Learning to Dive in Phuket: Courses, Costs, Seasons and Safety

Choosing a course

Most beginners take an Open Water certification, offered by agencies such as PADI and SSI. Courses usually take three to four days and combine e-learning, pool or confined-water sessions and open-water dives. Local guides quote roughly 12,000 to 16,000 baht for PADI and 10,000 to 15,000 baht for SSI, and individual schools publish figures in that range, for example 13,500 baht for a three-day SSI course with four dives at one school. If you only want to try it, a discover scuba day with one supervised dive is quoted at roughly 1,500 to 5,200 baht depending on the number of dives and the operator.

• Check what the price includes: equipment, certification fee, dive insurance, boat days, lunch and national park fees.
• Ask about class size and instructor experience, and about what happens if bad weather cancels a boat day.
• Do the e-learning at home if you can to save time on holiday.

Where beginners train

Open Water training dives usually take place around the Racha Islands south of Phuket, with departures from Chalong. Schools say beginner courses are not permitted inside Similan Islands National Park, which is a destination for certified divers, often on liveaboard trips of several days. Advanced Open Water courses can be done on a Similan liveaboard in season. Park fees apply, and one school lists 600 baht for Phi Phi National Park and 2,300 baht for a four-day Similan trip, so ask what is included.

Best season

Local guides put the best conditions at about November to April, with Andaman Sea visibility often 15 to 30 metres, calmer seas and the Similan Islands open for diving from roughly mid-October or November to May. Dates differ between sources, and the park's opening date is set each year. From about May to October the monsoon brings rougher seas and lower visibility, but schools still run day trips and courses to local sites such as the Racha Islands on suitable days. Peak-season liveaboards can sell out well ahead, so one guide advises booking about two months in advance.

Medical and safety checks

Schools ask you to complete a medical questionnaire, and some conditions need a doctor's sign-off before you can dive. Complete it honestly and before you pay, and ask what the school's policy is if a doctor says no. You should be comfortable in water, and some schools run a swim test.

• Do not fly or go to high altitude too soon after diving. Divers are commonly advised to wait at least 18 hours or more, so ask your instructor and plan around your flight.
• Avoid alcohol before diving.
• Dive within the limits of your certification, and use local divemasters who know the currents, which can be strong at some sites.
• Tell your dive school about any ear, sinus, lung or heart problems.

Insurance

Many dive schools include basic dive insurance in a course price, but check what it covers. Your own health policy may exclude diving or decompression treatment, and emergency treatment is costly. Consider specialist dive insurance, and read the health and insurance guide for how to compare policies.

Snorkelling and day trips

If you prefer not to dive, snorkelling trips run to the Racha Islands, Phi Phi and, in season, the Similans. Wear reef-safe sun protection, keep your distance from corals and wildlife, and follow the park rules. See our sea-safety notes in the health hazards guide and the beaches in the area guides.

Diving as a long-stay resident

Many residents join a dive club or buy a package of fun dives, then take Advanced and Rescue courses over time. Diving is also a good way to meet people, as the social life guide explains.