Scuba Diving

Every year visitors from around the world come to dive in Thailand 's Andaman Sea. The crystal clear waters, abundance of marine life, and exotic location make Thailand a must for any diving enthusiast. Golden Buddha Beach Resort combines world class diving with elements of adventure, exploration, and nature that has proven to be unlike any diving experience offered in Thailand.

Our tropical island resort is an excellent base for those wishing to dive at some truly world class locations. Although exposed to the sometimes rough Andaman Sea (and therefore good diving can never be guaranteed), there are many opportunities to dive at some amazing sites.  The Surin National Marine Park is open from 15 November until 30 April each year; thus this is the diving season at our resort.  Of course this requires that the weather also cooperate which is the general during this period.

DIVING INSTRUCTION: You and your kids age 10 and up now have the chance to learn to dive right at our doorstep! Helen Macnee (pictured on the right) and Chris Williams from Kuraburi's Blue Guru Diving love teaching kids and adults alike. Their courses range from Discover Scuba and refresher courses to serious advanced diving.  You will never have to go into a chlorinated swimming pool either; instead you will learn to dive in our sheltered bay and in the open Andaman Sea and then go on a diving adventure in the Surin Islands Marine Park.  Download course descriptions and a complete price list here.

Koh Phra Thong (Golden Buddha Island) is the closest land fall point to the world famous Richelieu Rock, a small submerged rock about 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of the Surin islands. Richelieu Rock is a fantastic dive site, surrounded by deep ocean, it acts rather like an oasis harbouring a vast array of fish and corals. The Rock can also be a challenging site for divers. Although not dangerous, there are occasional currents and sometimes visibility can restricted. However, the diving almost always proves rewarding.

Among frequently spotted marine life at Richelieu Rock are manta rays, various sharks, sea horses, octopus and turtles. It is also a world renowned site for whale sharks! Swimming with such a large animal, up to 20m long, has to be a high point for any diver. Sightings occur with good frequency, depending on the time of year. Generally, February, March and April are the best times for sightings.

The Surin islands also offer good diving opportunities. The coral really is some of the best in the world and divers are given the opportunity to go deeper and get closer than the snorkellers that frequent the islands. Turtles are also occasionally seen around the Surin islands. In 2007 there was even a killer whale pod in the area, hunting manta rays. So bring your camera!

The Similan islands are also nearby and visits can be arranged through the local dive operators that the resort partners with for all our diving trips. Diving is available from November through April when conditions are at their best. During the rest of the year low visibility and strong currents prevent diving at Surin, the Similans, and Richelieu Rock. Even during the diving season, rough seas and unfavourable conditions occasionally delay or cancel dive trips all together. Part of the adventure of Golden Buddha is expecting the unexpected. Guests who embrace this philosophy will most certainly have a more enjoyable visit.