Since it's world renowned for its access to nearby Surin and Similan Islands, scuba diving is a huge draw to the island of Phuket. Thailand is one of the most affordable places to get into this hugely rewarding sport, yet it is not without its risks -- safety is paramount when choosing your operator. When you are selecting a company, always check that it is certified with PADI. Many of the storefront operations are just consolidators for other companies (meaning you get less quality care and pay a fee to a middle man), so ask if they have their own boats and make sure you'll be diving with the folks you meet behind the counter. Also check about the ratio of divers to instructor or dive master; anything more than five-to-one is not acceptable, and it should be more like two-to-one for beginner courses.
Below are a few of the best choices in Phuket. All these companies can arrange day trips to the nearby coral wall and wrecks, as well as overnight or long-term excursions to the Similan Islands (also PADI courses, Dive Master courses, or 1-day introductory lessons and Open Water certification). Multiday Open Water courses can begin at around 9,800B (US$280/#151).
Fantasea Divers is a highly reputable firm on Phuket appealing to serious divers. Their main office is at 43/20 Moo 5, Viset Road, in Chalong Bay, (tel. 07628-1388; fax 07628-2389; www.fantasea.net). Dive packages include live-aboard trips to the Burmese coast and 4-day PADI certification courses, in addition to full-day dives around Phuket. Longer cruises go farther afield to Malaysia or even into India's Andaman and Nicobar region and they have some exciting new Golf and Dive packages. All these trips are very heavily booked; do plan well in advance.
The folks at Scuba Cat (94 Thaweewong Rd., Patong; tel. 07629-3120; www.scubacat.com) have got one of the best things going in Patong. With some 10 years of experience, a large expatriate, friendly staff, and their own fleet of boats, Scuba Cat is very much a professional outfit, offering the full range of trips for anyone from beginner to expert (and at competitive prices). You can't miss the small practice pool in front of their beachside Patong office.
Sea Bees Diving (1/3 Moo 9, Viset Rd., Chalong Bay; tel./fax 07638-1765; www.sea-bees.com) is another good outfit offering day trips.
Sunrise Diving (49 Thaweewong Rd., Patong; tel. 07629-2052; www.sunrisediving.net) provides competitive services; they also have their own boats.
