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Phuket is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the
South' and for scuba divers it's certainly the crown jewel of the Andaman
Sea; one of the most renowned diving regions in the world. This island paradise
lies only 8o north of the equator, enjoying a tropical climate with
average water temperature of 24oC (78o F) with an unmatched
variety of aquatic life. The best time for diving is between October and May between
the two monsoons, but good diving is available all year. A fleet of dive boats
now roam the azure blue water of the Andaman Sea that for thousands of years served
as the main trade route for merchant vessels, pirates, explorers and missionaries
from India, the Arab nations and Europe on their way to China, ancient Siam (Thailand),
and Japan. In spite of its strategic location and long maritime history, many
areas of the Andaman Sea remain largely unexplored. This underwater frontier continues
to yield exciting new dive sites that are only now being made available for sport
diving. Even today, in some areas like Hin Daeng to the south of Phuket and the
area around the Burma Banks to the north, and virtually the entire Mergui Archipelago,
you may enjoy the added pleasure of being one of the first ever to dive in many
sites.
| | | For divers the true treasures of the
Andaman Sea are hidden below the surface where the vast panorama explodes into
a virtual symphony of colors and corals. The warm, clear nutrient rich water draws
vast schools of tropical fish, manta rays, a host of other pelagic fish, and the
awe inspiring Whale Shark. The diverse underwater scenery, and abundant marine
life combined with good (and sometimes great) visibility will delight underwater
photographers and marine naturalists. The dive sites available vary enormously
and offer a full range of dive-profiles. Start with a lazy drift dive through
vast gardens of coral, or try swimming through some of numerous caves and grottos,
exploring a ship-wreck, or maybe embarking on a multi-level dive along a sheer
granite wall with a different creature in every nook and cranny. Exotic culture,
adventure both above and below the surface, unforgettable food, Phuket has all
the right ingredients for a perfect diving holiday.
(Read more...)
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| | | For those divers traveling with families,
or on a tight time schedule, or for those who just prefer having the shore based
amenities of Phuket available in the evening, Phuket based dive-shops offer an
excellent selection of one-day dive trips. See section on dive sites for
a detailed description of the major dive sites. (Read
more...) |
| | | Each year scuba divers from all over
the world come to Phuket to join one of the many dive cruises that visit some
the more remote and pristine locations in the world. These famous live-aboard
cruises allow you to live, eat and dive right off the boat into some of the most
spectacular dive sites in the world. Dive boats in Thailand vary greatly in style
and comfort and price. For those less concerned about comfort, sleeping in one
big cabin or even on deck will save you money. At the other end of the scale,
several dive boats offer large private air-conditioned cabins, professional photography
services, modern communications, and little extras such as gourmet meals. These
boats also have the stability, the range, and the navigational equipment to safely
explore areas north and west of the Similan Islands such as the Burma Banks and
Richelieu Rock. See section of dive companies, and the section on boats to determine
which company best suits your needs. (Read
more...) |
| | | The professional dive shops on Phuket
will offer three major services in addition to equipment sales and rental, PADI
certified training classes, one-day dives, and multi-day liveaboard dive excursions.
We have selected some of the best dive boats available around Phuket, Phi Phi
Island and Khao Lak. (Read more...) |
| | | The vicarious thrill of breathing underwater
while exploring the last untamed frontier on the planet Earth. You have seen underwater
film and photos, but nothing compares to actually drifting along a beautiful coral
reef or swimming through a vast school of colorful tropical fish. The Andaman
Sea makes a wonderful classroom to learn scuba diving or to upgrade your level
of skills. See section on diver training for more details. (Read
more...) | |
