Phuket is one of Thailand’s best-known destinations for diving, with easy access to clear waters, diverse marine life, and sites suitable for all levels of divers. The Andaman Sea offers everything from shallow coral reefs to deeper sites with stronger currents, making it possible to build a full diving itinerary without travelling far from the island.
If you are staying in the southeast of Phuket, particularly around Cape Panwa, many of these locations are within convenient reach, making it easy to explore some of the best diving spots on the island and beyond.
1. Racha Yai Island
Racha Yai is often recommended as one of the best places for beginners to dive in Phuket, and for good reason. Located around 30 minutes by boat, the island offers calm conditions, excellent visibility, and sandy bays that make it ideal for training dives or relaxed exploration.
Underwater, divers can expect to see coral formations, reef fish, and occasional rays. The gentle conditions also make it a popular spot for snorkelling, so it’s a good option for mixed groups. For those new to scuba diving in Phuket, Racha Yai is often the starting point.
2. Racha Noi Island
A little further south, Racha Noi offers a more advanced diving experience. The water here is known for its clarity, and the deeper dive sites attract larger marine life. Divers may encounter manta rays during certain seasons, along with reef sharks and schools of tropical fish.
Conditions can be more challenging compared to Racha Yai, but for experienced divers, it’s one of the most rewarding Phuket diving locations.
3. Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are not only famous for their dramatic scenery above water but also for their impressive dive sites below the surface. Locations such as Bida Nok and Bida Nai feature limestone formations, swim-throughs, and vibrant coral reefs.
Marine life here is varied, with sightings of turtles, reef sharks, and colourful reef fish being common. The combination of underwater features and biodiversity makes Phi Phi a highlight for many divers exploring diving in Phuket and nearby islands.
4. Shark Point
Shark Point is one of Phuket’s most well-known dive sites and is part of a protected marine sanctuary. Despite the name, sightings of leopard sharks are occasional rather than guaranteed, but the site remains popular due to its rich marine life and coral formations.
The pinnacle-style reef attracts a wide range of species, including barracuda, scorpionfish, and moray eels. Currents can vary, making this site better suited to divers with some experience, but it’s widely regarded as one of the top dive sites in Phuket.
5. King Cruiser Wreck
Wreck diving is one of the most exciting ways to explore beneath the surface, and the King Cruiser is Phuket’s standout site. This former ferry, which sank in 1997, now rests on the seabed as a thriving artificial reef, attracting a wide variety of marine life. Its towering structure is surrounded by schools of fish, with occasionally larger species moving through the site. Visibility can vary, but that only adds to the atmosphere, making each dive feel slightly different.
Diving from Cape Panwa
Guests at My Beach Resort Phuket can arrange diving excursions through local operators, with staff available to assist in organizing trips suited to different experience levels. After a day exploring the Andaman Sea, returning to a calm setting with sea views provides a welcome contrast to time spent out on the water.
