© Shutterstock/thaisign Diving in Phuket Phuket, nicknamed the Pearl of the Andaman, is Thailand’s largest island, you will understand why. Its coast is edged with soft-sand beaches that gleam gold and white and crowned with dramatic limestone karsts, while the interior jungle is home to elephants and wonderful birdlife. But Phuket’s most awe-inspiring sites are below the surface of the sea, making it one of Thailand’s best scuba diving destinations. Here, a rainbow of different types of fish flit past in an instant, there are spectacular protected reefs in the marine parks and the limestone creates stunning walls, caves and crevices that are a joy to explore and shelter diverse species from hawksbill turtles to sea snakes. This Pearl of the Andaman offers diving year-round, but the best time to dive in Phuket is between November and April, when there is less rain and clearer waters. Generally, the visibility is excellent, ranging up to 40m (130ft) in at some key dive sites and the water temperature never drops below 25C (77F), normally hovering between 28 and 31C (82-87F). Most of the diving is offered by boat day trips, but there are opportunities for the shore diving, with the shallower conditions perfect for beginners and those looking to work on their skills. If you can organise your trip between February and March, cooler currents flow in from open sea and can bring with them whale sharks and manta rays. Featured places to go in Phuket Province © ScubaproSE IslandsWhether you’re looking for interesting shallow reefs to explore or some more adventurous deep wrecks, you’ll find them here.Learn more © ScubaproLocal Western Dive SitesThere are so many reefs around this region of Phuket and you can even explore them with shore dives.Learn more Dive Sites in Phuket Province Discover the Wonders of the Deep with SSI's Blog Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves. The descriptions provided here are intended as general information and personal experiences related to specific dive sites and locations and should not be construed as definitive advice or recommendations. Before diving, please confirm that diving is permitted at your chosen location, and comply with all relevant local laws, regulations, and posted signage. The responsibility for verifying the legality of the dive and assessing any associated risks rests entirely with you.