If you’re thinking about trying scuba diving for the first time, Phuket is the perfect place to take the plunge.

With its warm waters year-round, a wide range of beginner-friendly dive sites, and plenty of reputable dive centers, Phuket makes those first underwater adventures safe, fun, and unforgettable.

You don’t even need a certification to get started. Many dive shops offer a special one-day experience called Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) – a perfect introduction to the underwater world.

The program typically includes a short briefing on safety and underwater communication, some practice handling the gear in a pool or shallow sea, and a guided dive with an instructor down to 12 meters.

Racha Yai: First-time divers’ top spot

Just 20 km south of Phuket, Racha Yai is perfect for a first dive: crystal-clear waters, visibility up to 30 meters, sandy bottom, and friendly marine life like reef fish and octopuses.

Nearby Racha Noi also suits beginners and is often picked for a second dive, with deeper waters, a more dramatic seafloor, and larger species like stingrays and barracudas.

Coral Island (Koh Hae) is another easy dive spot with 5–12 m depth, colorful reefs, and full beachside facilities.

Phi Phi Islands: Gateway to new adventures

Once you’ve mastered the basics, head to Phang Nga Bay, with easy access from Phi Phi. Sites reach 25 meters, allowing tailored dive plans. Popular spots include dramatic wall dives at Bida Nok, schools of fish near Viking Cave, and blacktip reef sharks at Shark Point.

They’re harmless — but your first shark sighting is sure to spike your adrenaline!

Similan Islands: The crown jewel of the Andaman

For a truly magical experience, plan an overnight liveaboard trip to the legendary Similan Islands, about 70 kilometers west of Phuket. Open from October to May, this chain of 11 islands offers crystal-clear waters and rich marine life: turtles, barracudas, rays, sharks – and even the majestic whale shark, huge but harmless.

Leaving the Similans is never easy — it’s a rare chance to dive into a true underwater fairytale.