Palm Garden Resort Khao Lak

Regaldive offers two locations for diving in this area - Phuket, located in the south and Khao Lak in the north, which gives access to the excellent diving available in the Similan Islands and Koh Bon.

South of Phuket there are a number of excellent dive sites scattered over an area that incorporates the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Racha Yai and Racha Noi. These dive sites are accessible by day boat from Phuket. Divers are met from their hotel in Phuket and are then taken down to Chalong pier to join the day boat Excalibur II or similar. Each dive day includes breakfast and lunch on board the day boat, along with fruits, coffee, tea, water and daily towel.

Dive Sites

Located 45 km east of Phuket, the Phi Phi Island group is one of the most sensationally beautiful island chains in the world. The islands dramatic limestone cliffs border a number of beautiful bays and underwater have formed into extensive caves and overhangs. These protect an incredible range of hard and soft corals, which are the habitat to large numbers of scorpion and lionfish.

Vertical walls plunge from the surface to over 25 metres and support beautiful soft corals and sea whips. Several species of unusual coral inhabit the reefs including both the exotically formed white bush coral as well as increasingly rare black coral.

In many places, the islands are fringed with hard-coral gardens, home to a wide variety of colourful reef fish. Most of the fish species that inhabit the Similans can be encountered around Ko Phi Phi as well.

Shark Point and Anemone Reef

By far the most popular dives sites by day trip from Phuket or Phi Phi, these two pinnacles are located approximately 25 kilometres east of Chalong Bay in Phuket. Given official marine sanctuary status in 1992, these sites are superb day boat sites. The rock is teeming with life; the sheer density of marine life makes diving here a wonderful experience.

Shark Point rises out of the water from surrounding depths of around 18-20 metres. Like many places in Thailand, the site’s most distinctive feature is the profusion of purple and pink corals that cling to the rocks. The strong currents that sweep over the pinnacle provide a superb food source for hundreds of species of hard corals and Indo-Pacific tropical fish.

The name of the site comes from the common leopard shark, a docile creature that lies in the sand surrounding the pinnacle. These approachable sharks grow to lengths of more than 2 metres and are a real highlight for divers in the Andaman Sea.

Anemone Reef lies just below the surface, about 600 metres to the north of Shark Point. Underwater, the rock drops off dramatically to depths between 20–27 metres to a bottom of sand and oyster shells. This rock is a fantastic spot to see lionfish, with divers in the past counting over 90 on a single dive!

Racha Yai and Racha Noi

Racha Yai’s best diving is off its east coast, which makes it particularly attractive during Phuket’s off-peak summer season. Although visibility varies, it can be as good as 25 metres or more. A typical dive is a gentle drift along a sloping rocky face that is sprinkled with hard coral forests. Especially conspicuous are the stag-horn corals.

Large schools of barracuda can often be spotted hovering over the reef, while on the reef itself you will see octopus and cuttlefish in addition to more common tropical species. Divers of all levels of experience and snorkellers can enjoy the gentle conditions at Ko Racha Yai, where depths range from 3 to 30 metres.

Ko Racha Noi is for more experienced divers, as the diving depths are generally greater and are exposed to strong currents. The northern tip features a large pinnacle, which attracts a large amount of marine life.

Similan Islands and Koh Bon

The nine Similan Islands sit North West of Phuket and are famous for being one of the top dive destinations in the world, and certainly the best in Asia. The diving here is enthralling. Immerse yourself in thriving reefs, lush corals, impressive sea fans and an incredible variety of marine life, including large pelagics, such as manta and stingrays, as well as whale sharks. 

The Similans are characterised by gigantic boulders that stretch above the water line, creating stunning underwater scenery and exciting swim-throughs for divers to explore. The visibility is also some of the best in Thailand. The Similans also boast exquisite sandy beaches and shallow coral reefs in the bays, making them a perfect place for snorkelling. 

With over 20 unique dive sites, you’re never stuck for something to do during your visit. One of the favourites, especially for photographers, is West of Eden, where thousands of schooling Glassfish, Ghost Pipefish and White Tip Reef Sharks are ready for their close up. 

Another site worthy of note is Christmas Point, a very good spot for manta rays, nurse sharks and barracudas. It also sports an impressive variety of hard and soft corals and a wonderful maze of swim-throughs. Shark Fin Reef has beautiful coral and sponge gardens, making it an excellent opportunity to see reef sharks and huge Napoleon Wrasse. 

Elephant Head Rock, so called for a rock that looks like an elephant head, is another excellent spot for swim-throughs. Look for White Tip Reef Sharks in rock crevices at the beginning of the dive, with further exploration rewarding you with an army of colourful fish. 

Boulder City is another favourite site due to its exposed location. It’s possible to see so much here as it is a great 'meeting point' that is always rewarding divers with amazing sightings including Leopard Sharks, Spanish Dancers, Great Barracudas and larger pelagics. This makes this dive spot a constant surprise, no matter how many times you dive it.

Koh Bon is a part of the Similan National Marine Park. Koh Bon is an amazing dive spot, famous primarily for its visiting Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. It’s not just marine giants that pass through however, with thousands of schooling fish, octopus and cuttlefish coming together in an explosion of undersea life. A myriad of corals, anemones and fascinating sea sponges make this exceptional dive spot a real treat for the eyes. 

Koh Bon Pinnacle is another great dive site on the west site of Koh Bon island. You will find it in deep water (18-40m) and it is exposed. For safe and comfortable diving it is only possible to visit this dive site in favourable conditions with experienced, or advanced divers. Covered in small, yellow soft corals the west wall is precipitous, and offers a large cavern. There is a smaller pinnacle lying to the north. Keep your eyes open for passing Eagle Rays, Black Tip Sharks and Manta Rays on your way back up the rocky landscape.

Dive Packs

Sea Bees Diving Khoa Lak provides a weekly dive schedule during the diving season, November to April, to ensure you’re able to hit the best sites in the area. The Similan Islands are visited Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while Koh Tachai & Koh Bon are scheduled on Tuesdays and Richelieu Rick on Wednesdays. For those more wreck focused, the Boonsung Wreck is visited on Monday and Fridays and a former navy patrol boat, Tor 13, is the location for diving on Thursday and Sundays. Each diving day includes two dives, an additional dive may be organised locally depending on conditions.  

Pre-booking your dive packages with Regaldive ensures you the best price and guarantees your place onboard. Please enquire to tailor make your ideal diving package. 

Dive Courses

This SSI centre offers full training and welcomes non-divers onboard for their first taster dives too. With warm waters and an experienced dive centre, Sea Bees Khao Lak is an excellent place to learn to dive or develop your skills. 

Thailand, in Southeast Asia, is roughly the size of France. It is bordered by Myanmar on the north and west, and by Laos and Cambodia on the east. The country has an equatorial climate in the extreme south, while the centre and north have a tropical monsoon climate.

The north of Thailand is hilly and even mountainous, with land rising over 1,000 metres. Most of the centre and east of Thailand, however, is low-lying with gentle hills and slopes.

Getting Around Phuket

If you have organised all your travel arrangements with Regaldive, then your transfers to and from the airport and boats will be included for you, unless you have specifically requested otherwise. In the area of Patong Beach and outlying resorts, local taxis and 'Tuk tuks' are easy to come by but be prepared to negotiate your fare.

Climate

Air temperatures are generally hot with high humidity. There is very little rainfall from November to April with most days being hot (around 33°C) and a light breeze on the islands. Water temperature is generally stable around 26–30°C.

The monsoon season is mid-May to October and the weather can be unpredictable. Conditions are ideal for diving from November to April, but the destination offers something for everyone year round.

In Water Protection

Generally, a 3mm wetsuit is suitable throughout the year. Some divers only wear a thermal skin. However, this would leave you exposed to any thermoclines and may not be suitable for repetitive dives on liveaboards. Please ensure you take a hooded vest or extra layer.

Language

Thai is the official language of Thailand. Whilst most Thai’s will speak some English, they appreciate the effort taken to speak a few words. The majority of Thai involved with tourism speak English as a second language.

Time

Thailand is GMT +7 hours.

Currency

Thai Baht.

Most of the more developed resorts accept credit cards and payment in $ and € at their local exchange rate. ATM's are readily available.

Activities

It is possible to extend your diving holiday to take in the other cultural aspects of this beautiful country. Regaldive feature Bangkok, Phuket and Ao Nang, but you may request us to extend your flights should want to make other travel arrangements within the country outside of the diving.

The coast accommodates those who seek modern hotels and entertainment as well as unspoilt beaches. Aside from diving, there are many water sports and activities available to entertain guests.

Bangkok is a thriving exciting city with an array of good restaurants, markets, theatre and music, and impressive architecture both ancient and modern.

Shopping

Thailand is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Local woodcarving is well known and batik prints are popular. Bartering is expected in most shops and street stalls.

Land Clothing

With the exception of some smart hotels in Bangkok, Thailand is a casual country above water. You should pack for hot days and nights, but a light layer to cope with air-conditioned buildings and cooler evenings is recommended. A sarong is useful for covering up in temples etc. Please note, you will need to cover your legs and arms to visit any religious sanctuaries.

Flight Information

Prices are based on flights with Qatar Airways, via Doha. Flights may also be available with Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, or Thai Airways. Stopovers in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok can be organised.

Flight time: Approx. 16 hours.

Departure tax: N/A

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.