Phuket daytrips/ similan liveaboard dive centers

[lowwall]

1. Pick the operators with their own boat. Read the small print and the available languages offered in the web site.
2. Never ever join a cattle boat at any cost.

Not an option in Phuket. The sites are a couple of hours away and only big boats go. But the day boats are mostly for transport only. You book your own DM/guide. It's easy to stay away from the problem groups in the water and have a nice dive

 

[Centrals]

Not an option in Phuket. The sites are a couple of hours away and only big boats go. But the day boats are mostly for transport only. You book your own DM/guide. It's easy to stay away from the problem groups in the water and have a nice dive

Have to disagree on this!
There are operators based on Phuket and have their own boats to run day trip to the nearest site.
Scuba Diving Phuket | Similan Island Diving | Dive Asia

Done a day trip with them a yr ago. Picked up from my hotel in Patong and returned in late afternoon. It was a full day excursion.

 

[stevenl]

1. Pick the operators with their own boat. Read the small print and the available languages offered in the web site.
2. Never ever join a cattle boat at any cost.

Option 2 agree to a certain extend. It really depends on timing and local knowledge what is the best offer available.
Option 1 only if you want a very biased opinion.

 

[lowwall]

That's a big boat. It's 23m, takes
20+ divers. I believe it can be booked through any of the local shops as well.

 

[stevenl]

Have to disagree on this!
There are operators based on Phuket and have their own boats to run day trip to the nearest site.
Scuba Diving Phuket | Similan Island Diving | Dive Asia

Done a day trip with them a yr ago. Picked up from my hotel in Patong and returned in late afternoon. It was a full day excursion.

And that example of yours runs their own boat about 2 days a week, other days they book on cattle boats. And yes, divesites are always at least 1.5 hours away.

 

[stevenl]

That's a big boat. It's 23m, takes
20+ divers. I believe it can be booked through any of the local shops as well.

Yes, can take up to 50 divers.

 

[Centrals]

Another option on day boat:
Diving in Thailand | Scuba Dive Tours & Holidays in Thailand

 

[stevenl]

Another option on day boat:
Diving in Thailand | Scuba Dive Tours & Holidays in Thailand

That boat can legally take up to 40 people, got fines last year for overcrowding.

You're clearly showing you know something, but not the details.

 

[lowwall]

The point is you aren't going to find a 6-pack that will just take you and your buddies out for a 2 tank morning dive.

Actually, I did find one like that at Naiyang, which is a nice beach and walking street just south of the Phuket airport (an hour away from the tourist beaches of Patong, Kata and Karon). I wanted to dive with them on my last trip there, but couldn't work out the scheduling: https://www.aquaonewatersports.com/

 

[stevenl]

The point is you aren't going to find a 6-pack that will just take you and your buddies out for a 2 tank morning dive.

Actually, I did find one like that at Naiyang, which is a nice beach and walking street just south of the Phuket airport (an hour away from the tourist beaches of Patong, Kata and Karon). I wanted to dive with them on my last trip there, but couldn't work out the scheduling: https://www.aquaonewatersports.com/

Agree, there are some options there. Diving is not great, but while in the area worth it to give it a go.