Before embarking on an underwater adventure, it's a good idea to choose a professional and trustworthy dive center. Here are three of the best options on Phuket:

1. Merlin Divers - Scuba Diving Phuket Located in Kamala, this dive center has an excellent reputation among divers from around the world. With an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5, Merlin Divers offers a wide range of dive courses and tours. Customers praise the instructors' professionalism, excellent organization and attention to safety. The center offers courses for beginners as well as advanced divers, as well as excursions to nearby islands such as Phi Phi.

2nd Phuket diving - Love Diving Phuket Located in the center of Patong, Love Diving Phuket is another highly regarded dive center. With a rating of 4.9, it offers personalized diving experiences for clients of all skill levels. Students praise the patience and competence of the instructors, as well as the small training groups, which allows for individual attention to each diver.

3 Sea Bees Diving Phuket Sea Bees Diving, located in Chalong, is a dive center with years of experience. Also with a rating of 4.9, Sea Bees is known for its excellent organization, professional staff and high quality equipment. They offer a wide range of courses, from introduction to diving to advanced specializations.

Comparing the three centers, it's worth noting that they all enjoy equally high ratings. Merlin Divers stands out for its particularly positive approach to customers with health problems, offering flexibility in scheduling dives. Love Diving Phuket earns praise for its small training groups, which is ideal for those who prefer a more personalized approach. Sea Bees Diving, on the other hand, stands out for its excellent dive tours and quality equipment.

Prices for courses and tours can vary depending on the season and package selected, so it's worth contacting the centers directly for up-to-date information. Regardless of your choice, each of these centers will provide you with a safe and memorable diving experience on Phuket.

Phuket offers a number of fascinating dive sites, each with unique character and attractions. Here are some of the best locations:

1. the Phi Phi Islands Located about 40 kilometers southeast of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are one of the most popular dive sites in the region. Famous for its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, Phi Phi offers diving for people of all levels. You can spot reef sharks, sea turtles and a huge variety of tropical fish. Particularly recommended sites include Bida Nok and Bida Nai, where you can admire spectacular coral formations.

2 - Racha Yai and Racha Noi These two islands, located south of Phuket, are ideal for both beginners and advanced divers. Racha Yai is famous for its excellent visibility and gentle currents, making it an ideal place to learn to dive. Shoals of barracuda, stingrays and sometimes even manta rays can be seen here. Racha Noi, more remote and less frequented, offers more challenging dives with stronger currents, but also a chance to encounter larger fish species.

3 - Shark Point As the name suggests, Shark Point is the place where you can encounter sharks. The most common are leopard sharks, which, despite the menacing-sounding name, are harmless to humans. In addition to sharks, the place is famous for its rich, colorful coral reefs and a huge variety of marine life.

4th King Cruiser Wreck This sunken passenger ferry lies at a depth of about 30 meters and is home to a variety of fish and mollusks. The wreck is covered with soft corals and sponges, creating a fascinating environment for exploration. This site is suitable for more advanced divers due to its depth and potential currents.

When comparing these sites, it is worth noting that the Phi Phi islands offer the most diverse diving experiences, suitable for divers of all levels. Racha Yai and Racha Noi are ideal for those seeking calmer waters and less crowded sites. Shark Point is a must-see for lovers of big fish and colorful reefs, while King Cruiser Wreck offers a unique wreck diving experience.

The availability of these sites can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. The best season for diving on Phuket is from November to April, when the sea is calmer and visibility is best. Prices for dive trips to these sites typically range from 3,000 to 6,000 baht per day, depending on the dive center chosen and the number of dives.

To fully enjoy diving in Phuket, there are some practical tips to consider:

1. choosing a dive center In addition to the previously mentioned centers, you should also consider other options:

• Asian Divers: located in Karon, they offer a wide range of dive courses and tours. Customers praise them for their professionalism and friendly atmosphere.

• Scuba Diving Phuket Dive Tours: With locations in Kata Beach, Patong and Chalong, this chain of dive centers offers flexibility in choosing where to go. All three centers have high ratings (4.8-5.0) and are highly regarded for their excellent organization and experienced instructors.

When comparing these centers, it's worth noting their location in relation to your accommodation. Asian Divers may be a good choice for those living in the Karon area, while Scuba Diving Phuket Dive Tours offers more flexibility with several locations.

2 Best time to dive The best season for diving on Phuket is from November to April. During this period, the sea is calmer and visibility is best, reaching up to 30 meters. From May to October, the weather can be more unpredictable, but you can still find good days to dive.

3. diving preparation

• Certification: If you don't have a diving certification, consider an Open Water Diver course. Most dive centers offer PADI or SSI courses.
• Insurance: Always purchase dive insurance before you go.
• Equipment: Most dive centers provide all the necessary equipment, but if you have your own, you can bring it.

4 Environmental protection Phuket is struggling to protect its coral reefs. As a responsible diver:

• Don't touch or pick up anything underwater.
• Use reef-friendly sunscreen.
• Support dive centers that are actively involved in protecting the marine environment.

5 Additional attractions In addition to diving, Phuket offers many other activities:

• Snorkeling: For those who don't want to dive, snorkeling is a great alternative.
• Boat tours: Day trips to the surrounding islands are very popular.
• Beaches: Phuket is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Kata, Karon and Nai Harn.

6 Costs. Prices for diving courses and excursions can vary widely. Approximate prices:

• Introduction to Scuba Diving (Discover Scuba Diving): 3000-4000 baht
• Open Water Diver course: 15000-20000 baht
• One-day dive tour (2-3 dives): 3500-5000 baht

Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and the dive center you choose. It's always a good idea to check current prices directly with your chosen service provider.

Diving in Phuket is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to discover the beauty of the underwater world of the Andaman Sea. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Phuket has something to offer for everyone. By choosing the right dive center, planning your trip in the best season and following the rules of responsible diving, you are sure to create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.