The South Andaman Sea stretches along southern Thailand, encompassing areas such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Haa, and the nearby coral reefs and bays. This region offers a mix of sheltered bays, vibrant coral gardens, and dramatic underwater rock formations, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced divers. While not as remote as the northern islands, it offers easy liveaboard access and some of Thailand’s most iconic dive sites.
Diving in the South Andaman Sea features shallow reefs, small pinnacles, caves, and coral slopes. Currents are generally mild, making this region suitable for divers of all levels. Marine life is abundant and diverse, including leopard sharks, reef sharks, giant moray eels, sea turtles, manta rays, and large schools of snapper and fusiliers. Macro enthusiasts can enjoy nudibranchs, cleaner shrimp, and colorful reef critters hidden among the corals.
The climate is tropical with dry season from November to April, providing calm seas, excellent visibility (15–30 meters), and warm air temperatures of 28–33°C. Water temperatures range from 27–30°C (81–86°F). The monsoon season from May to October brings stronger winds, occasional rain, and reduced visibility, but some sheltered bays remain diveable.
Popular dive sites include shark-populated reefs, walls, caves, and small pinnacles. Phi Phi Islands offer iconic walls, caves, and playful reef sharks, while Koh Haa features clear waters, impressive coral gardens, and small caverns. Koh Lanta and the surrounding southern islands have gentle slopes and pinnacles, ideal for relaxing drift dives and abundant tropical fish.
Liveaboard Diving Regions :
Phuket / Racha Islands
These southern islands near Phuket are ideal for beginner and intermediate divers. Dive sites include reefs, slopes, and small pinnacles with leopard sharks, reef sharks, and tropical reef fish. Calm waters and easy access make this area perfect for short liveaboard trips and day diving. Best dived November–April.
Koh Phi Phi
Famous for dramatic walls, caverns, and rich coral reefs. Divers encounter reef sharks, giant moray eels, and abundant schools of snapper and fusiliers. Currents are mild, suitable for all levels. Dry season November–April offers optimal conditions.
Koh Haa
A small group of limestone islands with crystal-clear waters, caves, swim-throughs, and colorful coral gardens. Marine life includes reef sharks, turtles, and schooling tropical fish. Currents are mild to moderate. Best dived November–April.
Hin Daeng & Hin Muang
These two offshore pinnacles are deep-water dive sites attracting advanced divers. Known for steep walls and strong currents, they are famous for manta rays, whale sharks, giant trevally, barracuda, and schooling reef fish. Visibility is exceptional, often 20–40 meters. The best time to dive these pinnacles is January–April during the dry season.
Koh Lanta & Southern Islands
Gentle slopes, pinnacles, and sheltered bays provide relaxed diving for beginners and intermediate divers. Divers can encounter leopard sharks, nudibranchs, and turtles, with excellent macro opportunities. Diving is accessible year-round, with calmest conditions during dry season.
