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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)

Places to explore

Courses and Events

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

50k Sightings
J
6.1k
F
6.3k
M
6.8k
A
5.2k
M
2.2k
J
1.6k
J
3k
A
3.5k
S
2.1k
O
3.1k
N
4.8k
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

46k Sightings
J
4.8k
F
5.5k
M
6.4k
A
5.2k
M
2.3k
J
2k
J
3.4k
A
3.9k
S
2.6k
O
2.9k
N
3.2k
D
4.2k

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

18k Sightings
J
1.9k
F
2k
M
2.4k
A
1.9k
M
902
J
894
J
1.2k
A
1.3k
S
1k
O
1.1k
N
1.2k
D
1.7k
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

9.8k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.2k
M
1.3k
A
1k
M
511
J
516
J
731
A
768
S
502
O
530
N
596
D
1k
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

8.2k Sightings
J
925
F
1.1k
M
963
A
822
M
370
J
365
J
609
A
737
S
349
O
387
N
683
D
912
Whale Shark

Whale Shark

7.8k Sightings
J
756
F
761
M
730
A
508
M
625
J
280
J
606
A
970
S
1.1k
O
512
N
292
D
596

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

81k Sightings
J
8k
F
8.5k
M
9.9k
A
8.5k
M
4.2k
J
3.9k
J
6.9k
A
7.7k
S
5.2k
O
5.3k
N
5.8k
D
7.6k

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

76k Sightings
J
7.5k
F
7.9k
M
9.2k
A
7.8k
M
4k
J
3.7k
J
6.6k
A
7.3k
S
4.9k
O
5.1k
N
5.4k
D
6.9k

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

70k Sightings
J
7.2k
F
7.7k
M
9.1k
A
7.4k
M
3.5k
J
3k
J
5.1k
A
5.7k
S
4k
O
4.6k
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.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

64k Sightings
J
6.5k
F
7k
M
8.1k
A
6.8k
M
3.5k
J
3.1k
J
4.8k
A
5.5k
S
3.7k
O
4.2k
N
4.9k
D
6.1k

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

64k Sightings
J
6.8k
F
7.2k
M
8.7k
A
6.5k
M
3k
J
2.5k
J
4.5k
A
5.1k
S
3.4k
O
4.3k
N
5.4k
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.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

57k Sightings
J
5.1k
F
5.6k
M
6.8k
A
6k
M
3k
J
2.9k
J
5.6k
A
6k
S
4.4k
O
4.1k
N
3.6k
D
4.5k

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

56k Sightings
J
5.6k
F
6.1k
M
7.4k
A
6.3k
M
2.9k
J
2.6k
J
4.2k
A
4.7k
S
3.1k
O
3.6k
N
4.1k
D
5.1k

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

41k Sightings
J
4.7k
F
5k
M
5.5k
A
4.6k
M
1.9k
J
1.5k
J
2.6k
A
2.7k
S
1.8k
O
2.6k
N
3.7k
D
4.5k

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

37k Sightings
J
3.2k
F
3.9k
M
4.3k
A
4.1k
M
2.2k
J
2k
J
3.6k
A
3.8k
S
2.5k
O
2.5k
N
2.1k
D
2.8k

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

29k Sightings
J
4.1k
F
3.9k
M
4k
A
3k
M
1.1k
J
670
J
1.2k
A
1.5k
S
843
O
1.7k
N
3.2k
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

28k Sightings
J
2.5k
F
3k
M
3.5k
A
2.7k
M
1.4k
J
1.3k
J
2.2k
A
2.4k
S
1.8k
O
2.2k
N
2k
D
2.6k

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

24k Sightings
J
2.5k
F
2.6k
M
3.3k
A
2.5k
M
1.2k
J
948
J
1.7k
A
2k
S
1.4k
O
1.5k
N
1.7k
D
2.4k

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

22k Sightings
J
2.3k
F
2.5k
M
3k
A
2.5k
M
1k
J
934
J
1.6k
A
1.8k
S
1.1k
O
1.5k
N
1.5k
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

20k Sightings
J
2k
F
2.1k
M
2.8k
A
2.2k
M
913
J
803
J
1.5k
A
1.7k
S
1.1k
O
1.4k
N
1.6k
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.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

20k Sightings
J
1.7k
F
2k
M
2.6k
A
1.9k
M
1k
J
930
J
1.6k
A
1.8k
S
1.3k
O
1.7k
N
1.2k
D
1.7k

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

20k Sightings
J
2.1k
F
2.5k
M
3k
A
2.1k
M
781
J
511
J
1.1k
A
1.4k
S
890
O
1.2k
N
1.8k
D
2.1k

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

18k Sightings
J
1.9k
F
1.9k
M
2.3k
A
1.9k
M
888
J
775
J
1.3k
A
1.4k
S
1.2k
O
1.2k
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

16k Sightings
J
1.6k
F
1.8k
M
2k
A
1.5k
M
694
J
660
J
1.3k
A
1.6k
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

15k Sightings
J
1.7k
F
1.9k
M
2.2k
A
1.8k
M
603
J
525
J
987
A
1.2k
S
801
O
930
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

14k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.4k
M
1.8k
A
1.4k
M
749
J
623
J
1.2k
A
1.4k
S
991
O
1.2k
N
819
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.: 80

Emperor

Emperor

12k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.2k
M
1.6k
A
1.2k
M
583
J
464
J
995
A
1.2k
S
768
O
973
N
765
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
1.7k
A
1.1k
M
501
J
410
J
697
A
686
S
473
O
674
N
902
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
1.6k
A
1k
M
366
J
263
J
433
A
604
S
279
O
572
N
1.1k
D
1.3k
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark

10k Sightings
J
1.4k
F
1.4k
M
1.5k
A
943
M
320
J
388
J
683
A
820
S
420
O
535
N
742
D
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

9.5k Sightings
J
920
F
1k
M
1.4k
A
1.1k
M
520
J
472
J
751
A
826
S
542
O
535
N
593
D
835

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

6.5k Sightings
J
511
F
628
M
948
A
657
M
325
J
273
J
533
A
575
S
388
O
669
N
525
D
468

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
730
F
955
M
906
A
640
M
273
J
166
J
269
A
402
S
199
O
355
N
685
D
915

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

6.1k Sightings
J
605
F
677
M
886
A
556
M
285
J
248
J
461
A
623
S
362
O
469
N
480
D
478

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

5.8k Sightings
J
447
F
644
M
701
A
731
M
374
J
330
J
485
A
549
S
345
O
280
N
421
D
527

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

4.4k Sightings
J
471
F
476
M
575
A
411
M
188
J
206
J
218
A
261
S
103
O
195
N
498
D
830