Thailand’s underwater world is nothing short of magical. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and incredible marine biodiversity, it’s no surprise that divers flock to the kingdom year-round. From the calm, beginner-friendly bays of the Racha Islands, to the towering limestone cliffs and colourful reefs of the Phi Phi Islands, and the pristine, world-famous dive sites of the Similan Islands, our dive locations around Phuket offer something for everyone.
Thailand published coral-reef protection measures in the Royal Gazette on 22 April 2025. These measures govern tourism diving in coral-reef areas, including underwater photography. This guide was reviewed on 11 October 2026.
What the coral-reef rules say:
- For tourism scuba dives in coral-reef areas, underwater camera users must hold Advanced Open Water certification or an accepted equivalent, or have at least 40 logged dives. Certification or a dive log must be available for inspection by officials.
- Operators must provide the required controllers or assistants, who brief visitors and supervise compliance.
- Controllers and assistant controllers who breach their duties may have their DMCR controller status revoked.
- Snorkelling above coral requires at least two metres of water above the reef. Life jackets are required except for visitors who can show the specified scuba or freediving certification.
The Royal Gazette measures of 22 April 2025 apply to tourism diving in coral-reef areas. DMCR tourist guidance explains the reef-protection requirements. National parks and other protected areas may have additional rules; follow the briefing for your chosen trip.
Click here to read the official regulation document
Why This Law Matters:
The Racha Islands, Phi Phi Islands and the Similan Islands are among the most visited dive destinations in the Andaman Sea. Their proximity to Phuket makes them popular choices for day trips and liveaboard adventures. Careful buoyancy and reef-aware diving help visitors enjoy these areas without touching coral.
Practical ways to protect the reef:
- Learning buoyancy and dive skills comes first. Leave the camera behind during introductory and training dives so you can concentrate on your instructor.
- Keep fins, hands and equipment clear of coral. Do not touch marine life or disturb sediment around the reef.
- Meeting the camera eligibility requirement does not replace careful buoyancy, safe camera handling and the trip’s reef-protection briefing.
The measures distinguish tourism diving from non-tourism activities such as academic research and marine conservation or restoration under the responsible authorities’ supervision.
Can You Take a Camera on Your Next Dive Trip in Thailand?
For an ordinary tourism scuba dive in a coral-reef area, you meet the camera eligibility requirement if either of these applies:
- You hold Advanced Open Water certification or an accepted equivalent, or a higher qualification.
- You have at least 40 logged dives. Bring your certification or logbook so it can be shown to officials when requested.
Students and instructors must not take underwater photographs during learning or test dives. This includes:
- You’re doing a Discover Scuba Diving experience.
- You’re currently training in an Open Water course.
- Other scuba learning or test dives, subject to the stated underwater-photography course exception.
A separately assigned photographer may photograph learning or test dives if they meet the Advanced-equivalent or 40-dive requirement and can show the relevant evidence. Being a qualified instructor does not automatically permit filming while teaching your own students. The regulation also provides a specific exception for underwater-photography course teaching, with evidence of that teaching available. DMCR’s January 2026 controller update explains controller enforcement.
Protecting Phuket’s Reefs – One Dive at a Time
We believe every dive is a chance to protect, not just explore. That’s why our dive trips to the Racha Islands, Phi Phi Islands, and the Similan Islands include eco-briefings, reef awareness, and tips for low-impact diving.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned photographer, we’re here to support your journey—and protect our reefs at the same time.
Final Word from Thailand Divers
Before bringing a camera, check the requirements for your certification, dive experience and chosen trip. Focus on your training during student dives, keep clear of coral and follow your guide’s briefing. Eligible photography can be arranged separately when the rules and trip plan allow it.
Let’s dive responsibly. Let’s dive better. Let’s dive Thailand.
For practical ways to care for the reef, see our responsible-diving guide.
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