• Local Information for Phuket


• Does Phuket have a high and low season?
  Oh yes! We have a variety of hot, cold, wet, windy periods throughout the year. Basically, May-November is low season and December-April is high season. Low season in Phuket generally means very changeable weather, without much notice. In low season, the beaches are still good here, but in high season they're excellent.
   
• How does the weather affect the getting to the dive sites?
  Even in low season the diving is great here, but getting to the dive site is not always the most fun part of the daytrip. High winds can bring the waves, which can sometimes make it a bumpy ride. At the times when boat operators deem it not safe, they change from the scheduled destination to one that's safer for everyone, whether you're a beginner or advanced diver.
   
  
• How does the weather affect the diving?
  High season brings crystal clear waters, surpassing 20m visibility. Whilst in low season, this visibility drops to 10-20m, and sometimes 5-10m when we've had heavy rain and winds together. As far as safety is concerned, what's happening on the surface, doesn't generally affect the conditions underwater. The worst you'll encounter, is a bit of a current. Marine life is still there in adundance.
   
  
• Does the same apply to Liveaboards at the Similans/Burma Banks ?
  Liveaboard destinations in and around Phuket are pretty much closed through low season. Getting there is no fun, and sleeping on the boat in that type of conditions would drive you nuts. For liveaboards, we'd recommend that you book in advance for the next high season.
  Alternatively, we can offer you a 2-day, 1-night trip to Phi Phi on Greta.
   
  
• How can I pay for my daytrips/courses/etc?
  The way that you settle your bill with us depends on whether you're booking through a hotel, agent, or a walk-in customer. Most of the hotels and agents that we provide services to have their own payment options, including payment by debit/credit card and of course cash! If you're a walk-in or internet customer, we generally take payment in cash. However, we also have the following payment options...
  
  
  
  Generally, when buying equipment from us, we like to see cash up front, but it depends on what you're buying. Ask us, we won't bite.
  
   
  
• Technical Diving Information


• If I rent scuba gear, what will I get ?
  We use ScubaPro T-One BCD's (size XXS to XL) with R190 regulator and octopuss. Our wetsuits are made by Deep Blue, 3mm shorties (size XXS to XXXL). They come in male and female versions. Our fins are adjustable open heel, by Seac Sub, which are so comfortable that you dont need to wear booties. The two sizes that we have fit up to size 13 feet! Masks and snorkels come in a variety of makes, models and colours so that we have one to fit you well. Weight belts are provided too.
  
  
   
• What about Kids equipment? Do you have anything for them?
  Mostly, the standard BCD's fit fine (XXS and XS), but when we're dealing with the little ones, we use a very small 'kids bcd' with a much smaller mouthpeice, smaller hoses and even smaller tanks.
   
• What kind of tanks do you have?
  In the dive shop, and at the hotels we service, we have 12L aluminium tanks that all use Yoke Valves. We have a selection of tanks that can be very quickly adjusted to direct DIN Valves, as well as having DIN Adjusters that can be used on the boats too. Most of the tanks on the dive boats are Yoke Valves too, but all boat operators have DIN Adjusters (which you should note to us/them when you make your booking). If you're using DIN Valves, and you dive regularly, we would suggest that you purchase your own DIN Adjuster so that your diving never gets interrupted due to lack of available equipment on a dive boat.
   
• I breath my air very quickly. Do you have any 15L tanks?
  Yes, on the boats... if you let us know in advance. As for for beach diving, it's generally not needed and not desired due to excess weight. 15L tanks are usually steel, not aluminium, so remember to remove at least one KG from your weight system if you're used to dealing with aluminium tanks. 15L tanks usually come with an additional charge of around 150-200 THB per fill.
  
   
• About The Daytrip Dive Boats


• How far are the boats from Kata/Karon/Patong ?
  Most of the daytrips boats leave from Chalong Pier. It's about 25mins from Patong, 15mins from Karon and 10mins from our dive shop in Kata.
   
  
• And how long is it to get to the dive sites ?
  Anything from 1:20hrs to Racha Yai, to 2:45hrs to Phi Phi. Koh Doc Mai is just 1:15hrs away. King Cruiser, Shark Point area is 1:50hrs. The boats are very comfortable. They give you time to relax before you go diving. There's no stressful rushing around to prepare your gear. If you would prefer to get there quicker, we have a speed boat option for you that can get you to the dive sites in about 35 minutes.
      
  
• I have a bad back, can you help me into the water?
  Sure. When you're boat diving, you would generally use a Giant Stride. But if you can't do this, we'll help you to get in the water and then pass you your inflated BCD so that you can put it on right next to the ladders. The same applies for coming back on board. Just inflate the BCD and the boat crew will help you back on board.
    
  
• We have children. Can someone look after them while we dive?
  We have a Nanny Service that you could use. They child-mind / babysit your children either in the water (for snorkeling or just swimming) or they stay onboard and keep them occupied/entertained until you return. From the point of when you get on the boat, they're in good care. When you get back to the pier, they're yours again! The Nanny Service is not free, however, it's not expensive either.
  

Did we miss something?
If yes, please contact us and let us know.
We'll see if we can add it to our current FAQs page.