Phuket has one of the most beautiful and diverse coral reefs on the planet. A trip to the island isn’t complete without, at very least, a spot of scuba diving to see the beautiful shapes and colours of this enchanting underwater world. But if you really want to explore this marine kingdom, you’ll need to take the dive! Island-hopping and diving excursions are often combined – to form an unforgettable day of relaxation and discovery.
Many of the islands, such as Bond Island, are to the southeast and accessible via a short boat trip from Rawai Beach. Further afield lie Coral Island, Phi Phi Island, Raya Island and the Koh Yao Islands. Last but by no means least, the Similian Islands host more than 3000 different types of fish and are a favourite for diving.
Provided you have a mask and you are in a safe area, snorkelling can be done for free. It is strongly recommended that you never touch the coral, though, both for your safety and for the preservation of the reef. If you would rather snorkel a little further out you could rent a longtail boat and go snorkelling for around 1,500 THB for one hour. However, if you would prefer to have some instruction, snorkelling tours start at around 700 THB. Shore dives starts at around 2900 THB and excursions start at around 3200 THB. But if you really want to push the boat out you can charter a private speedboat for around 15,000 THB.
While these prices are certainly competitive, some may be too good to be true. As such it’s always worth reading reviews or checking the credentials of your tour provider.