In Thailand Feb 14-29 2008... Where to dive?

[karlomarx]

Hey guys! Ok as the subject says I will be out in Thailand with my girlfriend from Feb 14-29. That being said where do you guys suggest we go diving? This will be our 1st open water dive. Taking the classes right now!

Any suggestions or insights would be great!

Thanks!

 

[OnTheSpot]

The Similans are undoubtedly the best Thailand has to offer and the only way to get the best of them is to jump on a Similans Liveaboard.

Otherwise there are plenty of Phuket daytrip options.

Koh Samui and Koh Tao don't really have the variety you might be after although there are a few good sites. Koh Tao tends to be full of fire juggling backpackers doing courses although it is a nice island and you can get away from that scene if you want.

Have a great time!

 

[plonske]

As many people say the Similans Islands is top, yes high end. But for your first dives.... i don t know. Try around Puhket, don t forget very, very busy there in Puhket many divers on the dive site, probably more divers then fish to see. Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, OK! More quiet and also nice for the first dive is the Golf of Thailand, koh Tao. Shallow dive and easy to get any experience. For some costumers is the price also important, so very cheap. February is low season in Tao, so not much divers around you.

Cheers and have a nice trip in Thailand.

 

[Paul_Usa2]

You can try diving Koh Chang as well. Interesting place for diving.

 

[stevenl]

Try around Puhket, don t forget very, very busy there in Puhket many divers on the dive site, probably more divers then fish to see. Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, OK!

Plonske, sorry to say it so blunt, but you really don't know what you're talking about.

Most of the Phuket daytrip sites are the same sites as from Phi Phi and Krabi. And the daytrips that are only accessible from Phuket, Racha Yai and Racha Noi, offer some very nice and relaxed divesites, where you will quite often be the only boat, especially Racha Noi.

The best diving though you will find at Similans islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. I would recommend: first start with some relaxing dives, either at Racha Yai or local sites at kata Beach. After that make a liveaboard trip to the Similans etc., preferably a 4 days/4 nights trip.

 

[Ringo]

Karlomarx
Have to agree with StevenL and On The Spot. Since you are wanting to do some diving why not go to the best that Thailand has to offer? Also February is a great month to dive around Phuket/Phi Phi/Koh Lanta and The Similan/Surin Islands. A Liveaboard cruise is the way to do The Similans. Should you decide to go there - go for a 4 day cruise at the very least.

Hope you have a great holiday!

 

[Batfish]

This will be our 1st open water dive. Taking the classes right now!

Are you taking only the classroom and pool training before you arrive? Or the full course? If you have completed the course, the Similan Islands is certainly the top place to dive. If you still need the course dives, I suggest doing this locally with beach dives or day trips to Racha Yai or Phi Phi.

Weather should be great, seas calm... enjoy your trip!

Jamie
Phuket

 

[Batfish]

And glad to see I have been designated Santa. Hope you've all been good.

 

[karlomarx]

Yes, we will have our pool dive/courses completed. Just need the acutal open water dive.

 

[BlueViewDivers]

Hi Karlomarx

There is lots of great diving in Thailand particularly on the Andaman Coast, some of the best diving can be found in the Similan Islands however, a lot of the sites there are advanced, deep or prone to strong currents. The best way to see the Similans is to go by Liveaboard.
If you're looking for a good place to learn with excellent diving you should consider Koh Phi Phi. Just an hour by ferry away from Phuket the marine park is host to divers from Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta and Phuket. However from all these destinations it's 2 hours by boat.
If you want to dive phi phi the best option is to stay on Koh Phi Phi Don, just 15 minutes away from the marine park.

Phi Phi Don is a beautiful island with hotels, restaurants and many activities such as diving, sea kayaking, rock climbing, diving, snorkelling and trekking.
The National Marine Park of Koh Phi Phi Ley and the Bida Islands offers diving for those of all levels, maximum depths ranging from 20 to 30m and perfect for beginners and advanced.
The dive sites are easy and vibrant and play host to marine life such as lionfish, seahorses, clownfish, leopard sharks, black tip reef sharks, bamboo sharks, Turtles and the occasional visit from Whale Sharks, Bull rays and Eagle rays.

With Blue View Divers we offer exploration of the islands above and below water. Late starts on our custom handmade traditional thai longtail boat allows us to access sites and beaches big dive boats cannot. Also we offer flexible courses with in pool training.
We are located in Viewpoint Resort right on the beach in Loh Dalum Bay, tucked away from the main town you remain just 10 mins away from the town and nightlife.

For more information check out www.blueviewdivers.com