Landed in Phuket - Need Some Advice on Dive Shops

[PeterB]

Hi There,

I arrived in Patong a couple of days ago and I'll be here for three weeks. Looking for some advice on dive shops and live aboards in/around Phuket.

I have some experience diving (about 30 dives, but as well as OW, AOW, S&R and Nitrox I've also taken Rescue Diver). Most of my diving was a year ago in Sydney although I did a couple of dives off the Florida keys in March. Nada since then.

Just before leaving Sydney I got a DIR setup (long primary hose, Hlacyon wing, etc.) and have brought the kit with me to Thailand.

I'd really like to do a check dive with someone comfortable with DIR rigs as I haven't got it wet for a while. Then I'm looking to fit in one or two day trips and then in a couple of weeks a 3-4 day Similan liveaboard.

Could anyone recommend a dive shop (or a short list) in Patong that (a) are decent/reputable, and *ideally* dive with DIR/Hogarthian rigs or know something about them? Not looking for a "my dive centers better than your one", but I don't just want to walk down the street and happen upon a place that doesn't have a clue!

Any thoughts/advice/input much appreciated!

 

[TeqP]

When I went to Thailand in 2005, I dove with Sea-Bees Kata (stevenl is a member on SB). I wasn't diving with a DIR rig then, so I can't say how they are with that set-up. I did a dive off Kata Beach in the 30-35' range. They are arranged a 3 day liveaboard to the Similans for me. I believe stevenl has a new dive shop or at least website of phuket-scuba.com. I had no issues with their dive shop or dive guides. I'm sure others will have more recommendations that are more recent than mine. The thing I remember is that they are very close to Kata beach so it makes it easy for the beach dives.

Enjoy Phuket, it is beautiful.

 

[Quero]

Peter, I've sent you a PM with the name of a very good tech instructor you can phone for advice. Check your ScubaBoard inbox!

 

[stevenl]

Thanks Teq for the recommendation.

I have done some TEC diving myself, so am familiar with the equipment and the diving. But I am by no means an instructor in that field.
If you give me a call or pass by the DC, we can talk about what you're looking for. If I can not help you myself, I can surely point you in the right direction.

 

[SharkMonkey]

Go to Sea Fun Divers on Phuket they excellent!

seafundivers.com

They can also refer you to an excellent Liveaboard operation going to the Similan Islands.

Katathani Beach Resort
14 Kata Noi Road - Kata Noi Beach
83100 Phuket, Thailand
t: +66(0)76 330 124 ext. 1915
f: +66(0)76 284 402