In the Gulf of Thailand just south of Cambodia is the beautiful paradise region of Surat Thani, which is one of Thailand’s best diving hotspots. Consisting of 112 islands, all with seemingly infinite reefs and dramatic underwater topography, it’s no surprise that the region is often included in the world’s premier diving destinations.
The most popular islands are the world-famous Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, all of which are easily accessible by ferry from the mainland. Koh Ang Thong marine national park is also included in this area, which similarly boasts exceptional dive sites suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a diver or not, you’re bound to be engulfed by the islands’ white sandy beaches peppered with swaying palm trees, all surrounded by pristine waters overflowing with diverse marine life. Expect to see an array of species, from colorful hard and soft corals, macro critters like nudibranch and shrimp, tons of tropical reef fish, eels, stingrays and octopus, to bigger critters, like grouper, schools of barracuda, turtles, reef sharks, and even whale sharks.
Explore Sail RockSail Rock (Hin Bai) is a world-famous site, and for good reason. Boasting unbelieva
There is something for everyone on Koh Tao, one of the best dive sites in Thailand with reefs, wrecks and vast rocky pinnacles.
Koh Phangan enjoys a fantastic location for access to some of the West Gulf’s best dive sites.
Expect excellent, well-organised diving on Koh Samui with some beautiful shore dives where you can see whale sharks, turtles and schooling fish.
The region has a boatload of dive centers and dive resorts to choose from, catering to all budgets. Liveaboards are a good choice for those who want to dive all areas without staying on the islands, and they’re also aplenty. Dive courses are just as readily available in multiple languages, and are very affordable. The area is popular among those taking their first breaths underwater. Advanced divers also enjoy the relaxing sites here, and many even obtain higher level certifications, thanks to a wealth of varied sites with suitable training conditions for doing so.
Diving is great all year round, with excellent visibility, averaging around 20–30 meters/66–98 feet. Weather is mostly hot and sunny year-round with water temperatures lingering around 28°C–30°C/82°F–86°F, though there are three distinguishable seasons involving hot, windy, and wet seasons. November is the rainy period, when overcast skies and storms occur, causing lesser visibility and choppier seas, but diving is still possible as some sites are sheltered from harsher conditions. May to September is the busiest season, when the weather and diving conditions are the most favourable.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
