Phuket is one of the best bases in Thailand for exploring the oceanic wonders of the Andaman Sea. There’s tons of variety from shallow-water coral gardens for beginners to deep-water wrecks and dramatic pinnacles for experienced divers, there is a wide variety of dive sites within easy reach of the island. While many can be reached as a day trip from Chalong, some spots farther afield are better suited to longer excursions.

Here are some of the top dive spots near Phuket to put on your list.

Racha Yai

With speedboats departing from Chalong Pier or Rawai Beach (tide-dependent), Racha Yai Island is about 12 nautical miles south of Phuket, and the most accessible diving destination from the island. The sheltered conditions, relatively shallow reefs, and typically good visibility make it particularly popular with beginners and those working on their open-water certifications. Divers can explore hard coral gardens and sandy bottoms with plenty of tropical reef fish.

Racha Noi

A bit further south past Racha Yai is Racha Noi, which can offer a more adventurous experience. While Racha Yai has a few resorts and some development, Racha Noi is mostly untouched. The diving here has deeper walls and towering granite formations; however, the currents can be stronger here, so it may be better suited to divers with a little experience. One major attraction for Racha Noi is the potential to see manta rays, which are most common between November and April.

Shark Point and Anemone Reef

Anyone researching diving around Phuket will quickly find that Shark Point and Anemone Reef are two of the region's most popular sites. Located east of Phuket, Shark Point has numerous coral-covered pinnacles teeming with all sorts of marine life like moray eels, lionfish, scorpionfish and maybe whale sharks if you’re lucky. Nearby, aptly named Anemone Reef is home to a huge population of colourful sea anemones, soft corals and sea fans.

King Cruiser Wreck

Shipwrecks are classic dive sites as they create a dramatic scene and attract all sorts of sea life, and the King Cruiser is without a doubt Phuket's top wreck dive. The 85-meter-long ferry went down in 1997 after striking the aforementioned Anemone Reef. Since then, it has become an artificial reef teeming with schools of fish and home to a wide range of marine creatures. Its location makes it an ideal stop on a regional dive tour. That being said, since it sits at a depth of 32 meters, it’s mostly accessible to divers with sufficient training and experience.

Similan Islands

Any diver with regional experience around Phuket will agree that the Similan Islands are the crown jewel of dive sites. Located northwest of Phuket, the Similans are part of a national marine park along with the nearby Surin Islands, and since they are in further proximity and have nearly two dozen dive sites, divers often make the trip on a liveaboard. Diving the Similans, you can expect typically great visibility, wild granite formations, sprawling vibrant coral gardens, and fascinating marine life.