In recent years the island of Koh Phangan has become ever more common for people to learn or enhance their diving skills and experience. Our smaller sister island of Koh Tao is the most popular for this but we are a near second with several different dive schools to choose from, incredible marine life and our close proximity to the iconic dive site of Sail Rock.
There are now over 20 dive schools to pick from on the island and they can be located all over like Baan Tai, Haad Rin, Haad Yao and Thong Nai Pan.
The most popular place on the island with probably most schools will be Chaloklum. Many schools offer a broad variety of PADI Courses like Explore Scuba Diving, Open Sea, Speciality, Rescue Diver, Adventure, Advanced, Deep Diver and more!
They even run fun Dives with PADI Guides if you don’t want to do a full course or are just here for a limited period. A number of the schools prefer the position of Chaloklum due to the place having its own Pier away from the busy Thong Sala or Haad Rin, plus the area still remains true to its Fishermen’s village roots so Diving just seems to naturally blend in.
You can find that Chaloklum is packed with divers residing there, either long-termers who are now teachers or also run/own the dive schools and even people who are learning to dive or helping out while on holiday. The diving group is a very nice one on Koh Phangan who all have a love for aquatic and biodiversity and even know how to have a beer or few!
Koh Phangan's wide set of rough coral and fringing reefs are a lure for tropical and pelagic species. Hunting trevallies and barracuda are also seen darting in and out in front of your eyes.
Diving in Koh Phangan is focused around a 30-meter underwater rock pinnacle with caves and chimneys housing some of the strongest whale shark sightings, This is known as Sail Rock. Thanks to its comparatively remote position, the rock becomes a beacon to local aquatic life and you’re likely to find yourself surrounded by big snapper, blue-spotted stingrays, groups of fusiliers and sizable groupers. Whale sharks cruise past with schools of batfish and barracudas shimmering in the blue.
Other popular dive sites here are Angthong Marine Park, Koh Ma, Mae Haad and South West Pinnacle.
Like its two neighbouring islands of Samui and Tao, Koh Phangan cycles through two main seasons each year, dry and rainy, and diving is possible during both. Due to Koh Phangan's tropical climate, the water temperatures stay between 82-87°F/28-31°C with the coolest water temperatures in October through to December.
The sea temperature warms up until it reaches its highest point about May and then gradually falls down again into October. The coolest point of the seasons are the simplest to spot cruising whale sharks. With visibility reaching an astounding 30m, you can truly understand the rich coral environment when diving in Koh Phangan. Expect clownfish, angelfish, barracuda and stingrays whichever time of year you intend to visit this paradise island.
Seeing that there are so many dive shops and so many people trying to get their PADI license, you can meet many diving instructors from all over the planet. Instructors are very supportive, reassuring and compassionate and at the same time so enthusiastic about diving that it is infectious.
Learning to dive on Koh Phangan comes with an added advantage, particularly if you’re not a native English speaker. For all those dive instructors around, odds are strong that you will meet somebody speaking your mother tongue so if the language is an issue inquire about this and you will probably find someone to support you.
Sail Rock Divers are a 5 Star PADI resort situated in Chaloklum. They deliver all courses from Open Water to PADI Personnel Teacher, regular enjoyable diving trips to the best dive sites in the Gulf. Both Padi courses and fun, go pro packages, teacher packages and accommodation available. At the resort, they have their own pool, suitable for relaxation, and with a 3m deep portion which is great for dive training. In addition to this, they have air-conditioned classrooms and a completely fitted 16m dive boat situated 2 mins drive offshore.
Onsite they have 10 private bungalows with air-con and king size beds, 5 of the bungalows have their own kitchens.
Over 25 wonderful years of experienced SCUBA diving, snorkelling & PADI courses on Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand. PADI 5 Star Dive Centre with Travel Advisor Awards of Distinction - 2014 to 2020 inclusive. Genuine personal attention ensures that PADI instructors care for no more than 4 people at a time. As enthusiastic divers, the team enjoy describing what you see on your dives and encouraging you to develop your diving technique, as well as socializing and answering your questions regarding Koh Phangan island.
SSI Teacher Training Centre! Pleasant workers, a high level of teaching and support, and perfect gear! Over the last 10 years, every 11th of August (queens birthday) they go for underwater cleaning, welcoming other dive centres and the local group to be part of it. This was the start of a huge amount of programs completed, including; beach cleanings with the school children, biodiversity lessons for them, group classes for accidents preventions and maintain free photographic art-information gallery, the giant clams release and nursing scheme, and the artificial reef creation in Chaloklum bay operated in collaboration with Project Conscious and governmental environmental department.
The Dive Inn is among the most firmly established and well-respected PADI Dive centres on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan. They are a friendly bunch with a huge passion for diving in the deep blue. They will ensure you have an amazing trip whether you are a beginner or an experienced scuba diver. The Dive Inn offers small groups, personal service, quality, professional and unbiased advice and some of the most experienced and qualified staff on the island. Qualified dive groups are also kept to a minimum, and are also split by experience level (unless requested otherwise) to ensure the best dive experience for all.
A dive school situated inside Sandy Bay Resort on the beach in Haad Yao. As one of the most scenic beaches of the island, it is a peaceful place for relaxing and experiencing the Thai lifestyle with your family or mates. They deliver frequent dive and snorkel trips to the best spots in the Gulf of Thailand including the popular Sail Rock. If you have never tried diving before, no experience is required! They give the Explore Scuba Diving curriculum for all beginners beginning from just 8 years old.
The team is made up of the most seasoned and highly qualified SSI & PADI dive specialists, they offer SSI Instructor Teacher & Dive Control Expert Instructors to PADI IDC Staff Instructors. Dreamland Diver's headquarter is situated in Dreamland Resort at the end of Thong Nai Pan Yai. Dreamland Resort's custom-designed, premium dive pool helps us to train you to the maximum degree in a relaxing and secure atmosphere. Dreamland Diver's retail and booking shop is situated in the heart of Thong Nai Pan Noi, not far from Buri Rasa & Anantara Rasananda Villas.
Full diving centre on Koh Phangan island in the Gulf of Thailand. They provide a broad variety of items and facilities such as dive trips, try dives and snorkelling. As an IANTD and SSI facility, they concentrate on consistency and high expectations. They also are the only technical diving centre on Phangan and can provide rebreather (CCR), cave and wreck courses. Also specialising in French language instructors.
Purchasing a guided diving trip on Koh Phangan is an excellent choice for those with limited time who want to maximize their diving experience. Opting for a guided trip streamlines the process, as it bundles everything from equipment rental to site selection, all handled by professionals who know the best spots and the optimal times to visit them. This is more efficient than exploring diving schools individually, which can be time-consuming and may result in less diving time due to logistical delays like scheduling conflicts or equipment issues. Moreover, guided trips often include transportation and may offer group rates, making them not only more convenient but also potentially more cost-effective. This way, visitors can focus on enjoying the stunning underwater sights without the hassle of managing the details themselves.
This beginner's diving adventure in Ko Pha Ngan is designed for first-time scuba divers. It's a full-day program where you'll learn the basics of scuba diving through in-water training, and then enjoy two dives at Sail Rock. The package includes all the necessary equipment for diving, plus breakfast, lunch, and snacks. You'll get a chance to see Thailand's marine life up close. Most resorts in Ko Pha Ngan offer convenient pickup for participants.
This diving school on Koh Phangan is unique because it offers night-time fluorescent snorkeling and diving. They use special equipment like ultraviolet lamps and masks with yellow filters to enhance the natural fluorescence of corals. This phenomenon makes the reefs glow in vibrant colors. The school has nearly a decade of experience and provides all necessary gear, including wetsuits. It's open to everyone, but you need to be at least an Open Water Diver and should inform the school of your diving level beforehand.
This scuba diving trip from Koh Phangan takes certified divers to Sail Rock in the Gulf of Thailand. The site is known for its unique features like a vertical chimney, and divers often see marine life such as barracuda, mackerel, grouper, angelfish, and moray eels. The trip includes two dives, all necessary equipment, and round-trip transfers from most island hotels and resorts. Meals, snacks, and drinks are also provided, ensuring a complete and convenient experience as you explore Sail Rock’s diverse marine ecosystem.
The course offers a comprehensive introduction to scuba diving, which includes a variety of learning methods such as online study, classroom sessions, and practical in-pool training to develop basic scuba skills. Participants will also complete two open water dives in Koh Phangan. All necessary learning materials and diving equipment are provided. Upon completion, participants receive a PADI Scuba Diver Certification. The course also includes transfers from local resorts, although there is an extra charge for taxi services from certain locations like Thong Nai Pan, and transfers are not available from Haad Yuan or Haad Tien.
Thailand is a treasure trove of diving destinations, each offering unique underwater experiences. Koh Tao is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life, including sea turtles and whale sharks, making it perfect for beginners. Nearby, Koh Samui provides a luxurious dive experience with visits to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, known for its biodiversity and hidden lagoons. For those looking for less crowded spots, Koh Chang offers exciting dives around the HTMS Chang wreck, populated with schools of fish and larger marine creatures. Along the shores of the gulf of Thailand, Pattaya provides a one-of-a-kind setting for snorkeling adventures.
In the southern regions, Koh Lanta serves as a serene base for diving adventures around the crystal-clear waters of Koh Haa and Koh Bida, where divers can encounter manta rays and reef sharks. Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is the gateway to the famous Similan and Surin Islands, celebrated for their spectacular underwater landscapes and rich ecosystems. Meanwhile, Krabi features dramatic underwater limestone cliffs and vibrant coral gardens around Koh Phi Phi, providing both novice and seasoned divers with breathtaking scenes and diverse marine life, encapsulating the diverse diving experiences Thailand has to offer.
Diving is usually on most people’s list of things to do at least once and here is the perfect and affordable place. It is good to give it a try and is highly recommend for everyone who is curious about underwater life. There is nothing to be scared for when you are with professional support. A wonderful world is waiting for you past that point of initial caution, you are in good hands with whomever you choose on Koh Phangan. For more things to do on Koh Phangan and beyond, explore the related articles below and follow Phanganist on Instagram!
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