5 Must-Visit Islands for Divers in The South of Thailand

I love diving, seeing under the ocean is like seeing a different world. It’s beautiful down there. Though, in all honesty, I don’t do it as often as I would like to. I tend to try every activity that I can rather than becoming a master of one. So far I have dived in Australia and Mexico, that’s it! Both beautiful places. Although I have snorkelled in more places (it’s cheaper). But Thailand is well known for being an incredible spot for divers. In this guest post, Katherine tells us her top five Islands for divers in the south of Thailand:

It’s a holiday, a time to pack your diving gear and delve deep underneath the waterline. Diving, unlike anything else, is like flying and exploring the space. This leisure activity in itself is fun, thrilling and entertaining. Most of us on the mention of diving set our memories to faraway places, but for now, set your sights and thoughts to Southern Thailand. Why South Thailand? This destination offers extraordinary diving islands and provides exceptional spots for learning and advancing diving skills. Whether you’re doing it for sport or just as an adventure, diving in the islands of Southern Thailand allows you to not just experience a new world below the surface but also the chance to explore the less toured spots. For a great diving holiday, here are the 5 best islands for divers in the South of Thailand.

1. Koh Yao Noi

Koh Yao Noi never disappoints divers

Unlike any other diving destination in the world, snorkelling at Koh Yao Noi never disappoints. The island is located right within the triads of Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi, Koy Yao Noi. It is quite accessible and in case you found scarce information online about this diving spot, you’ll be forgiven for that. Koh Yao Noi is a tourist attraction island with a handful of lovely restaurants, accommodation facilities and bars and many more. It’s uncommon to find anyone here feeling unsafe and the locals here are very friendly. It also boasts of perfectly secluded beach with warm waters, gorgeous sights and speckled landscape. As you dive, you’ll not miss exploring fantastic sea urchins, odd corals and various fish species.

2. Kon-Tiki Krabi Diving Center

Kon-Tiki Krabi is located on the west coast of southern Thailand and is based in Ao Nang Province. The centre has a team of professional diving instructors, snorkel guides and divemasters to help you. Krabi Diving Center is characterized by rugged limestone cliffs, stunning beaches, lush mangroves, and idyllic tropical islands. If you are a beginner, this spot offers suitable dive sites to help advance your skills. The top diving sites in Krabi include Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Ao Nang, Anemone Reef, and King Cruiser Wreck. A major part of the landscape here is covered by drop-offs, caverns, swim-throughs, walls and slopes which make it even more stunning to explore.

3. Similan Islands

Similan Islands has an abundance of marine life and is a beautiful spot for diving

Similan Islands is undeniably one of the best diving sites for any diving enthusiast. The overall landscape of Similan can be likened to that of a grand canyon. Regarding location, Similan Island is nested within Mu Koh Marine National Park. It features a massive diversity of marine life including blacktip and leopard sharks, batfish, barracudas, triggerfish, and whitetip reef sharks. There is a total of 25 diving spots and Elephant Island is notably the most astonishing with a stunning topography. Other diving spots include the Christmas Point and West of Six. The best time to enjoy diving here is from November to May. It is an ideal destination for both scuba diving and snorkelling. Turquoise waters and tranquil white sand beaches offer great visibility for nostalgic diving. You’ll never get enough of diving here!

4. Phi Phi Islands

Explore the Phi Phi Islands and don’t forget to dive or snorkel

Consisting of six different islands, Phi Phi is the most popular diving destination located between straits of Malacca and Island of Phuket. Some of the breathtaking features to explore here include the fine sandy beaches, limestone cliffs and hidden coves. If you’re an advanced diver, you’ll enjoy the deep reefs and coral gardens that offer sensational snorkelling and diving. Shallow divers, on the other hand, will enjoy multiple bays that offer an extra thrill.

5. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang both mak excellent diving spots

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are excellent diving sites located towards the Malaysia border and directly south of the Phi Phi Islands. These dive spots offer steep walls, plush coral gardens, manta rays and big fish. Leopard sharks, whale sharks, trevallies and jacks are quite common here too. Although currents tend to sweep strongly hitting the ridge, there is a sheltered side that is quite safe for diving and snorkelling. Additionally, be aware that the area receives monsoon rains from May to October, hence November to April is the best time to dive here.

Conclusion

If diving is on your bucket list for your holiday, then consider the islands of Southern Thailand as your ultimate destination. You just can’t afford to miss Southern Thailand’s spectacular coastline comprising of the best diving islands, magnificent landscapes, rich marine life and much more. Besides, you’ll also get the chance to connect with other divers and advance your skills. Make sure you check out at least one of the above islands for divers in the south of Thailand.