phuket - thailand

Underwater Thailand

You probably already know that Thailand is in a tropical region but did you know this means you can dive, snorkel, or just play and splash in the comfortably warm waves all year round? That said if you want the best conditions to see whale sharks best to plan your trip for between November and April. You’ll increase your chances to see them since sharks visit from February to May. 

Over 349 dive sites, wildly clear visibility, warm water year-round, drop-dead gorgeous reefs full of corals and some of the most elegant marine life in the world, Thailand has the best underwater experiences.

You may see Leopard sharks, Whale sharks, Manta rays, sea turtles, Barracuda, Clownfish, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimp and that’s not even all of them! We could list more but we’d really rather show you instead!

The Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are teeming with both common and rare fish and coral species. The memories you’ll make here either diving or snorkelling will make you want to come back again and again. It takes effort to experience life under the sea but it’s well worth it!

Vibrant colours, filtered sunlight on shockingly bright coral, incredibly beautiful fish you can’t see anywhere else – can you imagine it? Ready to book your trip to The Similan Islands, Thailand?

The Similan Islands originally consisted of only nine islands as the word “Similan” means nine in Malay. But in 1998, they decide to expand and add two more islands for tourists to visit and explore; Ko Tachai and Ko Bon.

Usually, travellers can only see about two or three islands on a trip, consisting of the two main islands; Ko Miang and Ko Similan. But whichever island you choose to go to surely will not be disappointed as they are all beautiful and have plenty of ventures to participate in.

These truly are areas known worldwide as being some of the most pristine and safe areas to dive. Beginners and experienced divers alike will find just enough challenge to be exciting but not so much as to be overwhelming.

You’re sure to create memories for yourself or with your travelling companions that you’ll look back on with appreciation for the rest of your life.

Shake Off The Pandemic Blues

Another reason to explore underwater adventures, as if you needed another reason, but for many people, the pandemic has left you feeling dull and uninspired, even depressed.

Feeling a little low is pretty normal these days but we know how to wake you up! Thailand Divers of Phuket can show you the most amazing buffet of underwater beauty.

It’s a feast for the senses really: warm azure waters are so relaxing for your muscles, the sun glittering off the waves is just delightful to see, explosions of neon anemones and clownfish playing peek-a-boo, flashing schools of brightly coloured tropical fish, a variety of plants waving in the currents on white-sand – see?

We can bet you’re feeling inspired already just using your imagination!

Imagine, even more, Cowrie snails, Moray eels, Parrotfish, coral reefs, White Sea Fan coral, underwater flowers, and if you’re lucky you’ll see a behemoth of a Whale Shark! What?! Yes, that’s Thailand for you!

The thing is we can forget to practice gratitude for all the beauty which surrounds us but visiting places like these – an underwater paradise of sights and sounds, textures, and colours help us remember. 

Digital Underwater Photography Adventures

While you’re exploring underwater why not try your hand at underwater photography? Get what you can from the internet and online classes but then jump in and learn in the underwater environment where photography can be truly magical!

You’ll learn more about your camera and how to grab the best shots in just one dive than you can just by reading about it.

Digital underwater photography is suitable for any diver or snorkeler. You don’t have to have any experience just a camera and a desire to experience something completely new.

Why Bother With Underwater Photography?

Well for one thing it’s fun! Underwater photography turns every dive into a creative experience where you might just end up with the image of a lifetime.  Fish, plants, rocks, coral, there’s always something to see and take a shot of and those photos will keep your trip memories fresh and crisp every time you look at them.

Digital cameras capture your underwater views with crystal clarity. Even better with the only limit being that of your storage card you can take as many photos as you want to and instantly see if you’ve captured what you hoped. If you want to try again you’re right there to do it. 

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a camera either. Waterproof cameras can vary wildly in price based on size, resolution, FPS, and other features. At a minimum, you can plan to spend between $30 and several hundred dollars for a waterproof camera to buy but rental cameras are always an option to consider as well. 

Ecotourism and Coral Reef Preservation and Sea Turtle Conservation

Located on the diving paradise island of Koh Tao, the New Heaven Reef Conservation program is one of several that are dedicated to education and all manner of marine conservation activities – from creating and maintaining artificial coral reefs to being devoted to the care and feeding of baby turtle hatchlings. 

Every year, dozens of mature sea turtles come ashore on Khram Island, an isolated island known as the biggest nesting site of sea turtles in the Gulf of Thailand, to lay their eggs. 

While you may not be surprised to find out that the survival of these eggs, and the hatchlings, is under constant threat, it might surprise you to find out that the Thai navy has been diligently protecting them for almost 20 years.

Sea turtles are recognised as an endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Five species of sea turtles have been found along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman sea coast, including olive ridley turtle, green turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle and leatherback turtle.

When a turtle egg nest is found the eggs are moved to in order to provide safety and care Once born, the new baby turtles are collected and moved to tanks to be fed and kept clean.

Thousands of green and hawksbill baby turtles are cared for at the Thai navy’s conservation centre each year. The wee turtles are fed minced fish and kept clean as they’re prone to developing fungal infections. At around 6 months of age when deemed strong enough the quickly growing turtles are released into the ocean where they can live freely.

The ocean is one of the world’s most precious resources so we appreciate tourism that supports and provides opportunities for everyone to learn why it’s so important.

Book in with Thailand Divers and let us show you how easy it can be to feel relaxed and happy to be alive just by getting underwater! Check out this article about scuba diving with kids.

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