Scuba Diving and snorkelling have long been a major attraction on a Phuket holiday. You can go as far as the Similan Islands if you have time, but if you are looking for dive sites closer to Phuket, the treasures on offer at Racha’s two islands are difficult to beat
By: Angus Hamilton
The early morning departure from Chalong Pier sets the tone for what Sea Bees Diving promises – premium service without pretence. By 8:30am, equipment checks have been completed and my hand holds a cup of co.ee, before we board the bus and slip away from the bustle of Chalong aboard their iconic black and yellow vessel Excalibur. The boat’s spacious two-storey layout o.ers tranquil seating both below deck and on the inviting sun-drenched upper level which I promptly got comfy in.
Sea Bees has earned its reputation as one of Phuket’s longest-established diving companies through attention to detail that becomes apparent before you even wet your mask. Breakfast arrives as a proper spread – eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and continental options – prepared by onboard cooks who accommodate dietary requirements without fuss. This isn’t the usual dive boat fare of hastily assembled lunchboxes. Fresh aromas drift from the galley where experienced chefs prepare each dish with care – the kind of cooking that has people queuing for seconds.
Pristine Waters
The hour-long journey to Racha Yai passes quickly, even with low season winds creating modest swells. Thailand’s smaller diving gem sits in crystalline waters that average 25 metres visibility year-round, making it an ideal introduction to the kingdom’s underwater heritage.
Our first descent into Bay #1 reveals why Racha Yai commands respect among diving professionals. What makes this particularly fascinating is Thailand’s coral regeneration programme – concrete blocks placed strategically fifteen years ago by the Resource Department now host flourishing marine communities that demonstrate successful environmental stewardship.
Two artificial reefs punctuate the landscape: the intimate Harruby wreck and the more substantial Meditation wreck, a 30-foot Princess yacht retired in 2023 that now serves as an underwater palace for resident marine life. A motorcycle wreck adds surreal charm to the sandy expanse, creating an underwater sculpture garden where nature and human intervention merge seamlessly, all in awesome visibility
Marine Encounters and Expert Guidance
Instructor Chowalit’s exceptional eye for marine life transforms each dive from simple underwater tourism into genuine natural history education. Having explored these reefs for nearly a decade, his briefings “keep the coral wall to our left” kept us out of the strongest currents – and patient confirmation that everyone’s dive sign language remains sharp. His ability to spot rare nudibranchs (those jewel-like sea slugs that most divers miss entirely) comes from years of intimate knowledge of these particular reefs. Under his guidance, encounters become discoveries: black-spotted puffer fish, previously unknown to me, drift past like animated balloons, the diversity proves remarkable. Moray eels peer from rocky alcoves, their ancient eyes following our movements with curiosity rather than concern. I’ve heard of octopi and turtle sightings but sadly I wasn’t so lucky.
Most memorable are the schools of barracuda – silver torpedoes that flash through the water column in perfect synchronisation. These predatory fish, often misunderstood, display remarkable grace when encountered in their natural environment, their presence indicating healthy reef ecosystems.
Advanced Exploration
Later dives explore Bays #3 and #4, following the coral line in systematic exploration that reveals sea snake gardens and abundant nudibranch populations. The final “home run” around the peninsula delivers the day’s climax – schools of tropical fish creating living kaleidoscopes against coral formations that showcase nature’s architectural mastery.
A Destination Worth Returning To
At THB 3,800 for the full-day experience including equipment, meals, and expert instruction, Sea Bees delivers exceptional value within Phuket’s premium diving market. Racha’s islands may serve as the region’s beginner-friendly destination, but it offers sophisticated underwater experiences that satisfy experienced divers seeking quality over quantity.
The ten-hour experience concludes with golden light painting the Andaman Sea’s horizon – a visual reminder that Thailand’s marine treasures extend far beyond its famous beaches.
Visit: Sea Bees Diving, Chalong Pier. Full-day Racha Yai trips depart 8:30am, returning approximately 6:30pm. Advance bookings recommended during peak season.
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