Diving at Racha Island, also known as Raya Island, provides divers with an opportunity to explore the underwater beauty of this popular destination in Thailand. Racha Island is located in the Andaman Sea, about 12 kilometers south of Phuket.
- Racha Yai: Racha Yai is a popular dive site known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The site features both shallow and deep dive sites suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike. Expect to encounter tropical fish, colorful corals, moray eels, and occasional sightings of larger marine species like turtles and reef sharks.
- Racha Noi: Racha Noi is the sister island of Racha Yai and offers more challenging dive sites with stronger currents. The site is known for its rocky formations, swim-throughs, and the chance to spot pelagic species such as manta rays and whale sharks. Racha Noi is often visited as part of a liveaboard trip or by more experienced divers.
Here’s some information about diving at Racha Island:
- Dive Sites: Racha Island offers several dive sites suitable for divers of different experience levels. Some popular dive sites include Banana Bay, Bay 1, Bay 2, and South Tip. These sites feature diverse underwater topography, including coral reefs, rock formations, and sandy bottoms. Each dive site offers its own unique characteristics and marine life.
- Marine Life: Diving at Racha Island allows divers to encounter a variety of marine life. The waters around the island are home to colorful coral reefs, including hard and soft corals, sea fans, and anemones. Divers can spot a range of marine species, including tropical reef fish, moray eels, sea turtles, stingrays, and sometimes larger pelagic species such as barracudas and reef sharks.
- Diving Conditions: The diving conditions at Racha Island are generally favorable. The water temperature ranges from 27-30°C (80-86°F) throughout the year, making it comfortable for diving with a wetsuit or a thin rash guard. Visibility can vary but often ranges from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), providing good opportunities for underwater exploration. The currents at Racha Island are usually mild, suitable for divers of different skill levels.
- Dive Centers and Dive Packages: Dive Thailand is based in Phuket and offer diving trips and packages to Racha Island. Our dive center provides equipment rental, certified instructors, and boat transfers to the island. Dive packages can include multiple dives, equipment, and sometimes meals or refreshments during the trip.
- Snorkeling: Racha Island is also a popular destination for snorkeling. Snorkelers can enjoy the clear waters and vibrant marine life close to the surface. Many dive centers offer snorkeling trips to Racha Island as an alternative to scuba diving.
- Day Trips and Overnight Stays: Diving at Racha Island can be done as a day trip from Phuket, where you depart in the morning, have multiple dives throughout the day, and return to Phuket in the evening. Alternatively, you can choose to stay overnight on the island and have more time to explore the dive sites and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
When planning a diving trip to Racha Island, it’s recommended to book early in advance at our dive center that follows safety protocols and environmental conservation practices.
The best time to dive at Racha Island is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April when the seas are calmer, visibility is generally better, and the weather conditions are favorable.
Diving at Racha Island offers divers a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater world of the Andaman Sea. With its diverse marine life and picturesque dive sites, Racha Island is a popular choice for those seeking memorable diving experiences in the Phuket region of Thailand.