Question 1

When is the best time to visit Phuket for scuba diving?

Accepted Answer

For most travelers, November to April is the most reliable window for Phuket scuba because sea state is calmer and visibility is more consistent. Expect warm water around {{ 27 | temperature }} to {{ 30 | temperature }} with many days in the {{ 15 | visibility:m }} to {{ 30 | visibility:m }} range when conditions line up. May to October is the southwest monsoon, which can mean rougher crossings and more cancellations, especially for exposed routes. If you travel in monsoon months, book flexible plans, keep extra buffer days, and prioritize sheltered island routes when operators run.

Question 2

When are the Similan Islands open for diving from Phuket?

Accepted Answer

The Similan Islands operate with a defined seasonal closure. The official park schedule lists the park as open from October 15 to May 15 and closed from May 16 to October 14. If Similan is your main goal, choose travel dates inside that open window first, then build the rest of your Phuket plan around it. Even in the open season, offshore conditions can still change, so keep at least one buffer day for weather and confirm your operator's departure pier and transfer plan.

Question 3

How do I choose between Phuket day trips and a liveaboard?

Accepted Answer

Day trips are best for nearby zones like Racha Yai, Shark Point, and sometimes Phi Phi. They work well if you want hotel comfort, flexibility, and shorter commitments. Liveaboards make the most sense when your wish list includes offshore parks like Similan and Surin or sites like Richelieu Rock, because they reduce long daily crossings and let you dive early and late. If you have 6 to 8 days total, a common pattern is 2 to 3 Phuket day trips plus a 3 to 5 night liveaboard block.

Question 4

How do I complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for Phuket?

Accepted Answer

Thailand's Immigration Bureau provides the TDAC as an online form that replaces the traditional paper arrival card. The TDAC manual states all non-Thai nationals must submit the form online prior to entry, and that submission is required 3 days in advance of the arrival date. Plan to complete it before you travel, then keep the confirmation accessible (email or screenshot) for arrival. If your accommodation or flight details change, the manual notes you can update your submission before travel.

Question 5

What national park fees should I budget for Phuket dive and snorkel trips?

Accepted Answer

Fees depend on where you go. Offshore parks like Similan and Surin commonly charge an entry fee (often quoted around THB 500 for foreign adults, with reduced child rates), while Phi Phi day trips often include a separate national-park entry fee collected on arrival. Some Phi Phi diving itineraries also note an additional diver surcharge on top of general entry. Because operators vary in what they include, ask for a written breakdown at booking and bring cash as a backup even if you pay the tour by card.

Question 6

Where are the best beginner-friendly dives around Phuket?

Accepted Answer

Newer divers typically start at Koh Racha Yai because many sites are sheltered bays with sandy patches and straightforward navigation, often in the {{ 5 | distance:m }} to {{ 18 | distance:m }} range. These profiles are well suited for buoyancy practice, mask skills, and relaxed photo stops. Your operator can then step you up to pinnacles like Shark Point or Anemone Reef when you are comfortable with drifting and boat procedures. If you want to improve fast, schedule your first day as a skills-focused tune-up before deeper wreck dives.

Question 7

How do I plan snorkeling safely in Phuket during monsoon season?

Accepted Answer

In May to October, treat west-coast snorkeling as condition-dependent because surf and rip currents can build quickly. The safest approach is to pick smaller, more sheltered bays, go early in the day, and use a snorkel vest or flotation if you are not fully confident. Avoid snorkeling in breaking waves or near boat lanes, and stay inside marked swim zones when present. If the water looks murky or choppy, pivot to a topside plan like Old Town, a cooking class, or a spa day instead of forcing a water session.

Question 8

Where is the nearest hyperbaric chamber in Phuket for diving emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Bangkok Hospital Phuket lists a Diving Medicine Center that provides Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) services and notes a 24 hour on-call diving physician. Save the contact number (+66 7625 4425) before you start diving, and make sure your insurance covers hyperbaric treatment and evacuation. In an emergency, use Thailand's medical hotline (1669) for ambulance support, then coordinate with your operator and insurance provider. The best outcomes come from early recognition and fast, organized response rather than waiting to "see if it improves."

Question 9

What exposure protection should I pack for Phuket diving and snorkeling?

Accepted Answer

Most visitors are comfortable with a 3mm suit in Phuket because water temperature stays warm, often around {{ 27 | temperature }} to {{ 30 | temperature }}. If you get cold easily, plan long repetitive dive days, or will be on extended boat crossings with wind chill, a 5mm full suit can be worth the extra space. For snorkeling, a rashguard plus swim leggings can prevent sunburn and stings while keeping you cooler than a thicker wetsuit. Always pack reef-safe sunscreen and a hat for surface intervals.

Question 10

How do I reduce my environmental impact while diving in Phuket?

Accepted Answer

Start with buoyancy: keep fins, gauges, and cameras off the reef and avoid kneeling on coral. Never feed fish or crowd turtles and sharks for photos. Choose operators that use mooring lines instead of anchoring on reefs, brief responsible behavior, and manage group sizes. On land and boats, reduce waste by carrying a reusable bottle and refusing single-use plastics when possible. Finally, respect national-park rules and seasonal closures, which exist to protect reefs during rougher monsoon conditions and reduce cumulative pressure during peak visitation.

Phuket

An Andaman basecamp for reefs, wrecks, and limestone island day trips

The diving geography in one glance

What the sites feel like

Seasons that matter to water time

National parks and closures

Where to stay for the trip you want

Sample trip building blocks

3 days, scuba-focused

6 to 8 days, best-of Andaman from Phuket

Conservation and etiquette

About these guides

Activity highlights