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Frequently Asked Questions
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Table of Contents
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About Phuket
- Thailand
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How do I get there?
Phuket has an international airport with direct flights to Penang,
Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong. Between November and
April there are charter flights to many European Cities as well.
Thai airways offers 10-12 daily direct flights to Bangkok
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Do I need a visa?
Visitors from most Western Countries including Europe, North
America, Australia and New Zealand are granted a 30 day stay
on arrival. Other nationals are required to produce a tourist
visa and should contact your local Thai consulate for more details.
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Transportation from the airport?
Phuket International Airport is located about 45 mins north
of the major Beach centers. There is a minibus service operating
for about $4 USD per person, or a private taxi may be hired
for about $16 USD per car.
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Where can I change money?
Thailand's Currency is the Thai Baht, and can be exchanged on
arrival at Phuket airport. The exchange rate towards the US$
is around 40 Baht for 1 US$. Commercial banks, currency exchanges,
ATM Machines and major hotels provide currency exchange services
at Phuket's major beach centers. Credit cards are widely accepted.
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Where can I stay?
If you are diving during the day and coming back to Phuket for
your evenings entertainment and rest, there are many different
types of accommodation to choose from. These range from basic
bungalows/guesthouses with fan and approx 5 minutes walk to
the beach for $10-15 USD; air-con guesthouses/hotels for $20-40
USD; and luxury resort hotels from $50 USD and upwards. Accommodation
can be found in all major centers, either with plenty of night-life
or in quiet, secluded bays around the island. For divers the
most convenient location to stay is Karon Beach, as it is close
to our Dive Center. The Islandia Travelodge Resort and many
smaller guesthouses are within walking distance of beach, shops,
restaurants and our main diving shophouse. Let us know what
your preference is when you make your booking, and we will let
you know what is the best deal in town.
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What about the weather?
November to April is Phuket's dry season, and Dive Asia runs
a full program of Daytrips, Liveaboards, and PADI Courses. You
can expect an average temp of 30C/89F, sunny weather, and calm
seas during most of this time.
The rainy season lasts from May till October, and Dive Asia
continues to run a full program of PADI Courses and Daytrips,
but there are no Liveaboard trips available. There are many
sunny days however throughout the rainy season, and showers
normally last little more than 2-3 hours. Expect temperatures
similar to the dry season, but rough sea conditions can occur
during this time.
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What about the Food?
Few places in the world can provide the quality and variety
of food available here in Phuket. You can choose between local
Thai restaurants (Phuket is famous for its seafood) and every
kind of Western/European cuisine.
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Health
You should take the normal precautions, like on any other journey.
Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary. Phuket has 3 international
hospitals in case you should require any medical assistance.
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What about tipping?
Tipping in Thailand is entirely a matter of choice if you have
enjoyed the service you receive. On a week-long liveaboard trip,
if you feel you have received excellent and friendly service
from our Thai crew and staff, you may wish to leave a hundred
or so baht per day ($2.5 USD) to share amongst them, although
this is at your discretion.
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Is there anything to do topside?
Phuket is a world class holiday destination offering first class
beaches, great shopping and a glittering nightlife. You won't
run out of things to do, we promise.
About Diving
in Phuket
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When is the best time to dive?
The best diving season is from November to May, with whale sharks
being sighted throughout this period. The weather is at it's
calmest during the months of February to April. Diving during
the period of June to October is also a satisfying experience
with the reduced numbers of divers, snorkellers and sight-seers.
Although you can expect a little rain and slightly choppy waters,
the diving is made more exciting by the unusual large marine
animal sightings that can occur and the chance to view the reef
inhabitants without the tourist rush. Also prices can be more
competitive during this period, allowing you to sample more
dive sites.
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What am I likely to see on a dive?
On every dive, you should expect to see a wide variety of colorful
hard and soft corals, clown anemone fish, lion fish, schools
of colorful tropical fish and numerous other reef fish. Interesting
and brightly colored nudibranchs can be found on almost every
dive - in fact, the sites you will dive are full of small and
interesting reef creatures. For those seeking larger animal
encounters, you can choose your sites to increase your chances
of diving with whale sharks, leopard sharks, guitar sharks,
manta rays, blue-spotted rays and reef sharks. The Andaman Sea
has it all !
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What is the water temperature?
You can expect water temperatures between 27-28 C / 83-85 F.
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How many dives can I do in one day?
A typical day trip consists of 2 dives and lunch for around
$60 USD, without renting diving equipment. A liveaboard trip
opens up more diving possibilities and allows you to relax between
your dives, so that you can dive 3-4 times in one day including
a night dive. A typical liveaboard cruise will cost around US$130
a day, including all diving, three full meals and accommodation
(equipment is extra).
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How deep are the dive sites?
Sites are generally deeper on liveaboard trips, and dives of
all depths are available from 5 meters up to 30 meters plus.
On a liveaboard trip, you can choose the type of diving that
you prefer, whether it be deep or shallow.
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Are there strong currents?
If you like the enjoyment of a drift dive, you can choose to
dive some of the sites that provide a convenient, and sometimes
strong, current. If not, you can choose to dive the sites that
have little or no currents. There are so many different dive
sites in the Andaman Sea, and you'll become spoiled for choice!
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Will I see whale sharks?
If you opt for a liveaboard trip during the months of Feb-Apr
and ensure that your diving is taking you to Richelieu Rock
(in the Surin Islands), Hin Daeng or Hin Muang (to the south
of Phuket), your chances of seeing a whale sharks are very high
indeed. In fact, some companies go so far as to "guarantee"
whale shark sightings. We prefer not to label such a wonderful
experience with a wild and free animal.
About Liveaboards
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What should I bring?
All your personal diving gear (except tanks and weights), bathing
suit, towel, T-shirts, shorts, and sunscreen. As evenings can
sometimes be a little cooler, you might also bring a windbreaker
or sweatshirt and light cotton pants. You always need less than
you think. Any excess luggage or valuables may be kept at your
hotel or at our office during the cruise. If you prefer to travel
light, Dive Asia has a full range of quality rental diving equipment.
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Do I need a wetsuit?
Yes. Although the water is very warm at 28 C / 85 F, exposure
protection is necessary as you will be making up to 4 dives
a day.
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Where do I sleep?
You will be sleeping in air-conditioned twin cabins with pillows,
blankets and sheets provided.
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What kind of food is served?
Our chef produces excellent Thai and Western cuisine. Some highlights:
daily hearty western style breakfasts, delicious fresh fish,
Thai curries, local fruits and vegetables - even chicken cordon
bleu.
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What if I am vegetarian?
If you are vegetarian, let us know a week prior to your trip
and we will make sure there are plenty of vegetarian dishes
to suit your tastes.
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How many dives can I do in one day?
A typical day trip consists of 2 dives, but a live-aboard cruise
opens up more diving possibilities and allows you to relax quickly
between dives, so that you can dive 3-4 times in one day.
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Are Night Dives included?
Night dives may be included at the tourleader/divemasters discretion,
conditions allowing.
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Can I recharge my strobes and batteries?
Yes. 220/110/24 Volt current is provided.
About PADI
Diving Courses
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What is PADI?
PADI - the Professional Association of Diving Instructors -
is the largest dive training organization in the world with
affiliated dive centers and members in more than 100 countries.
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How old must I be?
Anyone from age 10 upwards in good health can enroll in a PADI
diving course?
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Do I need to pass a medical?
Before you can enroll in your course, you must sign a medical
statement that says you are fit to dive. If you had any pre-existing
conditions, they must be signed off by a doctor.
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Do I have to be a good swimmer?
No, you don't. But you should feel comfortable in the water.
A 10 minute float and a 200 meter swim or a 300 meter snorkel
swim is to be completed prior to certification.
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What if I can't complete the course?
You will be granted credit for the portion of the course you
have completed, and can finish the course at a later time.
How can I make a Booking
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