving seasons |
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The weather on either side of the Kra Isthmus and diving conditions in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are dominated by two opposing monsoons, the northeast and southwest monsoons. The northeast monsoon sweeps across the Gulf of Thailand between mid October and mid December, bringing heavy rain and strong winds – some dive sites become inaccessible during this time as they suffer from strong currents and reduced visibility. It is during this period that many tourists switch, as if by magic, to the west coast. |
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Manta ray |
Those that stay on in the Gulf during this short time will find themselves on nearly empty beaches, with the sun regularly appearing from behind the clouds. An anomaly is that the easternmost diving regions in Trat province remain sheltered during this period.
The Andaman Sea is sheltered from the worst effects of the northeast monsoon, and diving and snorkelling is at its best from November to April. Underwater visibility ranges from 5m to 30m or more during this period. From May to October the southwest monsoon strikes this region, bringing in its wake towering seas and strong currents and increased turbidity.
Conversely, the dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand are at their best during this season, with only minimal winds and light showers to disturb the tranquillity of the beaches and seas. Visibility can sometimes equal that of the Andaman Sea during this period. There are always dive sites on either side of the Isthmus that are sheltered enough to be dived whatever the weather so, if you find in the wrong place at the wrong time, don’t despair!
Water temperatures in Thailand generally range from 27ËšC to 31ËšC. A thin wetsuit or lycra suit is recommended, not simply for protection from exposure but also as a barrier to marine hazards such as stinging cells which can be present. Oceanic sites (such as the Similans and the Burma Banks) are subject to sudden cold currents or thermoclines which can chill the water by up to 10ËšC and, although these temperature dips are localized, most divers still prefer to don 3-4mm wetsuits for thermal protection.
| Dive operators |
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There are many top-notch dive centres in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. PADI and SSI are the main certification agencies, in both recreational and technical diving tuition. There are also a number of BSAC, CMAS and NAUI training facilities along with IANTD, ANDI and TDI for the ‘Tekkies’. Entry-level courses through to Instructor programmes and specialties like cave diving and underwater photography are widely available.
Most of the larger and better-established dive operators maintain their equipment to high standards, with a good selection of sizes. BCDs, masks, fins, regulator and pressure consoles are obtainable everywhere; however, wetsuits, diving computers and underwater cameras are generally only available at the more established facilities.
| Renting equipment |
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When you rent equipment − for your own safety and comfort − you should remember to check the following:
Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
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Select the correct size. The last thing you want is a BCD that restricts your breathing because it is too tight. Conversely, if it is too large, you may feel you are about to slip out of it. |
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Select a style or make that you are familiar with and take into consideration belts, buckles and fastenings. |
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Check there are no leaks. |
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Ensure that the low-pressure inflator connector is securely tightened. |
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Ensure that both the deflator and power inflator buttons function correctly and do not stick. |
Mask
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Ensure the mask fits correctly and does not leak. |
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Check the skirt for damage or tears. |
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Check the strap for signs of wear and tear. Bear in mind that if you lose the mask you might have to pay for it. |
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Ask for an optical mask if required. Some larger operators carry a wide selection of prescription lenses. |
Regulators
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Check ease of breathing through both regulators. |
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Ensure regulators mouthpieces are in good condition and that the bite lobes are okay. |
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Purge regulator before putting it in your mouth - in the tropics, you never know what might have crawled inside! |
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Check the pressure gauge; satisfy yourself that it does not stick. |
Fins and booties
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Be careful to get the size right: too small can result in cramp, too large and they may fall off. |
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