Explore Koh Racha Yai

Nestled just 20 kilometers south of Phuket, the Koh Raya Islands are a diver's paradise that offers a serene escape into Thailand's underwater marvels. The largest of the islands, Koh Racha Yai, presents a peaceful retreat with its white sandy beaches shaded by swaying palms, and crystal-clear turquoise waters that beckon divers from around the globe. This tranquil spot is renowned for its exceptional diving opportunities, catering to all levels from beginners to seasoned experts. The east side of Koh Racha Yai is particularly popular, offering sheltered dive sites ideal during the monsoon months of May to November. Diving in Koh Raya is marked by its abundant marine life and diverse dive environments. With visibility averaging around 20 meters, divers can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with angelfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. Encounters with moray eels, turtles, and even the occasional whale shark or manta ray add thrilling surprises to each dive. The area offers a variety of dive styles, including shore dives, boat excursions, and liveaboard trips. For those seeking adventure, the occasional drift dive or exploring one of the deeper wreck sites can provide a thrilling challenge. Whether staying on the island or departing from nearby Phuket, dive centers cater to all budgets, ensuring that every diver can experience the enchanting underwater world of Koh Raya.

Dive Activity

Diving in Koh Racha Yai

Koh Racha Yai, located south of Phuket, is a diver's paradise featuring a mix of exciting dive sites. Among the highlights are the home to the Harruby Wreck, a small shipwreck teeming with marine life that offers excellent opportunities for wreck diving enthusiasts. The wreck lies at 18 meters/59 feet, making it accessible for divers of all levels. Popular shore dives around Koh Racha Yai include Bungalow Bay and Siam Bay, where the waters are crystal clear and perfect for observing vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species. Unique night dives reveal nocturnal creatures and bioluminescent plankton, adding a magical touch to the experience. The island’s dive sites offer a balanced mix of shore diving and liveaboard options, catering to both convenience seekers and adventure lovers alike.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Koh Racha Yai

Koh Racha Yai is renowned for its vibrant marine life, making it a popular spot for divers. The reefs are home to an array of common reef fish, including colorful parrotfish and butterflyfish, which are frequently encountered throughout the year. Schools of snapper and barracuda are also a common sight, adding to the richness of the underwater experience.

Seasonal highlights include sightings of blacktip reef sharks, which are more prevalent during the cooler months from November to February. Hawksbill turtles are often spotted grazing on the reef, particularly near the island's western dive sites. Stingrays, including blue-spotted rays, are also a highlight, with higher chances of encounters in the sandy areas around the reef edges. Overall, Koh Racha Yai offers a diverse marine environment that varies with the seasons, providing divers with exciting opportunities to explore its aquatic wonders.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
4.6k Sightings
J
483
F
401
M
335
A
299
M
258
J
214
J
372
A
457
S
322
O
416
N
470
D
542

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
2k Sightings
J
210
F
118
M
122
A
149
M
138
J
115
J
148
A
216
S
115
O
211
N
230
D
224

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
232 Sightings
J
13
F
9
M
44
A
19
M
3
J
10
J
13
A
19
S
20
O
46
N
20
D
16

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
3.7k Sightings
J
441
F
335
M
264
A
212
M
203
J
211
J
358
A
356
S
254
O
332
N
363
D
401

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
3k Sightings
J
381
F
271
M
223
A
186
M
193
J
176
J
238
A
261
S
200
O
234
N
308
D
341

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
3k Sightings
J
319
F
280
M
233
A
178
M
155
J
138
J
277
A
288
S
200
O
229
N
348
D
314

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
2.7k Sightings
J
288
F
230
M
235
A
181
M
158
J
163
J
203
A
251
S
130
O
233
N
325
D
301

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
2.6k Sightings
J
304
F
199
M
181
A
189
M
161
J
136
J
214
A
226
S
121
O
232
N
355
D
295

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
1.7k Sightings
J
221
F
127
M
131
A
83
M
104
J
61
J
114
A
173
S
68
O
161
N
236
D
175

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
1.6k Sightings
J
196
F
167
M
120
A
95
M
94
J
59
J
109
A
144
S
99
O
133
N
187
D
221
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
1.5k Sightings
J
160
F
72
M
86
A
89
M
115
J
110
J
157
A
162
S
78
O
149
N
185
D
148

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
1k Sightings
J
127
F
71
M
76
A
57
M
65
J
47
J
65
A
97
S
87
O
105
N
123
D
127

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
965 Sightings
J
90
F
68
M
61
A
45
M
91
J
56
J
109
A
117
S
74
O
64
N
97
D
93

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
873 Sightings
J
78
F
51
M
43
A
41
M
46
J
44
J
74
A
81
S
59
O
125
N
117
D
114

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
808 Sightings
J
65
F
51
M
63
A
57
M
74
J
46
J
66
A
63
S
74
O
68
N
65
D
116

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
781 Sightings
J
91
F
86
M
70
A
37
M
21
J
34
J
47
A
116
S
54
O
86
N
76
D
63

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
636 Sightings
J
38
F
36
M
66
A
35
M
31
J
48
J
96
A
76
S
45
O
53
N
54
D
58

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
629 Sightings
J
83
F
32
M
37
A
41
M
24
J
38
J
67
A
77
S
45
O
84
N
37
D
64

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
610 Sightings
J
128
F
86
M
68
A
28
M
9
J
20
J
13
A
21
S
30
O
43
N
55
D
109

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
489 Sightings
J
44
F
18
M
30
A
15
M
45
J
30
J
50
A
39
S
44
O
51
N
45
D
78

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
370 Sightings
J
56
F
17
M
32
A
13
M
28
J
17
J
27
A
41
S
13
O
43
N
50
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
356 Sightings
J
21
F
13
M
32
A
26
M
10
J
24
J
32
A
48
S
39
O
32
N
48
D
31

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach

Pipefish
288 Sightings
J
21
F
19
M
20
A
12
M
0
J
13
J
33
A
34
S
30
O
43
N
35
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder

Garfish
288 Sightings
J
41
F
26
M
1
A
14
M
21
J
15
J
16
A
33
S
18
O
29
N
42
D
32

The best Months to dive in Koh Racha Yai

Koh Racha Yai offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F. Divers can enjoy generally good visibility, often reaching 20 meters/66 feet, although this can vary with seasonal changes.

While diving is possible throughout the year, the best conditions are typically between November and April. During this period, the seas are calmer, and currents are more predictable. From May to October, the southwest monsoon can bring stronger winds and currents, making conditions less favorable. However, experienced divers may still find suitable opportunities during these months, especially in the more sheltered areas.

Dive Sites

Sea Bees Diving, 83130 Phuket

Racha Yai, Bay 2 (★4.2)

This dive site is located in the second bay on the east side of Ratcha Yai Island. It is a calm environment with white sand dotted with reef patches at a depth of 5m to 25m. There are a series of concrete artificial fish reefs facing offshore, where many fish can be seen roosting.
Sea Bees Diving, 83130 Phuket

Racha Yai, Bay 1 (★4.5)

Bay 1 is located on the east side of Racha Yai Island. There are three wrecks to be explored at this dive site. Depths are between 5-25 meters and the white sandy beach is calm.
Sea Bees Diving, 83130 Phuket

Racha Yai, Homerun Reef (★4.0)

Homerun Reef is just north of Bay 1. A good alternative to the wrecks and concrete cubes around the main part of the bay. There is a small speedboat wreck at around 23m, just off the main reef. This is a good site for drift diving. It’s mostly large rocks, rubble and hard corals. Diving depth is 10-25 meters.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Racha Yai, Bungalow Bay (★4.2)

Bungalow Bay is a calm dive site and very good for beginners, try scuba, and open water students. Depth ranges from 5-20 meters. There is no current or waves. An artificial reef is built here as well.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Racha Yai, Siam Bay (★4.2)

Siam Bay is a dive site located in a large bay on the western side of Ko Racha Yai Island. The shallow waters are sandy with coral and rocks scattered throughout. Near the center of the bay, at a depth of 25m to 20m, there are elephants, Thai palatial houses, and ethnic objects that are popular among divers.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Racha Noi, South Tip (★4.3)

South Tip is a dive site located off the southern tip of the South Island of Racha Noi. There are huge roots with depths ranging from 9m to 40m. The current is strong at all times so this dive site is recommended for advanced divers only.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Racha Noi, Banana Bay (★4.4)

Banana Bay is located on the east side of Racha Noi island. It consists of a sandy bottom and with hard coral. Depth inside the bay is 5-20 meters. If you swim away from the beach you can find 50 meters of depth.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Racha Noi, Marina Bay (★4.3)

Marina Bay is a dive site located on the western side of the North Island of Racha Noi. As you enter from the bay and head south, you'll see a dynamic landscape of rumbling megaliths overlapping each other. This is a popular dive site with swim-throughs dotted among the boulders to stimulate divers' sense of adventure. It is not uncommon for manta rays to appear.
Merlin Divers Co., Ltd., 83150 Phuket

Racha Noi, Manta Reef (★4.5)

From Phuket to reach Racha Noi takes about a 2 hour boat ride. On the east coast the first part of the island Racha Noi is a dive site named Manta Reef. It is more or less a wall dive with a depth up to around 22 meters. The wall is fully covered with different corals.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Koh Racha Yai (★4.3)

Racha Yai Island, about 20 km South of Phuket, is a year-round dive site, but unlike other dive sites the best conditions are during the rainy season from May to October, when the Eastern dive sites have the clearest water of any of the surrounding islands. Sites on the Western side are most often dived Nov-Apr.
Sea Bees Diving, 83130 Phuket

Racha Yai, Bay 3 (★4.1)

Bay 3 is the third dive site on the eastern side of Ratcha Yai Island. The central part of the bay is a calm white sandy area, dotted with branch coral beds and roots. From the northern end of the bay, you may drift dive along the island heading towards Bay 2. The reef is between 18 and 30 meters deep.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Racha Yai, Staghorn Reef (★4.2)

Staghorn Reef stretches between Bay 2 and Bay 3 on Ratchayi Island. At a depth of 5 to 20 meters, you can see clusters of branch corals here and there. The current is often strong, so you can dive in the style of drift diving. You can see various creatures and fishes in the branch coral areas, rocky areas, and walls as if flying through the air.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Racha Noi (★4.3)

Racha Noi Island is located about one and a half hours south of Phuket by diving boat. You can dive on the west side of the island during the dry season from November to April, and the rainy season from May to October, you can dive on the east side of the island. It is a popular dive site for divers who expect to see manta rays.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Racha Noi, Camera Bay (★4.3)

Camera Bay located west side of Racha Noi Island. Depht starts 5 meters and goes all the way to 60 meters. This is also good place for technical divers.
Hobo-Ya Phuket, 83130 Phuket

Racha Yai, Lucy’s Reef (★4.4)

Lucy’s Reef is a reef from Bay 3 to Bay 4 on Ratchayi Island, heading south. This is a great opportunity for you to dive in the deep water. As you swim toward Bay 4, you can see coral beds and other coral formations in the rocky area around the south end of Bay 3. If the current is strong, you may be able to reach from Bay 3 to Bay 4 in no time.