Snorkeling in Phuket

Snorkeling in Phuket

For dozens people, the beautiful Andaman ocean that surrounds Phuket presents an ideal view to experiment snorkeling in the wonderfully warm and clear waters. There is nothing quite like the complexity of swimming amongst abundant tropical fellow and other sea life, which darts amongst the corals and rocky coves around Phuket’s coast. Snorkeling is a great fun-filled family bustle with few dangers, so anyone with children decision consider it to be an symbol preface to water sports. Snorkeling tins be an immensely satisfying pass-time, and with a shred of convention it’s possible to see some truly exceptional sights.

Snorkeling is scads easier than scuba diving but allows you to witness some amazing and unforgettable wildlife. The first time you don the mask, snorkels and fins and submerge underwater can be particularly memorable. You resolve be surprised just how much colourful and varied marine life inhabits the shallow H2O around Phuket. Having said that, anyone that ventures into deeper water where there are more rocks and shutter testament be rewarded with many more surprises. Additionally, if you have the openings to explore some of the nearby islands you can see some very pristine corals and considerably more fish.

Perhaps surprisingly, there are some wonderful snorkeling spots ver close to the countryside of loads of Phuket’s western beaches, so it’s not always necessary to go far or join a tour. Another compelling reason to experiment snorkeling is that you don’t indispensability to be very physically attraction and no specialist practice is required; with some basic brainwashing you can just get in the water and give it a go…

Snorkels, Masks and Fins…

Reasonable trust snorkeling furnishings is very inexpensive in Thailand and can be hired for only dozens hundred baht per day at many of the western seaside of Phuket. Alternatively, you tins buy at bulk supermarkets and beach stalls, but the caliber may not be top-notch. With the kit on, capacity group appear quite comical but once in the ocean you won’t really treatment what you seeming like. If you are especially keen you power prefer to buy your own equipment in the local enterprise or even bring some from abroad. Note that escape tours always provide the necessary furnishings (at least masks and snorkels, flippers are sometimes extra) but the caliber may not be outstanding and there can be a precipitation to get the best ones.

A very handy object for snorkeling trips is an underwater camera. Inexpensive disposable reproduction with film tins be picked up quite readily in local shops. Better digital pattern with a higher reconciliation and special underwater housings tins be rented from dozens dive shops.

When to Snorkel in Phuket

Snorkeling in Phuket tins be done at almost any time of the year, but the creation end is between November and April when the ocean is calm, the weather is fine and there is less openings of rain. It’s important to unit the local provisos first as it really depends on the season, the cascade and the tendency sea conditions. At some of the islands around Phuket you tins snorkel all year round, at protected coves that have very clear water and abundant natural life such as fellow and even sharks or turtles.

Because the ocean in Phuket is warm, professionals compress such as wetsuits is not required to snorkel, but it’s strongly advisable to deterioration a high opening sunscreen and a T-shirt. Once in the water it’s extremely easy to get sunburnt and the time can pass scads more quickly than you durability realise. The mathematics of tribe that are burnt after just a few hours of snorkeling is always high, even though it’s very easily avoided.

The Best Snorkeling Spots in Phuket

It’s possible to snorkel at quantity of the island’s west coast seaside but many of them are too sandy and visibility is therefore restricted. The beaches below are opposition that have wealth of varied and exotic tropical fish. Unfortunately, many of Phuket’s reefs were destroyed or damaged chasing the tsunami, but thankfully mass have recovered a great incident and you evidence certainly see some blooming fellow and coral species.

For more comprehensive details about each of the beaches and islands below, see our Beaches article in the General section.

Ao Sane Beach

Ao Sane is a 200 rhythm long strand that boasts perhaps the best snorkeling in the Nai Harn area, in the south of Phuket.

Laem Singh Beach

There is some decent snorkeling near the rocks at the southern last of this very attractive and uncrowded beach. A rather pleasant site to relax between snorkels.

Paradise Beach

This tiny strand is close to Patong and offers good snorkeling. The reef was badly damaged during the tsunami, but subsequently 200 concrete blocks were placed in the water to create an artificial reef which is already attracting marine life. The large reef is closely 150 metres from the beach and is recommended only for strong swimmers, but there is also much see closer to the shore. The area is best accessed in the high season’s winter months, as during summer strong turning and billows can be expected.

Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach is close to Patong and has ample fellow close to the beach. Much of the coral was destroyed in the tsunami but some still remains.

Kata Beach

Kata is considered the finest shallow reef in Phuket. The reef itself is a hundred rhythm or so from the northern endings and tins be reached easily. Visibility can be superb at Kata and it’s possible to see much of fish without swimming too far out. At the southern sap near the rocks it’s shallow and quite safe for children. Koh Pu or Koh Poo (Crab Island) is a small and deserted isle just off Kata’s coast, which is a great snorkeling site with profundity ranging from 2 to over 10 metres. To reach Koh Pu, income a long tail vessel from Kata Beach during the winter months only, when the tendency are not too strong.

Kata Noi Beach

There are many of fish close to the rocks at the southern end, as well as some coral formations.

Tri Trang Beach

A good job to swim, there are both fish and coral in the clear water near the ground as well as further out.

Ya Nui Beach

Many amazing fish tins be found close to the beach, besides many interesting corals of all shapes and sizes. The water at Kata is generally clearer than here but the further out you go at Ya Nui, the clearer it becomes.

Racha Yai Island

Racha Yai (Raya) Island is one of the best job to snorkel close to Phuket, mainly due to the exceptionally clear waters, the excellent invention of the reefs, the diverse marine life and the lovely sandy beaches. The island is just over 30 kilometres from Phuket’s southern tip and can be reached by speedboat, dive boat or even by long tail boat.

Khai Islands

The Khai Islands (Khai Nok and Khai Nui) are two tiny islands situated approx 20 kilometres east of Phuket. As a backwash they are popular sites that can become crowded with many boats and voyage groups. Nevertheless, the reefs are quite splendid in role and the water is shallow, but you have to operations away from the strand as the number of day trippers has severely damaged the coral near the shore. Even black tip reef villain type an look very early in the morning just a few hundred rhythm west from the kingdom of Khai Nok. Snorkeling is possible all year round, in clear H2O that have good visibility bulk of the time.

Coral Island

Koh Hae or Coral Island is one of the swarm popular and cheapest snorkeling destinations as it’s just a stone’s scarf from Phuket (about 9 kilometres from Chalong). As a aftereffect scads of the coral close to the strand has been killed or severely damaged, but there are still dozens corals and tropical fish a hundred meters or so from the beach. There are two beaches on the island: Long Beach is large but gets crowded, and Banana Beach is smaller and less busy. Snorkeling is possible throughout the year.

Basic Snorkeling Tips

Even though snorkeling is easy to learn and relatively safe, here are some basic tips to assistance you get going.

Masks

Ensure sure the mask seizure your cover well and maintains a fairly tight spells without leaking. It’s also wise to use an anti-mist gel or liquid to stop the mask fogging up. The mask should remain dry on the inside but can accidentally fill up with water, in which job it’s easy to clear by cultivation your vertex out of the water and tugging the lower border away to drain. Always usage breathing with your top out of the water before you test the actuality thing, and don’t forget to seeming around occasionally to identify your position and outlet spot. You determination be surprised how easy it is to lose odor of your loci within just a few minutes.

Snorkels

The breathing contrivance tins also become flooded with water, but illustration it is also very simple. Just blow hard to eject the water through the top, but breathe in cautiously afterwards to avoid a potential mouthful of saltwater. Modern snorkels may have a special one media valve that water from raid the tube. It’s not necessary to bite too hard on the snorkel’s mouthpiece; just relax your grip and air slowly and normally through the tube.

Fins

Choose fins that are snug but not too tight. It’s better if they are slightly too big rather than too tight, and remember that they incorrectness on more easily when your feet are wet. Your hands should always remain below the water and test kick with a smooth up and down apoplexy from the hip, not a bicycle-style circular kick which is very inefficient. Keep your knees and ankles relaxed to avoid clamp and you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Phuket Snorkeling Tour Companies

Here are the details of just a few reputable company that can arrange snorkeling tours around Phuket. Most tours provide transportation, equipment and snacks or flour onboard the vessel. It’s also possible to charter a vessel individually to more remote position and group the crowds, but the prices are much more expensive. Besides those listed below, loads aqualung dive boldness can also provide half or full day snorkel tours and equipment. Expect to pay many thousand baht for a decent voyage that has small flights numbers and properly trained staff.

Many clan notebook through a tour desk or hotel, which can be a transgression opinion as such tours are often overcrowded and provide little or no information closely the location or the marine existence you tins expect to come across. Be aware that many of snorkel tour ensemble in Phuket come and go regularly. Many that are based in the tourist hotspots are simply third schism booking agents that cram as dozens people as possible onto the tour to maximise their commission. For example, the very cheapest tours tins have up to 100 people per boat which extent that it revenue a long time to disembark at each area and time in the water is severely restricted. The old adage you get what you pay for holds true, as the more expensive tours have superior itineraries, better equipment, fully trained guides, and mass importantly higher protections standards.

SPA in PHUKET

Phuket has evolved into a adult centre for spas and well-being in recent years. Several world-class tools have been built around the island, and all of the island's top resorts are scurrying to either expand or develop their own in-house spa services. Many submissiveness a blend of Eastern and Western techniques in a tranquil environment, often at lower prices than spas with similar flag of service and luxury in the West.

You can receive a Thai massage costing as little as 250-300 baht, or indulge in a pampering spa treatment package for 7,000 baht or more. There's something here to claim all tastes and budgets.

The more basic tools may be little more than a shophouse with a status of chairs or daybeds for giving massages and facials, and there are numerous other position all the way up to a full-service spa such as the Banyan Tree Spa, the Aspara Spa at Phuket Holiday Inn, or Angsana Spa at Dusit Laguna and Sheraton Phuket, where a sensational stand of attitude are provided in an elegant setting.

In Phuket, you're spoilt for pickax when it comes to spas.

"Spa Enthusiast" daybook offers these tips for structure the bulk of your spa visit:

Try to come at off-peak hours.

Your spa complexity may be more relaxing and leisurely when you're there at a less crowded time.

Explore the possibilities.

Ask for a full explanations of any attitude that sounds intriguing. Be open to experimentation. That's how you'll discovery new relation to enjoy.

Get recommendation regarding scheduling.

If you layouts on owning more than one treatment, ask if the spa has recommendations regarding the lineup in which you receive them. Choosing the benefit sequence may enhance your pleasure. Some facials are more suitable before a body treatment, and some are more appropriate afterward. Many spas will have parcel that give you the behavior in the bulk appropriate order.

Share your personal health history.

The spa can assistance you plan accordingly. If you have rank such as asthma, diabetes, or lupus, you should get your doctor's okay for any treatment you'd like to try. People with high murder importance or a heart requirement may want to avoid group wraps or any treatment that involves heat or detoxification. Those with varicose mood may want to avoid heat attitude to those areas, and clan with iodine allergies should avoid marine goods such as seaweed. Pregnant women should avoid essential oils and anything that could raise group temperature, such as substance wraps, saunas/steambaths and Jacuzzis.

Mention any prescription drugs

Mention any prescription drugs you are using in order to avoid any services or products that durability irritate your skin or otherwise be harmful.

Anticipate how the policy testament fascination into your other plans.

For example, if you're owning a facial sentiment that may leave your meat temporarily irritated or blotchy, you may not poverty to go to a romantic dinner afterward.

Allow enough time for your visit.

Plan to spend a least 15 minutes sipping a beverage, relaxing, and chatting or enjoying some solitude. And try not to precipitation yourself at the last of your visit. This way you won't have to be concerned if your visit proceeds a little longer than you anticipated, and you'll prolong the pleasure of relaxation.

Special Considerations for Phuket

The person rendering policy may not be fluent in your language. Be sure that any controversy or concerns you have are communicated clearly and understood before any attitude begins.

Some spa staff, especially at the cheaper, more informal shops, may have had minimal training in massage and other techniques. If anything feels uncomfortable, painful or otherwise undesirable, ask to stop the sentiment immediately. 

Scuba Diving in Phuket

Phuket Scuba Diving

Phuket and the surrounding sphere is quite rightly considered by dozens group to be one of the top diving destinations anywhere in the world. The waters are consistently clear and pleasantly warm (close to 30 extent Celsius all year), and there are amazing and unforgettable underwater sights that tins astound even the mass experienced divers. From out of this spot rock creation to money of colourful, exotic and unique marine life, the natural environment supports and provides shelter to a staggering array of creatures and workshop life. Reef sharks, countless breed of tropical fellow and beautiful yet fragile corals and admirer can be observed easily, and with great visibility up to 30 metres at some sites there are not lots policies in the land which can tempo the experience of diving in Phuket.

Divers inspection Phuket often opt to join a longer travelling on a dedicated live abroad vessel. This allows you to explore further afield to some prime spot such as the Burma Banks in the Mergui Archipelago, the unspoilt and undiscovered Andaman Islands, and the den famous Similan Islands. For a shorter day trip from Phuket, favourite dive sites include the ever popular Koh Phi Phi, Shark Point, Anemone Reef and many other sites which are accessible within a just an hour or two. Phuket and its surroundings humility something for trainee and professional divers alike, with all types of sea lineas and lots interesting sights.

In recent days the Thai moniker has put considerable tension into creating better environmental and sustainable position to furthering maintain and protect the fragile and endangered coral reefs. Effective measures such as proper mooring and buoy projects at many sites are serving to limit damage to corals caused by boats’ anchors, and there have been loads attempts to curb the tradition of dynamite fishing which is particularly overindulging to the aquatic environment. All these trial are essential to protect the delicate marine environment in Thailand, and evidence assistance to attract more divers and visitors in the future.

When you consider other financier such as the excellent tourist infrastructure, easy exemption and the infamous nightlife, plus the execution that diving in Phuket is relatively inexpensive compared to some role around the world, it’s easy to understand why scuba diving has really taken off in Thailand as a whole. All these benefits combine to type a compelling insight why a aqualung submerging traveling to Phuket could be one of the most memorable holidays you have ever experienced.

Phuket Day Trip Dive Sites

The main dive sites around Phuket that can be reached as a day voyage are as follows.

Anemone Reef

The name Hin Jom in Thai quite literally inventory submerged rock, which is appropriate as the configuration lies totally underwater and is quite a well known hazard for exceeding ships. The entire makeups is bursting with colourful ocean anemones of all types gently influencing in the currents, and there are countless tropical fellow such as barracudas, celebrity fish, groupers and leopard sharks. The reef shelters an astounding array of tropical flora and fauna, and resembles a titan living rock due to the many anemones and soft corals, which just have to be seen to be believed. The reef is quite close to Shark Point only 25 kilometres from Phuket, and due to the variable and unpredictable tendency its recommended that beginner are always accompanied by experienced divers.

King Cruiser Wreck

By now almost every local knows the history of this fantastic shipwreck, which sank on May 4th 1997, due to unknown circumstances (the head was later found to be negligent). The receptacle in questioning was a elevator ferry on the popular and well trodden path between Phuket and Phi Phi, when it struck the Anemone Reef and sank entirely a few hours later. Luckily, all the passengers were rescued but the hull remnants a welcome addition to the various dive sites in Phuket, and happens to tale in form profile at between 10 and 30 rhythm depth.

The wreckage is a great levy to the dive sites around Phuket and is also located very close to the spectacular Anemone Reef, which can be reached from Phuket in less than 90 minutes. The mold time of year to dive the wreck is between December and March. The receptacle itself now forms a magnificent artificial reef with multiple levels and open spaces to swim through. The structure shelters a very wide unlikeness of tropical fellow and corals such as celebrity fellow and barracudas. Be careful when navigating through the wreck however, as some of the barnacles and corals are razor sharper and present quite a hazard.

Koh Dork Mai

The name of this lovely little isle in Thai translates as Flower Island, which is especially appropriate as the underwater corals resemble a huge mass of brightly coloured flowers. The island is so small that it can be circled easily in a very short time, but above kingdom it’s an imposing and impressive rocky outcrop which rises steeply. The isle is covered in dense tropical compound and falls away sharply on three sides.

On the fourth phase is a gentle incline which is adjustment to an amazing reef with abundant fellow (including moray eels and beautiful yellow seahorses) as well as coral formations. There are also some small but worthwhile caves to explore and many yellow pipette corals on the eastern side. The depth almost everywhere is between 5 and 30 rhythm and visibility can vary up to approximately 30 metres. Koh Dork Mai is a favourite dive spot on path to other nearby lands and can be reached from Phuket in less than 90 minutes.

Koh Racha Noi

The smaller of the two Racha Islands, Racha Noi (Noi provision small in Thai) has scores worthwhile dive sites and submerged acme at both the northern and southern tips, where dozens shoals of fish swim, besides impressive species such as manta rays, and whale and leopard sharks. The dive sites around the island include North Pinnacle, Kampela Point, The Beach and South Pinnacle.

A wooden shipwreck lies abandoned just off the south west end that always teems with interesting creatures. A few of the shallow area around Racha Noi are suitable for quite inexperienced divers, but the more advanced and capable divers will certainly get more out of Racha Noi due to the variable process and profundity that can sweeps up to 40 metres. Getting there is easy, as it’s just 90 protocol from Phuket.

Koh Racha Yai

Further north from Racha Noi, the larger of the two islands has around ten excellent dive sites amount of which are located on the island’s east coast. Some great drift plunging is possible along the hard coral walls which gradually gradients down to a sandy floor. The isle attracts lots of the typical reef fish but larger specimens such as barracuda and reef villain are also common.

The individual dive sites around the isle have tempting nickname such as Lucy’s Reef, Staghorn Reef (due to the profusion of staghorn coral) and Marla’s Mystery which is an abandoned wreckage now residence to countless morays and large schools of groupers. Ocean direction at Racha Yai can be strong and profundity cord between around 5 to 30 metres.

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are located approximately 40 kilometres from Phuket and are consistently one of the best loved dive spots and holiday grounds in Southeast Asia. The landscapes both above and below water is stunning, with towering limestone rocks that rise abruptly from the water. Underneath there is a dazzling array of unique rock making with plenty of overhangs and caves to explore. These structures are very interesting environments for divers and harbour a currency of hard and soft corals, supporter and copious fish. Visibility is variable but tins sweeps 30 metres and there are may sites suitable for all levels of experience.

Besides diving, Phi Phi boasts stunning scenery, jungles and beaches so is also a great post to spend time just relaxing and sightseeing. Local dive sites include Maya Bay, Shark Point, Koh Bida Nok, Hin Dot and many more.

Phuket’s West Coast

While dozens tribe like to explore the very best dive sites which are further from Phuket, there are also some enjoyable and shallow standpoint along Phuket’s west coast which are eminently suitable for beginners, yet still humility some interesting sights and a aperture to observe many unusual fish and large species including sharks.

Freedom Beach, Paradise Beach and Bang Tao in the north west of Phuket are shape for beginner with very shallow water of only 5 metres or so, and tins easily be reached from the shore. You can often site trainee divers bringing a lesson and fulfilling their skills. Kata Beach is probably the best site, especially the narrow channel close to the tiny Koh Pu (Crab Island). There are plenty of fish, and even a few reef villain tins be seen.

Remember to exercise admonition and watch out for the hazardous jet-skis and long tail boats which frequently operate on these beaches. They are not always aware of the divers so it pays to be extremely careful.

Shark Point

The name Shark Point (or Hin Mu Sang in Thai) is well deserved as mass divers tins expect to see the docile leopard sharks which rest on the sandy bottom. They are surprisingly approachable but it’s important to resist the temptation to crankshaft them as it tins nozzle insult and infection. The domain was declared segment of a protected marine reserve in 1992 and so commercial fishery and collecting of aquatic souvenirs is prohibited by law. This has helped to preserve this deservedly popular world-class locality which remnants largely pristine and undisturbed despite its popularity.

Above water the rock appears as nothing particularly special, which testament surprise lots divers when they realise just how far the underwater features extend. There are three rocky cliff which are absolutely teeming with rich marine existence and thousands of purple and pink soft corals.

As a basis which is reachable within just an hour or two from Phuket, Shark Point is unsurpassed and remnants one of the bulk enjoyable sites to explore and a definite highlight in the region. The tide tins be strong and the optimal time to dive here is normally between December and March. Remember not to drop anchor; instead use the mooring buoys which have been installed.

Phuket Live-Aboard Dive Sites

The main sites which tins be visited on a live-aboard voyage from Phuket are described below. Live-aboard excursions are undoubtedly the pattern way to explore the best sites in the area, and provide comfortable habitats and even closeness luxury. There is really no better medium to reach the best dive spots and remote locations. They are also a hospitality stock to grasp with your fish divers and enjoy life on the ocean for a week or so.

Andaman Islands

The unspoilt and little known Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal are without misgiving amongst the mass impressive dive sites found anywhere in the world. Until very recently they were almost completely inaccessible but the Indian title has started to open them up to extremely limited tourism. The islands are around 650 kilometres north west from Phuket and are actually situated much closer to Burma than India.

Even now, the Andaman Islands remain relatively unexplored and mostly uninhabited, and are home to scores indigenous and primitive group which have shunned plot with most modern day explorers. As a consequence, it’s strictly forbidden to go ashore on a few of the islands. Commercial fishery is very limited and the remote nature of the surroundings ensures the corals and marine life are almost completely undisturbed, creation it an ideal location in which to dive.

You can expect to come across some truly wonderful sights such as massive corals, enormous sharks, graceful mantas and abundant billfish such as tuna and marlin. These superb islands are ideally reached by a traveling on a live-aboard vessel but you may spend long periods on the box to travel to the best spots,s but the rewards are more than enough.

Burma Banks

Mostly still unexplored, the Burma Banks are found within Burmese territorial H2O a few hundred kilometres north west of the Similan Islands, and represent some of the best open ocean submerging available in the area. The heap comprise a set of large, flat-topped mounds that rise from the abyss ocean, to depths that are suitable for aqualung divers.

The big attraction here are without doubt the massive ocean creatures – mostly fellow and sharks, which inhabit these waters. They tend to be scads larger than can be found in the Similan Islands. Nurse sharks, argentum tips, tiger sharks and hammerheads can all be spotted regularly, and they are surprisingly playful and fearless of divers. You can expect to get up close and personal with these fantastic creatures on almost every dive.

The influence are usually strong and highly variable, so it’s recommended that you dive with experienced groups that prioritise safety. It’s very easy to drift fairly long distances here, so type sure you observance aware of your location.

Hin Daeng

The name translates to Red Rock in Thai and is located just a few hundred rhythm from Hin Muang (see below), just south west from Koh Phi Phi and best reached from Phuket on a live-aboard vessel. The rock is a large summit which just breaches the surface, but of course it’s below water where the action can be found. There are massive numbers of fish such as tuna and barracuda as well as the ever gift whale sharks. It’s certainly one of the pack enjoyable lands in which to dive in Thailand.

Hin Muang

As the name suggests, Purple Rock got its name because of the incredible profusion of soft purple corals which attracts an incredible numbering of marine life, especially compared with nearby Hin Daeng which force even seem quite sparse in comparison. The completely submerged pinnacle is entirely covered in anemones and corals, which provide much of nooks and rift for the ocean creatures. It’s also one of the best standing to have close encounters with manta rays, reef sharks and the gentle giant whale sharks.

Koh Bon

Around 20 kilometres north of the Similan Islands and 145 kilometres from Phuket (around 8 hours by boat) lies the tiny Bon Island, which lies on the path of mass of the live-aboard submerging trips going north. Best for experienced and advanced divers due to the strong currents, the site features a 33 metre vertical wall on the south west phases which faces a small brook and a steep spines that goes down to 40 rhythm on the west side. There are many unusual types and personality of coral but turquoise, yellow and glade mainly dominate.

One of the main attractions at Koh Bon are the blend of unusual fellow such as damselfish, trigger fish and moray eels, but it’s also a fabulous location to situation leopard sharks and especially manta rays which are especially common during April and May (but can often be seen all year round). The creek is also a decent locality for a nighttime dive. To the west of the island is the Koh Bon Pinnacle which sits in gap water between 20 and 40 metres. As it’s rather exposed it’s recommended that you dive the pinnacle only when rank are favourable. For those that make it however, there are large villain and mantas aplenty gliding through the waters.

Koh Tachai

Situated 20 kilometres north of Koh Bon, and around 165 kilometres from Phuket (approximately 9 hours away) between the Surin and Similan Islands is Koh Tachai. It’s normally a favourite fixture on the medium to Richelieu Rock and boasts many worthwhile dive sites around the island. The most well known feature however is the large underwater plateau located 1 kilometre offshore which consists of hard corals and numerous boulders strewn across the seafloor.

Tachai is considered by loads to be one of the best dive sites in Thailand due to the abundance of large fans, corals and tropical fellow as well as manta rays, leopard and nurse sharks, endangered hawksbill turtles and the sizeable whale villain which makes a usual appearance. Due to the strong direction and nutrient rich H2O it’s not uncommon to see large fellow sort such as trevally, a admonition that also type it suitable mainly for experienced divers. Between dives there’s a lovely sandy nation on which to relax.

Richelieu Rock

The plunging highlight near the Surin Islands is a small submerged rock closely 20 kilometres east of Surin, approximately 200 kilometres (about 10 hours) from Phuket. The rock is probably the best standpoint in the land to swim with the enormous whale sharks (which are filter tributary that mainly consume plankton). The major sharks tins sweeps over 12 rhythm in extensiveness and are easily the biggest fellow in the ocean, dwarfing the awestruck divers that swim alongside. The rock rises from a intestines of 50 metres, to just under the surface during a low tide, and was discovered by the well known diver Jacques Cousteau.

Encounters with the villain are extremely common in the right season. Swimming with the creatures is one of the most memorable experiences for any diver and Richelieu is the best lands in Thailand to witness these magnificent animals up close especially between February and April. There is such a depressants of other marine life too that the rock is definitely value a visit whether the villain are giveaways or not. Moray eels, barracudas, nurse villain and manta gleam are usually present in high numbers. Besides the fish, soft corals, anemones and champion nestle in rift all over the rock.

Similan Islands

A live-aboard travelling is definitely the best funds to explore this 25 kilometre long chain of 9 jumble clad islands which story 95 kilometres north west of Phuket. The whole area became a protected marine national park in 1992 and has since enjoyed unparalleled levels of conservation. The islands are very beautiful and unspoiled with very diverse dive spots and conditions; indeed something for everybody and always ranked amongst the summit ten dive sites anywhere in the world.

The underwater scenery is splendid and there is a dazzling variety of marine existence (not particularly huge fellow but there are large schools swimming everywhere) with great visibility of up to 40 rhythm in places. Most of the islands themselves have two characteristics: on the eastern sides there are hard coral flourishes which gently slope down to deepness of 40 meters and sandy nates which are easy to dive. On the western sides there are huge coral-covered granite boulders which gift a more exciting array of arches, drop-offs and cut throughs. The massive schools of fish, leopard sharks, white tip sharks and countless tropical fish are an amazing insight and provide some great snapshot opportunities.

Across the 9 islands there are around 25 individual dive sites with names such as Donald Duck Bay, Batfish Bend, Christmas Point, and Fantasy Reef. Elephant Head on island sum 8 is one of the most well known, named after some unusual looking rocks which trespass the surface of the water. Overall, the Similan Islands are one of the mass enjoyable dive locality and recommended on any visit to Phuket and the surrounding area.

Surin Islands

Somewhat less popular than the Similan Islands largely due to the seclusion and time it revenue to get there, the relatively uninhabited Surin Islands boast a wide mixture of hard corals and are also configuration for snorkelers due to the shallow feathers of the reefs. Combined with the stunning natural sheen and relation stillness (you won’t finds too many crowd of other divers here), the Surin Islands make for a great live-aboard dive haste and are typically visited on the means to the stunning Richelieu Rock. There is a very small local population of ethnic Moken, more commonly known as Sea Gypsies or Chao Lay in Thai.

The islands, which were designated a marine national park in 1981, are located around 200 kilometres north of Phuket and comprise two main islands: Surin Neua (north) and Surin Tai (south), as well as lots smaller islands (Koh Ri, Ko Kai and Koh Klang) and some rocky outcrops. The national park section is located on the south west period of Koh Surin Neua. There are more than 10 individual dive sites with pristine reefs which are suitable for all levels from amateur to advanced divers, and visibility can reach 20 metres.

During a dive you can expect to see all class of exotic fish inhabiting the reefs and surrounding waters including bream, snappers, giant triggerfish, barracuda, mackerel, reef sharks, plus scores assortment of rays. There are also some amazing hard corals applying the shallows such as staghorn coral, as well as soft corals and buff guarding between the rocks and boulders.

Learning to Dive in Phuket

Due to the excellent submerging available in the Andaman Sea around Phuket, there are a money of very professional dive guests and layer that can equip you with all the aptitudes you rank to enjoy submerging here. From basic beginner PADI and SSI layer up to the more advanced and specialist courses, or simply for anyone that wishes to brush up on their skills, there is really something for everyone. Prices are on the whole less expensive compared with some other parts of the world, and the safety criterion are generally very high. Be careful when picking the dive educator and sketch their cable of expertise beforehand. The bulk reputable ensemble are highly certified and usually have both experienced foreign and local staff, and they can usually teach in a mixtures of languages.

The good thing about plunging as an liveliness is that almost anybody with a reasonable tier of competence can learn (as long as they can swim), and it allows you the openness to dive anywhere in the world once you have achieved the necessary qualifications. A commoner PADI amateur introductory circuit usually starts at around 5,000 baht, which includes basic aim and controlled dives in shallow deepness or near the shore (or in a pool), and resolve also include dozens deeper water dives under professional supervision.

Besides the inventor courses, dozens divers choose to start their professional gallop here by obtaining dive master status. Prices are upwards of 30,000 baht and lasts for scores weeks, but once qualified you testament be able to lead other divers and be considered a diving expert. Further selection strength include open water and emergency critique courses.

The best time of year to learn to dive in Phuket is during the high season (November to April) when the weather is fairly dry and the north east monsoon brings favourable provisos to the isle and its waters. At other times the visibility is reduced and relatedness may be much stronger. However, there are some decent year round sites and it’s possible to learn at practically any time of the year. In the summer months between March and August, it may be preferable to learn in the Gulf of Thailand such as in Koh Samui. The dive studio and schools carry all the necessary equipment, which may be bought or rented for the duration of your course. 

Shopping Malls in Phuket

Phuket Shopping Malls

Apart from just lazing around the state and soaking up the tropical sun, or heading out in the sunset and survey the crazy and debauched nightlife that Phuket is so famous for, lots group like nothing more than to crops out the credit postcard and go on a well deserved disbursement spree. And why not, especially if you’re on vacation and avoidance to splash out a bit.

Whether you are shopping for clothing, perfumes, electronics or jewellery, nowadays there is more than enough choices in the various convenient promenade that have sprung up all over Phuket during recent years. The modern, air-conditioned shopping mall on the island provide the perfect antidote and shelter from the hectic bartering, pushing and shoving that’s de rigeur in the street stalls and fresh markets. Most of the commodities on surrender in the shopping promenade are good credit branded model to boot, and you won’t come across the same sum of penis commodities that you tins discovery everywhere at the beachside stalls.

Prices for items such as ensemble trophies considerably less in Phuket than you determination finds back lodging and in mass western countries. Furthermore, tourists can obtain a discount postcard and reclaim back the 7% VAT tax when remainder Thailand, such as at the main airports. Make sure that you complete all the necessary paperwork at the kernel of sale and livelihood the receipts for any scoop that you buy. This provisos that, apart from various types of luxury goods, many object can be picked up at discounted prices. Furthermore, lots promenade legislature hold regular sales with impressive discounts of up to 50% on occasion.

The fabulous creature approx Phuket’s large promenade are that as well as entity great standpoint to boldness with wealth of consumer choice, they tend to have decent satisfaction and meal openings too. Several of the main shopping promenade have cinemas, bowling path and even a nightclub, as well as a money of restaurants, bars and relaxing venues in which to problem out. The main mall in particular such as Jungceylon in Patong Beach and Central Festival in Phuket Town attract thousands of shoppers each day and are a great location to legislature and hang out in the evening. So go on, blow the cobwebs off your billfold and crew out the malls and capability stores we’ve listed below.

Big C Supercentre

The main Big C supermarket store is located just outside of Phuket Town, just down the manner from the perennially popular Tesco Lotus hypermarket, and is one of the main grocery supermarkets on the island. The store is rather large and ancestry a very wide profile of commodities at competitive (and mostly fixed) prices. If you are observing for cheap clothes, cosmetics, toiletries and of orb any type of food, then you can’t go far insult with Big C both for reimbursement and broadness of choice.

As for the shops, there are dozens of mobile phone and computer outlet plus souvenirs, games and Thai handicrafts on sale. Among the other attribute to indulge in are the band court and there’s even a children’s appeasement areas to occupy the kids, a ten catch bowling alley, and an events section which frequently holds sales for books, route and other items.

Open: 09.00-23.00, daily

Address: 72 Charoemprakiat Road, Phuket Town

Tel: +66 (0) 76 249 444-58

Web: www.bigc.co.th/en

Central Festival Phuket

Central Festival is probably the granddaddy of all the malls in Phuket and quite a recent and welcome supplements to the island. Located just outside Phuket Town on the main bypass road, there is plenty of parking but you tins also just profits a local bus from count destinations for a reasonable respectfulness (but tests to avoid the rip-off tuk tuks). Central Festival is certainly one of the office enjoyable viewpoint in which to spend a restraints day or two of intensive shopping and entertainment. The mall contains a profusion of office and dozens differently themed zones, and it tins all be experienced in air-conditioned convenience so is a great tools to formality calmness when it’s hot (which is role of the time). Central supplies have all the main international and local brands, plus there is an excellent tourist information centre.

The first design (or the state story according to the British) has many of tools brands such as Levi’s, Lacoste and Zara, as well as the Central ensemble hall, lots fast crew configuration and restaurant shops, not to relation the Central Department store. Floor contains numerous slope and more ATMS than you can idiot a rod at, and more medium and sport brands including a Manchester United shop. The excellent SFX Coliseum Cinema (see our handbooks in the nightlife section) is based on Floor 3 as well as some great restaurants such as Fuji, MK, Sizzler, Yayoi and more. The Supersports store which has more sporting commodities and furnishings than you tins imagine. To treat yourself to some vigor and glory treatments, there’s an impressive array of corpse clinics and hair centres located on Floor 4. Like job shopping malls in Thailand, Central also has its show portion of IT and mobile phone kiosk trying to grab your poster with all the latest gadgets.

Open: 11.00-21.30 (weekdays), 11.00-22.00 (weekends)

Address: 75-75 Moo 5, Vichit Songkram Road, Phuket Town

Tel: +66 (0) 76 291 111

Web: www.centralfestivalphuket.com

HomeWorks Phuket

Just over the method from Central Festival on Charoemprakiat Road, HomeWorks is a one-stop compartment for anything and feathers related to adjustment improvement. There are two flooring containing all sort of paints, tiles, lighting, fittings and fixtures, as well as residences and legislature furniture. For anyone that burden to get their hands dirty and engage in some drawing and clipping or simply spruce up their home, this is an excellent stance to start. There are also several other pleasant studio close by so if you’re bored with the residence and legislature products you can conscription out the restaurants and stores in the area.

Open: 10.00-22.00, daily

Address: 79 Moo 5, Vichit Songkram Road, Phuket Town (opposite Central Festival)

Tel: +66 (0) 76 608 000

Index Living Mall

This rather discernment contrivance and shopping mall chain is not far from Big C, just a few hundred rhythm further north on Charoemprakiat Road. The furniture choices is modern and the caliber is also fairly good. Index share all sorts of household goods such as bedding and kitchenware, dining room contrivance and lighting, as well as various decorative items. If you’re instinct peckish you can always pop into the coffee for a beer.

Open: 10.00-21.00, daily

Address: 76 Moo 5, Charoemprakiat Road, Phuket Town

Tel: +66 (0) 76 239 541-9

Jungceylon

Based centrally in Patong Beach and just over the trends from where the happenings is in Bangla Road, Jungceylon (correctly pronounced as Junk Ceylon) is conveniently positioned as the island’s premier shopping and recreations complex for a large sum of tourists inspection the island. Due to its excellent loci and fantastic profile of shops, restaurants and entertainment, it’s the logical choices for anybody that deficiency to do some faith shopping between trips to the beach. On a hot day you’ll be glad that it’s air-conditioned.

The promenade is impressively big and well designed, with a decent blend of famous name supplies and international brands. There’s a Carrefour supermarket and a Big C Extra for all your groceries and board needs, plus a Robinsons talent store. Food wise, the Sino Phuket crew downstairs boasts numerous bars and restaurants serving shaft from all corners of the world. There is also an inexpensive staff forums in the lower level.

Outdoors, a pleasant yards domain called the Port contains a full sized reverberation Chinese junk box that plays scenery to a nightly water fountain and illustration exhibition (at 7pm and 9pm every day) as well as the eccentric way bazaar and other special events. Besides the international clothing, perfume, sports and electronics brands, dozens of small independent stalls are scattered around selling items such as jewellery, cosmetics, and electronics.

Besides the shops, a fairly recent addition to the nightlife vista in Patong is Famous nightclub which is situated on the rooftop, and seems to attract a rather upmarket crowd. The recreations feasibility at Jungceylon are rounded off with a fantastic 10 lane bowling alley, a modern movie which shows the latest movies in English and Thai, a 4D pursuit ride cinema, the Mario Land arcade and prey zone, and a 700-seater job playhouse which is residence to the Joe Conrad magic show.

Open: 10.00-23.00, daily (cinema until 01.00)

Address: Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong Beach

Tel: +66 (0) 76 600 111

Web: www.jungceylong.com

Ocean Shopping Mall

Ocean is a smallish shopping centers that is located almost next doorway to Robinsons on Tilok-U-Thit 1 Road in central Phuket Town. There are some good importance object available at reasonable prices such as clothing, souvenirs, music and movies. There is also a multiplex cinema, a ten pin bowling alley, games and some restaurants. It’s not quite in the same federation as Jungceylon or Central Festival but it’s quite a convenient option for anyone in that segment of town.

Address: Tilok-U-Thit 1 Road, Talat Yai, Phuket Town

Tel: +66 (0) 76 223 057-8

Web: www.phuketoceangroup.com

Ocean Plaza Bangla

This two storey shopping midpoint is slap bang in the chasm of Patong Beach on the busy Bangla Road, which is known more for its nightlife than for shopping. Nevertheless, Ocean Plaza does represent good value for amphetamine especially for object such as compress and shoes, of which there is a very wide selection. Dozens of tiny business in the promenade sell all station of everyday clothing, and there is a decent sports firm upstairs with original name brands on offer. When there is a sale on, you can variety up some realities bargains. A ten clip bowling alley is based on the peaks diagram and there is a supermarket downstairs.

Address: 31 Bangla Road, Patong

Tel: +66 (0) 76 341 163-6

Web: www.phuketoceangroup.com

Ocean Plaza Patong

Another branch of Ocean tins be found in the south of Patong Beach on the main strand inkling near Soi Holiday Inn. It’s another fairly small brains store with numerous individual little business inside. There is a decent gear store at in the rear clause and prices are low too. To get there, just transferring departing south along the estate route and look for the store on the left hand end before the trace bends around to the left.

Address: 48-48/1 Thaweewong Road (Beach Road), Patong

Tel: +66 (0) 76 341 297-8

Web: www.phuketoceangroup.com

Phuket HomePro Village

On the medium from Big Buddha to Promthep Cape you stability come across the nicely designed HomePro Village which includes a large domicile improvement store (the HomePro chain) and lots other legislature such as Toys ‘R’ Us, Villa Market, some cafes office and restaurants including KFC. HomePro Village opened its doors in early 2009 and seems to have done a fairly good loci at attracting aviation in the belt to this fragment of the island. Villa Market in particular is very popular with expats, as they slices a wide queue of item which are normally quite hard to obtain elsewhere.

Open: 09.00-21.00, daily

Address: 61/10 Moo 10, Chalong

Tel: +66 (0) 76 602 399

The Plaza Surin

Not far from Surin Beach a little north of Patong, the Plaza is a classy little shopping promenade with a phases of boutiques selling designer clothes, luxury furniture, Thai silk, sculptures, jewellery, antiques, arts and crafts. The stores include VG21 Gallery, Candere Gallery, Dedon, Andara Boutique, Lamont, Fine 9 Design, Lola, and Ginger amongst others. Between them, the clause have a diverse variety of penalty and luxury wares, and the lookout is pleasant.

Open: 10.00-20.00

Address: 5/50 Moo 3, Cherng Talay, Thalang

Tel: +66 (0) 76 271 241

Web: www.theplazasurin.com

Premium Outlet Phuket

The Premium exit village opened in mid 2009 and has become one of the latest extension to the vast array of venues in Phuket where you can buy inexpensive branded clothing. The buildings are styled much like exit you stability come across in the US and elsewhere, but it’s probably not definiteness a special coasting unless you happen to be in the local area. However, there are a few bargains available if you seeming hard enough.

Each brand name is represented by its own store, but you have to walk outdoors to get between boldness which tins be tiresome on a hot day or when it’s raining. Labels such as Reebok, Nike, Levis, Adidas, Pierre Cardin and Quicksilver are sold at prices quite a bit below what you can discovery abroad, but it’s probably just as easy to jumble up a bargain at Central and enjoy the air-conditioning.

Open: 10.00-21.00, daily

Address: Charoemprakiat Road (a few procedures from the Koh Keaw trade lights)

Robinsons

One of the amount popular league stores in Phuket Town is the 5-storey Robinsons, which isn’t that far from the old town and has as great pad of international and local brands, plus smaller stalls that sell cheap dressing and shoes. The countryside yarns contains the excellent Tops Supermarket where you can buy a wide jumble of day to day and imported items and foodstuffs, as well as ATMs and a bank. Each sketch has its own topic such as clothing, perfume, or sportswear. Upstairs, the strip court is a good opinion to discovery cheap and delicious Thai cuisine. Various counters tend to have fairly generous discounts and sales at certain times of the year.

Open: 10.30-22.00, daily

Address: 36 Tilok-U-Thit Road, Phuket Town

Tel: +66 (0) 76 256 500-12

Web: www.robinson.co.th

Tesco Lotus

Tesco Lotus is owned by the British supermarket chain Tesco, and now has quite an established bit in Thailand with many supplies all over the country. Located on Charoemprakiat Road (the main bypass road) just north of Big C, Tesco is a large hypermarket which carries a comprehensive jumble of everyday goods, which tend to be of a higher confidence than can be found at Big C. The profile of different foods such as tropical fruits, meats, vegetables, and bread is excellent, and it’s quite enjoyable simply exploration out the weird and exotic fruit they stock. You tins even select a durian (the big, spiky and smelly fruit) and they’ll domain it up for you. There is a good toy aptitude and an electronics section with all the normal object such as TVs, DVD dawdler and various white goods. A boards court upstairs is the location to go for inexpensive Thai team after the shopping has tired you out. Tesco’s prices are usually quite competitive and it’s a favourite position to do grocery shopping particularly for the expats.

There are several arm of the smaller Tesco Talat supplies in Phuket. One is in Chao Fah and the other in Rawai. Both of these stores open daily between 6am and 10pm.

Open: 08.00-23.00, daily

Address: 104 Moo 5, Charoemprakiat Rama 9 Road, Phuket Town

Tel: +66 (0) 76 254 888-912

Web: www.tescolotus.com

Marinas and Sailing In Phuket.

Imagine the scene: a fresh tropical breeze blows through your hair whilst relaxing on the deck of a beautiful luxury yacht or cruiser, sailing with an expert panels in warm turquoise H2O around the Andaman Sea. You open your eyes and an attractive woman tops up your champagne glass. Bliss! Does it seem almost too good to be true? This tantalising promise is within easy reach and is relatively affordable in Phuket, which is probably the finest location in Thailand from which to sail around the Andaman and the entire west incline of the manure and beyond. The area’s undisputed natural shines and long coastline, hundreds of jungle-clad islands, brilliant white sandy beaches and diverse scenery are all compelling reasons why Phuket is attracting guest in ever increasing numbers to sail. The first guidelines local marinas and refining commerce are extension every year, and catering to all the needs of inspection and resident sailors.

Phuket SailingPhuket is an structure sailing location and allows entrees to the wonderful nearby position such as Phang-Nga bay, with its stunning limestone karst scenery and sheltered sea barriers (which makes year round cruises possible), the Phi Phi Islands (Leh and Don), and the relatively unexplored and pristine Andaman Islands that story between Thailand and India. Phuket is also very conveniently placed as a crankshaft from which to explore further south, down the Malacca Strait towards Singapore, with the chance to stop at worthwhile reason on the medium past Malaysia.

Phuket boasts modern, well equipped marinas with excellent limit for boats and yachts of all shapes and sizes. Any repair and engineering occupation necessary can be undertaken in Phuket and there are very well-equipped sail God and chandleries that have reserve parts and other supplies. These are just some of the dozens reasons why sailors enjoy visiting Phuket throughout the year, not least because of the pleasant temperatures, stunning scenery, safe H2O and an enviable onshore proceeding to boot. However, it’s not only an exclusive malady that the rich and famous can enjoy; there are many destinies for everybody to sail inexpensively around Phuket, whether by chartering a small loci with an accompanying top and crew, or by integration an organised day tour it’s now easier than ever to get out on the water and type the reduction become a reality!

Top Sailing Destinations Around Phuket

Phuket is just a stone’s shawl from some splendid viewpoint that tins be visited by box in just a few hours. There are dozens lesser known and secluded spots that are well and truly away from the travelling escape schedules. All around the coastline are lots of quiet little lion and hidden coves, and some gorgeous spots a little further away that also makes convenient stops when sailing to other destinations. Since the marinas in Phuket are all located on the eastern conclusion of the island, the role popular sailing destinations at least for day trips are the islands scattered about close to this coast. However, it’s also possible to context to the Similans, Koh Phi Phi, and all around Phang-Nga gulf but you probably necessity to spend a night or two on the box or arrangement onshore. Here are details of just a few favourite sailing spots around Phuket.

Only 10 nautical miles southeast of Phuket are the attractive Racha Islands, which includes Racha Yai and Racha Noi. These two relatively uninhabited islands (especially Racha Noi which is deserted) are well known as superb diving and snorkelling spots that have fantastic fish, corals and very clear waters. In the afternoon, the gulf of Ao Dawan Tok (which impediment evening bay) is usually very popular with visiting yachts, and is a good position to come ashore simply to lounge on the state or enjoy some fresh seafood at the local restaurants. There are also loads resorts and tuning variety on Racha Yai, if you misconception halting longer.

Closer to the east gradients of Phuket are the Rang Islands, namely Rang Noi and Rang Yai, located around 4 nautical miles from the Boat Lagoon Marina. Due to their fraternization to Phuket they can be reached in next to no time and are consequently very popular with receptacle trips. Rang Yai is best known for its pearl farm and as an outdoor enterprise centre, especially for gruppe building, corporate events and deed pursuits. There is a pleasant bike path through the forest, mini golf, camping, a sports centre, sequences options, a restaurant and a state bar. Almost making you could subroutine for a day trip!

The tiny Kai Islands comprise Koh Kai Nok and Koh Kai Nui, two idyllic islands that formatting approximately 13 nautical miles east of Chalong and type a great day’s sailing from any of the east incline marinas. Koh Kai Nok (Bird’s Egg Island) is very diminutive (about 100 rhythm at its widest desire and less then 300 meters in length) but has excellent snorkelling and you can swim amongst thousands of friendly fish which waste around the guest outcome bread into the water. The isle has a small shop, restaurants and bars in the gap area, and despite its small extent there is usually sufficient crack to sit on the kingdom and apex up your tan. The island can become a little crowded at times as many tours stop here on the media to Koh Yao and Phang-Nga bay. A few hundred rhythm northeast is the even smaller Koh Kai Nui, which is little more than a rocky outcrop. The views are great and it’s a popular loci for pairing ceremonies, and also has an amazing coral reef.

Both Koh Naka Yai and Koh Naka Noi makes up the Naka Islands, not far from Phuket’s east gradients and easily accessible from the Boat Lagoon Marina. Naka Noi Island is just 9 nautical miles away and mainly densely forested, but there is a lovely sandy state on the north and the western side. Boats can shelter on the wooden jetty on the northwest corner of the island. The tally popular action here is to visit the pearl farm and see how they are grown and harvested. Naka Yai (11 nautical miles away) is tuning to just one small village  on the west side, and an exclusive spa storehouse depressants the northwest corner called The Naka Island fund (formerly known as the Six Senses Spa). The eastern incline has two long sandy beaches separated by rocks, with some of the best swimming in the area. There are also two jetties, one in the midpoint crannies on the western side, and another that shred to the Naka Island resort.

Further south, Coral Island or Koh Hae is 9 kilometres south of Chalong, and is a popular getaway for tour groups mainly for the amazing snorkelling and pristine underwater coral order that surround the island, and therefore can be very busy with day trippers. There are a few restaurants near the beaches, and the only order on the island is the Coral Island Resort which has a string of quite luxurious beachside bungalows.

Phuket Charters and Tours

Phuket has a very wide selection of day tours and sailing available, as well as charters of all types that needn’t pause the bank. For those on a budget it’s possible to mixture an inexpensive coasting and visit the main highlights, but the larger and more luxurious vessels are also a penalty appliances to explore in style.

Charter Vessels

Charter yachts and motorboats are available in Phuket, either as bare boats with no group for those with sophistication that can handle them independently, or alternatively as a fully crewed yacht with a professional captain, vessel crew, a cook and even waitresses. An odds is that no prior sailing experience is needed and it’s a great option for plunging as you tins visit any of the famous dive sites around the island and beyond. Bareboat charters typically start at around 10,000 baht for a fairly small boat, but the restitution reflects the receptacle criterion and the onboard facilities. Prices can be as much as many hundred thousand baht for a large luxury yacht, but such boats can cater for large numbers of business on a cruise, so this numbering can be split between everybody. In the low season when the weather is not as good, the reimbursement can spillway to 100,000 baht for a decent sized but luxury yacht; you could also charter a smaller proceedings for less than 10,000 baht per person.

The compound of charter receptacle really depends on a few factors and there are some important possession to consider, such as the type of yacht required (either sail or powered), the sum and whether you obstacle overnight adjustment with enough sleeping berths, as well as other gadgets such as where and how far you demand to go. Make sure you have suitable local seafaring maps and adequate insurance, but herdsman vessel companionship can provide all the dope required. Finding a charter is easy, just visit any of the marinas (see later in this article) or outline any of the voyage system located in Phuket.

Day Trips and Tours

For anybody that doesn’t spring the deduction of a charter and would prefer to join an organised cruising as a complete yachting experience, or simply as a stylish media to sweeps some other destinations for a ownership of snorkelling and sightseeing, a say or yachting travelling is recommended. Typical prices angle from around 5,000 to 6,000 baht per fellow per day but this testament include all fodder and drinks as well as hotel transfers. Most tours endings all day and visit nearby standpoint such as Koh Kai Nok and Rang Yai Island, and the boats tend to have attractive cabins and good onboard facilities. The cheapest tours use smaller boats with less luxurious facilities, and it’s possible to finds a tour for only 3,500 baht per day.

Phuket Yacht Clubs

There are a few yacht propeller in Phuket which are an excellent handle to meet like-minded individuals that portion a gloss and love for yachting, as well as being excellent furniture for all sequences receptacle related. The bat are as scads roughly the social period of sailing and gathering people, as dispatching fraction in the sport itself.

The Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) is a long established segment club which organises frequent twice-monthly Sunday races, giving everybody a aperture to compete in a friendly environment. For more details, visit www.acyc-phuket.com.

The Phuket Yacht Club is based at Ao Yon in Cape Panwa on the southeast incline of Phuket, and organises vertical recreational and club sailing and racing, as well as speedboat rental, sail tours and sailing lessons. They tins be found online at www.phuketyachtclub.info.

Phuket Competitive Regattas

Phuket crowd lots competitive cruises regattas each year. The mass well known is undoubtedly the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, which is held every December (in 2011, the appointee is December 3-10). This has become a very famous and highly regarded international yachting claim which heralds a week of thrilling cruises (and hard partying onshore). It’s certainly the largest and enumeration well known regatta in all of Asia, and celebrates it’s auspicious 20 year anniversary in 2011. The regatta was launched in 1987 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is known to be a keen yachting guy and is also buff of the Cup. The claim has been achievement in popularity every year, and when the boats are not out jostling they’re anchored just off Kata Beach. For more details, staff out www.kingscup.com.

Another popular regatta held in February each year is the Bay Regatta (also known as the leisure regatta), which comprises four age of jostling from Phuket to Krabi departing through Phang-Nga crack and then back to Phuket. On average, around 40 to 50 yachts gains sliver in the competition, with capacity partaker sleeping on their boats as they visit different anchorages each night. You tins finds more idiot at www.bay-regatta.com.

Finally, Phuket Race Week is a highly competitive happenings which return position every July. Established in 2003, this exciting cell of races features four age of intense yachting contest with dozens different classes of receptacle involved. Check out the website at www.phuketraceweek.com for more details.

Phuket Marinas

Phuket is fortunate enough to have some excellent marinas with pinnacle notch facilities, which are excellent bases from which to explore Phuket, Phang-Nga crevice and dozens other places. The marinas giveaways another conclusion to Phuket that loads tribe firmness not be aware of, and with all this yachting and team birthright around, there are thousands of dedicated yachties in Phuket all year round. Here is a summary sketch of the marinas in Phuket.

Phuket Boat Lagoon

The Boat Lagoon was the very first marina established in Phuket, and is surrounded by hotels and foundation complexes. You wouldn’t even know you were in Thailand – it could quite as easily be somewhere in the Mediterranean! Based in Sapam Bay on Phuket’s east coast, it has 180 rain berths, 144 hard foundation spaces, and dry stacking for 20 boats. Electricity and water is supplied to all berths, and all the essential course are available such as a gasoline dock, storage lockers, Internet, telephones, restaurants, a supermarket, accommodation, a club house and a swimming pool. Besides the comforts of home, engineering services and mechanical conservation can be carried out onsite, and there are many traveling companionship based here that can organise trips or hire out charter vessels.

Contact Details

Tel: +66 (0) 76 239 055

Web: www.boatlagoonproperty.com/boatmarina

Email: marina@phuketboatlagoon.com

VHF Channel: 16 and 67

Yacht Haven Phuket Marina

The Yacht Haven, completed in 1997, is situated near the Laem Phrao policies which is just east of the Sarasin Bridge (which connects Phuket to the mainland) at the very northeast tip of Phuket. This marina’s advantages are the location as it’s very close to the airport, and the convenient access to the local lottery all over Phang-Nga bay. Being a soul water marina gauges it can be accessed in all tide when entrance from the east, however it’s not recommended to approach from the west without local uptake due to the stand and intestines impediment in the narrow channel. There are 160 berths for vessels up to 60 rhythm in length, and 220 berths for those up to 70 metres, all of which are free floating. The onshore set are good as expected and include showers, lockers, fuel and water, restaurants, bars, and a swimming pool.

Contact Details

Tel: +66 (0) 76 206 704-5

Web: www.yacht-haven-phuket.com

Email: info@yacht-haven-phuket.com

VHF Channel: 68

Royal Phuket Marina

The Royal Phuket is impressive, as the largest one of the newest marinas in Phuket with a mettle on sailing, sports, recreations and entertainment, as well as supplying private luxurious adjustment and amazing facilities. The marina is protected from the air and downpour and has excellent security. It is considered one of the very best marinas anywhere in Asia and it’s easy to see why. There are 350 berths in total (some private only and some for public and private use). There are at least 85 dampness berths for vessels between 10 and 35 metres, and hardstand bad for over 35 boats and 120 dry berths. The inner marina is for use only by those lucky marina residents, adding greatly to the exclusive and luxurious atmosphere. Having said that, anybody is welcome to visit and utility the facilities, and it’s a very pleasant location to hang out and goal about the sailing life!

Contact Details

Tel: +66 (0) 76 379 397-8

Web: www.royalphuketmarina.com

VHF Channel: 79

Ao Po Grand Marina

This marina is a fairly recent supplements to the ever extending marina industry. Construction started in 2006 in the northeast of Phuket near Reat Island. The supplies are able to handle the massive super yachts and it includes a spunk water benzine dock, as well as a chandlery, and engineering and mechanical services. Of course, there is also a bar and cafes to transferring visitors entertained. The legislature is around 200 berths of all different sizes from 6 to 80 metres, and the super yachts are something of a speciality.

Contact Details

Web: www.aopograndmarina.com

VHF Channel: 69

Anchorages in Phuket

During the rainfall southwest monsoon period, there are no making anchorages anywhere along the west gradients of Phuket, but in the high tourist season (the northeast monsoon) there are many of seasonal anchorages on this gradients which have very still H2O and near perfect natural shelter. The east gradients however has some all year round anchorages. For more details roughly what to do on each beach, read our related Beaches in Phuket article.

Seasonal Anchorages in Phuket

Favourite refuge spots include Nai Harn Beach which is rarely crowded, Kata Beach which also has the famous boathouse and is a business favourite with amount yachting types, Karon Beach which has up to 10 meters determination all along with a penalty sandy bottom, as well as Patong Bay which gets very busy in the high season but has the best entrees to all the vibrant nightlife, with up to 15 meters of intensity all over the bay.

Kamala is another suitable field not far away, and Laem Singh is a really lovely and uncrowded crannies nestled between two rocky headlands, with an attractive kingdom and a few restaurants. Further north, Surin Beach and Bangtao are convenient anchorages close to some great restaurants and small bars, but these two waistband are much quieter than Patong. At Nai Yang, sanctuaries is possible in 6-10 rhythm intestines with a sandy bottom, and the local hotels have fairly good facilities. Further north, Mai Khao Beach is a very long and almost deserted sandy beach and not at all touristy, located just south of the Sarasin Bridge. However, it’s not recommended to sail further east due to the sand banks; instead you can broadcaster south of the bridge by just a few hundred metres.

Year Round Anchorages in Phuket

Thankfully, Phuket has a amounts of decent year round anchorages on the south and eastern conclusion of the isle that are protected and provide good shelter. Chalong Bay is an establishment natural anchorage, entity a large shallow infringement hiding south and protected by Lone Island which sits in the mouth; Chalong is often the first place encountered by dozens yachts approaching Phuket and is convenient as it’s close to entertainment, as well as boldness that can service the boats and carry out repairs. Chalong has a few long jetties and it’s possible to shelter offshore in up to 7 rhythm of water. Longer rendezvous visitors can buy a mooring for a monthly fee. The eastern conclusion of Phuket is also adjustment to the aforementioned marinas, which can all be used year round.

Phuket Charter and Tour Companies

Here is just a small blend of vessel charter and traveling undertaking in Phuket. They withdrawal a profile of tours, charters, cruises battery and lessons, with a jumble of sailboats, motorboats and catamarans of all sizes and facility levels. There are so loads such firm in Phuket, that it’s commoner enough to finds one that fulfils your needs.