Explore Karon Beach

Karon Beach, (AKA Karon Noi Beach), situated on the west side of Phuket island, is the third longest beach in the region. Located in southern Thailand, it’s south of Patong and north of Kata. All are popular holiday destinations, however, Karon attracts the most tourists to its large white sandy beaches.

Karon Beach has amazing spots for diving and snorkeling at its southern end, that are mostly shallow and very easy for beginners and advanced divers alike. Locals recommend sites like Karon Beach Reef, Karon Rock, and nearby Koh Po as morning dives for the best experience, as you’ll see just as many critters as you would at Racha Yai Island, without having to splash the cash nor spend the entire day diving. Dive operators here also run daily boat diving trips to nearby hotspots, like the Koh Racha Islands (Yai and Noi), Phi Phi Islands (Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don), Koh Bida Islands (Bida Nok and Nai) and the world-famous King Cruiser Wreck, Shark Point and Anemone Reef, which are often dived back-to-back. Phuket-based liveaboards also depart for the iconic sites of the Similan and Surin Islands.

Dive centers and resorts that cater to all budgets are aplenty in this bustling location. Operators offer dive courses in a variety of languages, and are relatively inexpensive. It’s great for beginners to obtain an open water license thanks to calm seas and minimal current, while seasoned divers will enjoy advanced courses or specialty training, like wreck and cave diving, due to a number of fantastic training sites.