>

Thailand

© iStock/saiko3

Explore Thailand

Diving in Thailand offers a diverse and captivating underwater experience, making it a premier destination for divers worldwide. The country's diving scene is largely centered around the Andaman Sea, particularly on the eastern coast, where crystal-clear, warm waters reveal vibrant reefs teeming with hard and soft corals. These underwater gardens are havens for marine life, from the majestic whale sharks and graceful manta rays to the charismatic napoleon wrasse. Thailand's rich marine biodiversity is complemented by its strong culture of hospitality, welcoming divers of all skill levels to explore its aquatic wonders.

Liveaboard diving is particularly popular, especially around the Similan and Surin Islands, which are renowned for their remote locations and nutrient-rich currents that attract a myriad of marine species. These islands offer some of the best diving spots in the region, with both short and extended liveaboard trips available. For those with limited time, day trips to the Similan Islands provide a glimpse into the vibrant underwater world. Further south, islands like Koh Samui and Koh Tao have become bustling dive hubs, perfect for beginners and backpacking diving enthusiasts seeking a blend of community spirit and exceptional diving opportunities. Here, the competitive dive industry ensures high-quality courses at attractive prices, making Thailand a top choice for both novice and experienced divers alike.

Power Plug Type
A, B, C, O, F
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, DIS, DC, JCB, Cir, Plus
Tipping
5–10% / Service Staff / Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and hotels; some higher-end venues include a 10% service charge.
Currency
THB
Dial Code
+66
Electricity
230 V / 50 Hz
Time
UTC+7 (ICT)

Top Regions to Explore

Upcoming Events

First Dive - Basic Diver

First Dive - Basic Diver

An unforgettable first dive in Thailand’s tropical waters, guided by an attentive, passionate team.Why choose the Basic Diver program?The Ideal Experience to Start Directly in the Ocean and Build ConfidenceIt lets you practice essential skills right in the calm, shallow waters of the marine national parks, followed by two fun exploration dives on Koh Lanta’s coral reefs.100% Ocean-Based in 1 Day No pool sessions required! Jump straight into a full-day experience on the boat.2 Exploration Dives Dive down to 12 meters (40 feet) guided every step of the way by your instructor.Flexible Certification Your dive is logged directly in the MySSI app and counts 100% toward your Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver course if you decide to continue within 6 months!2 Students Maximum per Instructor Designed for ultimate comfort, safety, and dedicated personal attention.The Apo Dhatu Divers AdvantageSafety & Small Groups Maximum of 2 students per instructor for constant, dedicated attention.Stress-Free & Relaxed A patient, passionate instructor committed to your peace of mind every step of the way.Learning Materials Seamless theory accessible via the MySSI app before your trip.Hotel Transfers Round-trip pickup from your hotel included (a small surcharge may apply for remote locations).All-Inclusive on Board Breakfast, a hot cooked lunch (dietary options available), snacks, drinks, and fresh tropical fruit.Complete Gear Included Top-tier, regularly serviced dive equipment provided for maximum safety.Insurance Included Complimentary coverage for the entire duration of your activity.

Apo Dhatu Divers, 490 Moo 3 Saladan, Koh Lanta, 81150, Saladan, Lanta, Krabi, THA
October 1, 2026 +241 More
$150.93
THB 5,000.00
Open Water Diver Course

Open Water Diver Course

The SSI Open Water Diver certification is the ideal way to learn to dive safely. Recognized worldwide, it allows you to dive to a depth of 18 meters, accompanied by a certified dive buddy.At AquaTao, we prioritize personalized instruction in a friendly atmosphere, with French-speaking instructors and small groups of no more than 4 students per instructor.Your TrainingThe training takes place over 2.5 days and includes:6 open-water dives.Theory courses using SSI digital materials.All diving equipment.Diving insurance.SSI Certification.ProcessThe day before – 5:30 p.m.Welcome to the center.Administrative formalities.Preparing Your Equipment.Days 1 and 2Class from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.The boat departs at 11:15 a.m.Two training dives in the afternoon.Day 3Meet at 6:15 a.m.Last two certification dives.Return to the center by late morning.Why Choose AquaTao?✔️ French- and English-speaking instructors.✔️ Small groups for high-quality learning.✔️ A comfortable boat specially equipped for diving.✔️ Some of Thailand’s most renowned dive sites.✔️ SSI certification is recognized worldwide.Have you ever gone diving?No problem! The Open Water course is designed for beginners.If you’d like to ease into diving before starting your certification, we also offer our Open Water Premium program, which includes an introductory dive (2 dives) followed by the Open Water course. It’s the perfect way to build confidence and get the most out of your learning experience.Whether you dream of seeing sea turtles and colorful coral reefs or continuing your adventure toward the Advanced Open Water certification, our team will be delighted to accompany you on this unforgettable experience in Koh Tao.

AquaTao, 8/12 Moo2 Mae Haad, 84360, Koh Tao, THA
August 25, 2026 +45 More
$332.05
THB 11,000.00
Shark Ecology for Snorkelers

Shark Ecology for Snorkelers

Demystify the lords of the oceans, understand their vital role in the marine ecosystem, and learn how to observe them safely during your dives.Why take the Shark Ecology specialty course?Change the way you look at one of the most fascinating and endangered predators on the planet: Sharks often suffer from an unfair reputation. Yet they play an essential role in the balance and health of our oceans. The SSI Shark Ecology specialty immerses you in the captivating world of these magnificent sharks to help you understand their anatomy, evolution, and behavior. By mastering shark biology and the rules for eco-responsible interaction, you’ll experience your next dives with a knowledgeable and passionate perspective.Biology & Sensory Receptors: Discover their highly developed senses (Lorenzini’s ampullae, lateral line, and exceptional sense of smell).Species Identification: Learn to recognize Thailand’s iconic species (whale shark, leopard shark, blacktip reef shark).Behavior & Interactions: Decoding shark body language and adopting best practices for underwater observation.Ecological Role & Conservation: Understand the impact of their disappearance and commit to their global protection.PrerequisitesMinimum age: 10 years old.Prerequisites: No diving experience required (also accessible to non-divers, freedivers, and snorkelers).

Apo Dhatu Divers, 490 Moo 3 Saladan, Koh Lanta, 81150, Saladan, Lanta, Krabi, THA
October 1, 2026 +241 More
$120.75
THB 4,000.00

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

Top Wildlife Sightings in Thailand

Many divers flock to Thailand for the chance to see larger pelagics such a colossal whalesharks and manta rays which pass by the rocky outcrops further out to sea. These majestic creatures are most common in the areas around the Similans and further north in the Surin Islands.

Closer to shore divers will find that even walking off the beach, a coral encrusted sea floor filled with colour awaits. Brightly spotted octopus, napoleon wrasse and cheeky trigger fish can be found all over Thailand’s reefs and wreck as well as shoals of barracuda and legions of turtles. Critters are everywhere around filling every nook and cranny of the coral reefs pipefish, seahorses, eels and brightly coloured shrimp can be found by eagle eyed divers all over Thailand.

For shark lovers the most common types found in Thailand are black and white tip reef sharks who can be found circling around the reefs during the day and hunting during night dives. Leopard and guitar sharks, although a little rarer than reef sharks can also be found and are excellent subjects for underwater photographers

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 approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

53k Sightings
J
6.2k
F
6.4k
M
6.8k
A
5.3k
M
2.7k
J
2.1k
J
3.7k
A
3.9k
S
2.2k
O
3.2k
N
4.9k
D
5.9k

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

Total number of species approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

50k Sightings
J
4.9k
F
5.6k
M
6.4k
A
5.3k
M
2.9k
J
2.6k
J
4.4k
A
4.3k
S
2.6k
O
3k
N
3.2k
D
4.3k

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

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

19k Sightings
J
1.9k
F
2k
M
2.4k
A
2k
M
1.1k
J
1.2k
J
1.6k
A
1.5k
S
1k
O
1.1k
N
1.2k
D
1.7k
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

11k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.2k
M
1.3k
A
1.1k
M
622
J
648
J
1k
A
971
S
524
O
564
N
652
D
1.2k
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

8.9k Sightings
J
947
F
1.1k
M
982
A
833
M
437
J
455
J
836
A
854
S
392
O
393
N
722
D
968
Whale Shark

Whale Shark

8.3k Sightings
J
757
F
776
M
732
A
534
M
667
J
446
J
806
A
1.1k
S
1.2k
O
513
N
293
D
600

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

3.4k Sightings
J
384
F
423
M
571
A
499
M
226
J
173
J
187
A
178
S
57
O
47
N
282
D
371

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

88k Sightings
J
8.2k
F
8.6k
M
10k
A
8.7k
M
5.2k
J
5.3k
J
8.9k
A
8.6k
S
5.3k
O
5.4k
N
6k
D
7.8k

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

82k Sightings
J
7.6k
F
8k
M
9.3k
A
8k
M
4.9k
J
4.8k
J
8.4k
A
8.1k
S
5k
O
5.1k
N
5.5k
D
7k

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

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

75k Sightings
J
7.3k
F
7.8k
M
9.2k
A
7.6k
M
4.4k
J
4.1k
J
6.7k
A
6.4k
S
4k
O
4.7k
N
5.7k
D
7.2k

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

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

69k Sightings
J
6.6k
F
7.1k
M
8.3k
A
7k
M
4.4k
J
4.2k
J
6.2k
A
6k
S
3.8k
O
4.3k
N
5.1k
D
6.3k

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

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

68k Sightings
J
6.9k
F
7.2k
M
8.8k
A
6.7k
M
3.7k
J
3.4k
J
5.8k
A
5.8k
S
3.5k
O
4.4k
N
5.6k
D
6.4k

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

62k Sightings
J
5.2k
F
5.6k
M
6.8k
A
6.1k
M
4k
J
4k
J
7.3k
A
6.6k
S
4.5k
O
4.1k
N
3.7k
D
4.7k

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

59k Sightings
J
5.7k
F
6.1k
M
7.5k
A
6.4k
M
3.5k
J
3.2k
J
5.3k
A
5.1k
S
3.2k
O
3.6k
N
4.2k
D
5.2k

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

44k Sightings
J
4.8k
F
5k
M
5.6k
A
4.7k
M
2.3k
J
1.9k
J
3.3k
A
3.1k
S
1.8k
O
2.7k
N
3.8k
D
4.6k

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

40k Sightings
J
3.3k
F
3.9k
M
4.4k
A
4.3k
M
2.8k
J
2.6k
J
4.7k
A
4.3k
S
2.5k
O
2.5k
N
2.2k
D
2.9k

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

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

31k Sightings
J
4.1k
F
3.9k
M
4.1k
A
3.1k
M
1.4k
J
912
J
1.5k
A
1.6k
S
858
O
1.8k
N
3.3k
D
4k

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

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

29k Sightings
J
2.6k
F
3k
M
3.5k
A
2.8k
M
1.6k
J
1.7k
J
2.8k
A
2.7k
S
1.8k
O
2.2k
N
2.1k
D
2.7k

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

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

25k Sightings
J
2.5k
F
2.6k
M
3.4k
A
2.5k
M
1.4k
J
1.4k
J
2.2k
A
2.1k
S
1.4k
O
1.5k
N
1.8k
D
2.5k

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

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

23k Sightings
J
2.3k
F
2.5k
M
3k
A
2.6k
M
1.3k
J
1.2k
J
2k
A
1.9k
S
1.1k
O
1.5k
N
1.6k
D
2.3k

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

21k Sightings
J
2k
F
2.1k
M
2.8k
A
2.3k
M
1.1k
J
1.2k
J
2k
A
1.8k
S
1.1k
O
1.5k
N
1.6k
D
1.9k

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

21k Sightings
J
1.8k
F
2k
M
2.7k
A
2k
M
1.1k
J
1.1k
J
2k
A
1.9k
S
1.3k
O
1.7k
N
1.3k
D
1.8k

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

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

21k Sightings
J
2.1k
F
2.5k
M
3.1k
A
2.1k
M
946
J
799
J
1.4k
A
1.5k
S
901
O
1.2k
N
1.8k
D
2.2k

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

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

20k Sightings
J
1.9k
F
1.9k
M
2.4k
A
1.9k
M
1.2k
J
1.1k
J
1.8k
A
1.7k
S
1.2k
O
1.3k
N
1.3k
D
1.8k

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

17k Sightings
J
1.6k
F
1.8k
M
2k
A
1.5k
M
784
J
890
J
1.6k
A
1.8k
S
1k
O
1.1k
N
1.2k
D
1.6k

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

17k Sightings
J
1.7k
F
1.9k
M
2.2k
A
1.8k
M
886
J
955
J
1.4k
A
1.3k
S
811
O
937
N
1.1k
D
1.6k

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

15k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1.4k
M
1.8k
A
1.4k
M
867
J
857
J
1.7k
A
1.5k
S
1k
O
1.2k
N
843
D
1.2k

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

Emperor

Emperor

13k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.2k
M
1.6k
A
1.2k
M
724
J
777
J
1.4k
A
1.4k
S
775
O
974
N
778
D
1.1k

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

Total number of species approx.: 20

Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish

11k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1.3k
M
1.8k
A
1.1k
M
610
J
516
J
909
A
755
S
469
O
665
N
913
D
1.3k

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

11k Sightings
J
1.4k
F
1.5k
M
1.7k
A
1.1k
M
418
J
320
J
534
A
686
S
300
O
575
N
1.1k
D
1.3k
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark

11k Sightings
J
1.4k
F
1.4k
M
1.5k
A
959
M
383
J
461
J
772
A
871
S
426
O
535
N
748
D
1.1k

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

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

10k Sightings
J
921
F
1k
M
1.4k
A
1.2k
M
601
J
606
J
953
A
882
S
544
O
549
N
604
D
838

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

Total number of species approx.: 15

Tuna

Tuna

6.7k Sightings
J
520
F
628
M
943
A
659
M
358
J
317
J
625
A
599
S
388
O
658
N
533
D
508

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

6.5k Sightings
J
723
F
958
M
908
A
636
M
288
J
167
J
288
A
414
S
198
O
350
N
686
D
913

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

Total number of species approx.: 15

Garfish

Garfish

6.4k Sightings
J
617
F
675
M
888
A
559
M
340
J
300
J
559
A
647
S
360
O
469
N
474
D
499

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

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

6.3k Sightings
J
450
F
648
M
700
A
742
M
433
J
437
J
627
A
636
S
354
O
308
N
457
D
537

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

Total number of species approx.: 120

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish

4.6k Sightings
J
476
F
478
M
581
A
410
M
208
J
253
J
285
A
299
S
98
O
192
N
509
D
828
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse

3.9k Sightings
J
503
F
540
M
654
A
491
M
187
J
117
J
249
A
245
S
84
O
133
N
275
D
432
Banded Sea Krait

Banded Sea Krait

3.8k Sightings
J
456
F
493
M
558
A
451
M
159
J
155
J
260
A
271
S
192
O
109
N
340
D
395

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pipefish

Pipefish

3.3k Sightings
J
277
F
421
M
424
A
347
M
223
J
195
J
263
A
307
S
158
O
180
N
195
D
261

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Squid

Squid

2.4k Sightings
J
199
F
311
M
340
A
303
M
192
J
141
J
187
A
193
S
50
O
83
N
179
D
198

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Cornetfish

Cornetfish

2.3k Sightings
J
245
F
380
M
388
A
247
M
116
J
107
J
143
A
172
S
56
O
93
N
180
D
172
Zebra Shark

Zebra Shark

2.2k Sightings
J
314
F
234
M
364
A
314
M
202
J
91
J
67
A
120
S
56
O
84
N
201
D
177

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Stonefish

Stonefish

2.2k Sightings
J
290
F
270
M
368
A
215
M
118
J
26
J
46
A
136
S
26
O
168
N
292
D
258

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner