Heading down South from Bangkok, starting first is Thailand’s East coast that is completely coastal. This area is called the Gulf of Thailand. It is here where you find the popular islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phang Ngan and diving island Koh Tao. Many people go here just to learn scuba diving. Prices are the lowest in the country and the small island has more dive shops than 7/11’s. So that means “a lot”. This also means that you can expect big crowds a certain times. However, if you find yourself in the area during your travels in Thailand, it is definitely worth checking out Koh Tao and get some dives in. The dive sites Sail Rock and Chumporn Pinnacle are one of a kind and are known for attracting whale sharks and other shark species.
From the East coast it is only a short trip to the West coast, as the southern peninsula is quite narrow. Crossing over you will end up on the Andaman coast. From the city of Ranong, all the way down to the Malaysian border, there are numerous islands, national marine parks and coastal towns from where you could go out on a scuba diving trip.
You will find Krabi to be pretty much central in this region. To the North Ranong and Khao Lak, with some local dive spots, but also starting points for multi day liveaboard diving trips to the Similan Islands archipelago and even Myanmar. And South from Krabi, some diving is offered from Trang, but most divers will head for Satun province to go to Koh Lipe and Tarutao national marine park.
With Krabi right in the middle, there are some great scuba diving opportunities here.
Firstly Ao Nang, where you can find a hand full of dive shops. All shops are training centers where you can follow courses, book a “Discover Scuba Diving” experience or get on a fun diving day trip to various destinations in the area. Ao Nang has a group of islands right of the coast where you can already experience some one of a kind dives around the karst formations which make the area so unique. Cruise time to these islands is an hour at most, so even if you don’t want the spend the whole day out at sea, diving these islands make a great half day trip.
Most popular in the area for scuba diving, and a great trip from Ao Nang, are the Phi Phi islands, which fall under Krabi province. These 2 islands offer more than 20 dive sites for all levels of divers. From shallow reefs, to deep rock formations and even some wreck diving. The marine life here is abundant and there is a good chance you will be able to spot some turtles or black tip reef sharks. Lots of fish move around right below the surface, so even snorkelers will be able to experience some of the action.
Trips from Ao Nang usually leave around 8 AM and return around 5 PM. Comfortable boats will make the cruise up and down to Phi Phi, offering 2 or 3 dives, with lunch and drinks on board.
For divers with some experience there is another great scuba diving day trip from Ao Nang, which offers reef and wreck diving in an open ocean environment. The triangle of these 3 remote spots is formed by Shark Point, Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser wreck. Because of the location and depths, divers need to be experienced, with preferably and Advanced certification.
In the southern part of Krabi province you can find Koh Lanta. From here, most of the same dive sites are within a day’s reach. One more additional area easier to reach from Lanta than from anywhere else, is Koh Haa Yai national marine park. The five (“Haa”) rock outcrops that shape this area offer amazing diving and snorkeling, with probably the clearest water in the area, due to its remote location. Shallow reefs, caverns and sandy slopes, the area has got it all.
So there it is! Scuba diving at your doorstep, whenever you are in Krabi. Get to know life below the surface and experience a fantastic new world that many may never get to see.
We at PURE Krabi have worked closely with most of the diving centers for the last 10 years. Contact us with your questions or requests and we’ll get you in touch with a quality dive operator that suits your needs.
