Tourists shouldn’t have to drain their bank accounts to go scuba diving or snorkeling when they come to Thailand. However, this is frequently the case due to the high cost of diving equipment, the fee for the services of a guide, and the various other expenditures required to conduct a safe dive. Not to fear, the Kingdom is home to a variety of dive destinations right off its islands that are on the more affordable side. The following is a list of the top spots to go scuba diving off the coast of Thailand.
Scuba Dive In Thailand: Mu Ko Surin
The five magnificent islands that make up the world-famous Surin Islands in the Andaman Sea are home to some of the most incredible dive spots that can be found anywhere in the world. The surrounding beaches and coastline are preserved in their natural state because of the protection provided by the Mu Koh Surin National Marine Park. There is a wealth of species in and out of the sea, which can be found everywhere. A number of the bays that can be found in the Surin Islands are ideal for diving; however, Ao Mae Yai Bay, which can be found on the island of Koh Surin Nuea, is widely regarded as being among the best. The beautiful coral is home to a diverse population of marine life, including the well-known clownfish (also known as Nemo).
Scuba Dive In Thailand: Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tao
The three distinct islands that make up Koh Nang Yuan can be found in close proximity to one another, just to the northeast of Koh Tao. A brilliantly white sandbar serves as the link between the cluster of islands and the main island. Because of its protected location and shallow depth, this coral reef, composed of soft and hard corals, is an excellent location for snorkeling. Since the island is privately held, there is a charge to enter it; however, this money is more than justified, given the opportunity to explore and dive in some of the most beautiful seas in the Gulf of Thailand.
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Scuba Dive In Thailand: Aow Leuk Beach, Koh Tao
Aow Leuk is yet another fantastic location for snorkeling on Koh Tao, which is often referred to as Turtle Island. Because of its location on the southwestern coast, scuba divers may easily access the beach with their equipment and begin exploring the surrounding area. Because the coral reef is located in water that is not very deep, swimmers don’t have to go very far to obtain an excellent glimpse of what is located just below the reef’s glassy surface.
Scuba Dive In Thailand: Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Le
After the publication of the film “The Beach,” Leonardo DiCaprio helped put Maya Bay on the tourist maps of countries all over the world. The movie was shot on these islands in the year 1, and ever since then, visitors have been flocking to this particular bay in order to relive some of their most memorable scenes from the film. Due to the fact that the bay is almost fully covered in coral reefs, it is a great location for scuba diving. The primary section of the beach is roughly 200 meters long and is enclosed on three sides by tall cliffs that are covered with greenery and flora.
Scuba Dive In Thailand: Ao Niang, Koh Kradan
The little island located to the southeast of Koh Lanta, known as Koh Kradan, is absolutely stunning both in and out of the water. Because the island is located within the Hat Chao Mai National Park, which covers an area of 89 square miles, most of the reef has not been damaged by tourists. This is one of the least crowded and most tranquil islands in Thailand; there are hardly any tourists here, and the island is covered in lush vegetation, so visitors may enjoy complete privacy. Ao Niang, which can be found in the southeast corner of the island, is considered by divers to be the best bay for getting their feet wet. Visitors will be able to enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the area right off the beach, where they can observe a plethora of marine life and coral.
Scuba Dive In Thailand: Kata Beach, Phuket
Even though Patong Beach is considered to be the most popular beach in Phuket, Kata Beach offers scuba divers the opportunity to experience some of the most breathtaking underwater landscapes on the island without having to spend a fortune on a scuba diving certification. Beachgoers can enjoy the utmost privacy on this white-sand beach because it is fringed on both sides by slope palm palms. Even though it is approximately one mile long, Kata Beach is never overrun with people and always offers a peaceful atmosphere.
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Scuba Dive In Thailand: Koh Larn
Pattaya is a quagmire of sexpats, and spots like Walking Street have contributed to the beach town’s image of being rather sleazy. Visitors will find some really wonderful places to snorkel if they make the journey from the dangerous shoreline of the island to one of the adjacent islands. Koh Larn, which is sometimes referred to as Coral Island, is the largest and quite likely the most incredible. A boat ride will get you there in a little under an hour, and once you get there, you’ll find that its beaches are lined with a wide variety of coral reefs immediately off the coast.
Scuba Dive In Thailand: Koh Yao Yai
The more populous of the two islands that make up the Koh Ngam group, Koh Ngam Yai, can be found off the coast of Chumphon. Many people stop in Chumphon on their way to another destination, such as the well-known islands of Koh Tao or Koh Samui, once they have arrived in Thailand. Because of this, Koh Ngam Yai’s side facing Thung Wua Laen Beach is peaceful and secluded. It is also covered in shallow, colorful coral that can be discovered in many places barely six feet below its clear surface. From Thung Wua Laen Beach, it is possible to take a boat to the island of Koh Ngam Yai in a little over an hour’s time.
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