Hi, we are a family of 8 from ages 16 to 48. Want to go for scuba diving to Thailand in last week of December 2012. we are all beginners, would want to do the 2 dive thing....Pls recommend good diving spots pref. in Phuket. Else what would be a better diving destination in Thailand.....Also any good companies who undertake diving...We heard abt Koh Samui, but the travel fom Bangkok is 4-5 hrs by air ( with a stopover)...
scuba diving in last week December in Thailand
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If you have never dive then your first dive will be in a swimming pool. After your lesson, swimming pool dive then they will take you for a shallow dive at a nearby island.
Flying from Bangkok to Samui is only 1 hour and no stopover unless you land in the ocean.
We have dived with http://www.seadragondivecenter.com/courses/index.htm#review a couple of times. They are based in Khao Lak, about a 2 hours from Phuket by car or bus. I woul highly recommend them. The above link takes you to their course options and I would suggest the Discover Scuba or Scuba Diver, 2 day courses? The initial training always takes place in "confined water" which may, as Hanuman suggests, be a swimming pool, but at KL will probably be in shallow water in the sea.
Koh Tao off Koh Smui is also an option but is harder to get to and not what I would recommend for famillies (unless you all like partying!)
Actually the best diving is the Similan Islands that are opened and you can take a fast boat out and spend 3 hours there but that is after you have taking a 3 day comprehensive dive course and maybe go on a day trip to Phi Phi Don in a small group that caters to novice and intermediate divers ($125). Then you could be prepared to go on the fast boat to one of very well know spots namely the Similands. Just make sure you do not bo down below 40 ft.and be a hero. You will see a lot witout going deeper. Between Phi Phi Don and the Similands you will have some real good experience. But in but in both cases you MUST go down with a divemaster.
As Hanuman said, if you're not actually certified, there will be some instruction and practical work in a pool or shallow bay before you can dive. This will take a day before you can actually get in the open water, so you're really talking about taking a day (or two) out of your vacation to spend in a classroom.
If you're in Phuket, the Similans as mentioned is one option, but as also noted, it's a long drive north of Phuket and then a speedboat out there. Also, the Similans themselves are badly degraded. Richelieu Rock is still good, but it's not a site for beginners.
Another option might be Koh Racha to the south of Phuket. There are some nice, shallow, protected bays there which are popular with beginners. It's best if you're staying on the island, which has a few small hotels and resorts.
i recommend that you go to Phi Phi Island there is a worth for scuba diving and snorkeling.