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Racha Islands Scuba Diving
Phuket Dive Sites
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To the south of Phuket lie the twin islands of Koh Racha Yai (big) and Koh Racha Noi (small) which offer significantly better diving than do Phuket's western beaches. Almost all diving operators offer one day trips to both of the islands (although not on the same day) and some offer a two day live-aboard trip every week.
Racha Yai's best diving is off its east coast which makes it especially attractive during Phuket's off-season in the summer. Although visibility varies, it can be as good as 25 meters or more. A typical dive is a gentle drift along a sloping rocky face that is sprinkled with hard coral forests of many, many varieties. Especially prominent are stag horn corals of blue and tan. Many times there are large schools of false barracudas hovering over the reef, while on the reef itself you'll see octopus and cuttlefish in addition to the more common tropical species. Divers of all levels of experience and snorkelers can visit Racha Yai with no usual hazards as the diving is easy and gentle. Water depths range between 3-30 meters.
Racha Noi is popular for the more experienced diver, as depths are generally greater and the currents frequently stronger than at its sister island to the north. The northern tip features a large pinnacle where spotting larger marine life is distinctly possible, while the southern point is a nice drift dive with the added bonus of having a beautiful little beach to visit during your surface interval. We also have a wooden ship wreck at about 27 meters on the southwest coast of the island which although does not compare to some of the larger wreck dives in Pattaya, is an enjoyable deep dive. Not much grows on the wreck yet, but it attracts large amounts of reef fish. The diving here is definitely more challenging than Racha Yai, but the rewards can be much greater.
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Accommodation is available on Racha Yai in both of the pristine little bays on the northern side of the island. Muslim farmers and a few fishermen have lived on Racha Yai for years now, harvesting coconuts and fishing the waters surrounding the islands. For current information, check with one of the dive centres in Phuket.
By John Williams, photos by Ashley
J. Boyd
Source: Siam Dive n' Sail
121/9 Patak Road, Mu 4, Karon, 83100 Phuket, Thailand
Tel: 66-76/330-967 Fax: 66-76/330-990
E-mail: info@siamdivers.com
