From the beginner-friendly reefs of Koh Tao (which certifies more divers than almost anywhere on Earth) to the world-class Similan Islands, Thailand's underwater scene is spectacular and affordable. Here's where to dive, snorkel and take your first breaths underwater.
When to dive in Thailand
The Andaman side (Similans, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta) is best from November to April; the Gulf side (Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) dives well most of the year with a sweet spot from March to September. Whale sharks are a lucky possibility at pinnacle sites in the shoulder seasons.
Best destinations
Top experiences
Phuket
- Similan Islands day trip — World-class snorkelling and diving on powder-white reefs (Nov-Apr).
- Coral & Racha Island snorkelling — Clear shallow reefs a short speedboat hop offshore.
Koh Phi Phi
- Bamboo Island snorkelling — Powder sand and shallow reefs full of fish.
- Dive with reef sharks — Blacktip reef sharks and turtles at Bida Nok and Shark Point.
- Loh Samah Bay snorkel — Colourful coral and fish in a sheltered turquoise bay.
Koh Lanta
- Koh Rok & Koh Haa — Some of the Andaman's clearest snorkelling and diving water.
- Hin Daeng & Hin Muang diving — Deep pinnacle dives famous for manta rays and whale sharks.
Koh Samui
- Koh Tao & Nang Yuan day trip — Speedboat snorkelling at the gulf's clearest reefs.
Koh Phangan
- Koh Ma snorkelling — Swim the sandbar reef at Mae Haad on the northwest tip.
Koh Tao
- PADI diving course — Koh Tao certifies more divers than almost anywhere on earth - warm, cheap, easy.
- Koh Nang Yuan — The iconic triple-island sandbar and its viewpoint.
- Shark Bay — Snorkel with harmless blacktip reef sharks off the beach.
- Mango Bay & Aow Leuk — Sheltered coral coves ideal for easy snorkelling.
- Chumphon Pinnacle dive — The area's top site — granite spires, groupers and whale-shark season.
- Aow Leuk & Hin Wong bays — Snorkel straight off the beach in calm, coral-rich coves.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best diving in Thailand?
Koh Tao for learning and value, the Similan Islands for world-class reefs and visibility, and Hin Daeng/Hin Muang off Koh Lanta for big pelagics.
Is Thailand good for beginners to learn to dive?
Exceptionally — Koh Tao is one of the cheapest and easiest places in the world to get your PADI Open Water certification.
Can you snorkel without diving?
Absolutely — Bamboo Island, the Similans, Koh Rok and many bays have shallow reefs perfect for snorkelling straight off the boat or beach.
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