Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the under-water world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs.

All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities.

For group or family travelers, all good live aboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world’s most beautiful waters.

Day 1 : Transfer from Phuket Airport to Chalong Bay. Board night boat from the bay to Similan islands.

Day 2 : Arrive Similan. Rest of the day at dive sites around island exploring the reefs of the Similan Archipelago and myriad colours exhibited by countless fish and corals. There are three dive spots scheduled, and one night dive.

Day 3 : Continue your diving odyssey at three locations. Three daytime dives are scheduled at Ko Bon island and Ko Tachai, home to manta rays, whale sharks and colourful coral. There is one dive at Surin Island.

Day 4 : Three dives scheduled at Richelieu Rock, playground of the whale shark.

Day 5 : Dive at three more Similan locations before taking the night boat to Phuket.

Andaman adventure

Day 1 : From Patong Beach, Phuket, sail overnight to the Similan Islands.

Day 2 ? 3 : Wake up at a Similan dive site and after breakfast, explore the area. Surroundings Range from delicate sloping reefs to giant boulder drop-offs The variety of marine life here is exceptional, with diverse corals and an enormous huge range of fish. Set sail For the Myanmar Banks in the evening.

Day 4 ? 5 : Two days are spent on the Myanmar Banks exploring marine life including many different varieties of shark The area is subject to strong currents and changing underwater visibility visibility so it is strictly for experienced dives.

Day 6 : Dive at Richelieu Rock and Ko Ta-chai. Return to Similan in the evening

Day 7 : The last full day of diving around Similan, visiting several important reefs such as Shark's fin and Elephant's Head. Evening departure for the return passage to Phuket.

Day 8 : Early morning arrival at Patong. Participating divers should be certificated, but there is plenty of action on these tours for non-divers and various entertainments on board the mother ship, plus the chance to explore ashore.

Divers' paradise

Day 1 : Arrive Samui and continue by boat to Ko Tao (Turtle Island). After lunch, enjoy swimming and snorkeling around this tiny island considered to be the best dive site in the Gulf. The marine ecology of Ko Tao is the habitat of several rare species, including spotted rays, giant trigger fish and the occa-sional and harmless whale shark.

Day 2 ? 7 : Enjoy diving lessons offered by international-standard diving schools or discovering the beautiful under-water world with experienced divers.

Day 8 : Leave Ko Tao for Chumphon. City tour and visit to the many caves and beautiful beaches. Overnight in Chumpon.

Dive sites

ANDAMAN SEA : Dive sites are found off the coast of Phuket with prime spots such as Shark Point, Red Rock, Ko Yao, Ko Yai, and the twin islands of Ko Racha, extending to the Similan and Surin islands to the west, Krabi and Trang to the east.

GULF OF THAILAND : Sites are around Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao, Ko Nang Yuan, Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, and Ko Chang in Trat Province near the Combodian border.

EAST COAST : On the east coast of the Gulf, Pattaya offers dive trips out to Ko Larn, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Rin, Ko Pai and Ko Marn Vichai. There are dozens of dive shops offering courses and tours to any level and in any language.

Misconceptions about learning

IT IS DANGEROUS.

v Not true. All the recommended dive companies listed here are PADI certified and have well qualified, experienced staff. As long as divers follow instructions and are prepared, there is less danger than swimming in the sea.

IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO LEARN AND IS EXPENSIVE

v Not true. All PADI centres offer beginner’s courses in a swimming pool for a half or full day. Becoming PADI certified will take four days in Thailand. Anyone over eight years can do a “Bubble Blowers” course in a pool for free. A Discover Scuba Diving course will cost around 4,000 baht and take one day. A full Open Water PADI course will take four days and cost around 10,000 baht

IT IS DIFFICULT AND YOU HAVE TO BE VERY FIT.

v Not true. Anyone over the age of 12 can do a PADI certified course. As long as they are in good medical condition and have no history of asthma, heart or breathing problems, a severe cold or problems with your ears, then they are ready to dive.

Precautions & preparations

There are some precautions and preparations that should be taken before diving, whether you are experienced or a beginner.

v Never go diving too soon after or before flying. The change in atmospheric pressure can cause “The Bends” either underwater or in the air, so divers should always consult an instructor to time diving and training to flight schedules.

v Never dive after a heavy meal. The blood flows to the stomach to aid digestion and may cause cramp.

v Never consume alcohol before diving (including the night before). The underwater effect of alcohol is multiplied many times, leading to disorientation and lack of judgment.

v If a heavy smoker, cut down before beginning to dive.

v Always follow safety procedures as advised by the instructor.

v Never go diving alone.

v If a diver has experience but has not been diving for a while (six months or more), they should tell the instructor and ask for a quick refresher course on procedures, safety and practices.

v Look for PADI certified dive shops only. Ask around at the resort to see who is recommended. Don’t take the first option or the cheapest (necessarily).

v If sure to dive before leaving on a trip, access the official PADI site at Padi.com and look for PADI certified dive shops at the destination.

v Read as much as possible about the destination. If experienced, a diver should know about the best dive sites before they even get to a resort.