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Phuket Scuba Diving for Beginners – Full Day Racha Yai Island Dive Trip

Top rated
4.9
Activity provider: Andaman Dive Center Phuket
Phuket Scuba Diving for Beginners – Full Day Racha Yai Island Dive Trip
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Discover the thrill of scuba diving in Phuket with this full-day beginner scuba diving experience at Racha Yai Island. Perfect for first-time divers, the trip includes two guided open-water dives, professional instructors, full diving equipment, boat transfers, meals, and hotel pickup from major Phuket areas.

Highlights

  • Beginner-Friendly Scuba Diving in Phuket
  • Explore Racha Yai’s Coral Reefs and Marine Life
  • Two Open Water Dives with Professional Instructor

Phuket Scuba Diving for Beginners – Full Day Racha Yai Island Dive Trip: Key Facts

PriceFrom $150 per person
Duration8 hours
LanguagesEnglish
Tour typeGuided Tour
BookingDirect with the local operator — no OTA markup

Choose from 1 available option

Phuket Scuba Diving for Beginners – Full Day Racha Yai Island Dive Trip

Discover the thrill of scuba diving in Phuket with this full-day beginner scuba diving experience at Racha Yai Island. P...
8 hours
English
$150
Free cancellation

Full description

Experience one of the best beginner scuba diving trips in Phuket with this full-day diving adventure to Racha Yai Island. This experience is designed for first-time divers and travelers who want to explore the underwater world of Thailand without needing a scuba certification.

Your day begins with convenient hotel pickup from major Phuket areas including Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Rawai, and Chalong. After arriving at Chalong Pier, you will board a dive boat heading toward the beautiful waters surrounding Racha Yai Island in the Andaman Sea.

During the journey, professional dive instructors will provide a safety briefing and basic scuba diving training. You will practice essential skills on the boat and at the surface before descending into the water for your first open-water dive.

Tour Itinerary

Itineraries are customisable as per your request

The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

6:30 AM1.5 hours

Pickup

Pickup from hotels in Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai and nearby areas. Guests will be transferred to Chalong Pier where the dive boat departs.

8:00 AM1 hour

Arrival & Boat Departure from Chalong Pier

Arrive at Chalong Pier, meet your professional dive instructor and board the dive boat heading to Racha Yai Island. Enjoy breakfast and a safety briefing during the boat journey.

9:00 AM1 hour

Scuba Training

Learn basic scuba diving skills with a certified instructor. Practice breathing techniques, equipment usage, and safety procedures before entering the water.

10:00 AM2 hours

Open Water Dive

Your first guided scuba dive at Racha Yai Island lasting approximately 45–50 minutes. Explore coral reefs, tropical fish, and beautiful marine life.

12:00 PM1.5 hours

Lunch & Relax on Boat

Return to the boat to enjoy lunch, snacks, water, tea and coffee while relaxing on the deck and enjoying views of the Andaman Sea.

1:30 PM2 hours

Second Open Water Dive

Complete your second open water dive with your instructor, continuing to explore the beautiful underwater world surrounding Racha Yai Island.

3:30 PM

Return to Chalong Pier

The dive boat returns to Chalong Pier. After arrival, guests are transferred back to their hotels in Phuket.

Detailed Itinerary

Hotel Pickup and Transfer to Chalong Pier

Your adventure begins early in the morning with hotel pickup from major areas around Phuket including Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Nai Harn, and Rawai. Pickup times vary depending on location, generally between 6:45 AM and 7:45 AM.

A comfortable transfer will take you to Chalong Pier, the main departure point for many diving trips in Phuket. Upon arrival, you will meet your dive instructors and the rest of your group before boarding the dive boat for the journey to Racha Yai Island.

Boat Departure and Dive Briefing

At approximately 8:00 AM, the dive boat departs from Chalong Pier and begins cruising toward the beautiful waters surrounding Racha Yai Island.

During the boat ride, professional dive instructors will conduct a comprehensive safety briefing and introduction to scuba diving. This session covers essential diving techniques, equipment usage, breathing methods, and underwater safety procedures.

Guests will also enjoy breakfast, snacks, tea, coffee, and refreshments while relaxing on the boat and enjoying scenic views of the Andaman Sea.

Beginner Scuba Diving Training

Before entering the water, participants will practice basic scuba diving skills either on the boat or at the surface under the supervision of certified dive instructors.

This training session is specifically designed for first-time divers, allowing guests to become comfortable with the equipment and breathing techniques before beginning their underwater adventure.

Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you feel confident and prepared before your first dive.

First Open Water Dive at Racha Yai Island

Once training is complete, it is time for your first open water dive.

The waters around Racha Yai Island are known for their excellent visibility, calm conditions, and vibrant marine ecosystems, making them one of the best diving locations near Phuket for beginners.

During this dive, which typically lasts 45–50 minutes, you will descend with your instructor to explore coral reefs and encounter tropical marine life such as colorful reef fish, coral formations, and other fascinating underwater creatures.

This dive provides an unforgettable introduction to the world of scuba diving.

Lunch Break and Relaxation on the Boat

After completing the first dive, guests return to the boat for a relaxing break.

A fresh lunch, snacks, drinking water, tea, and coffee are served onboard, giving you time to recharge while enjoying panoramic ocean views.

This break also allows divers to relax between dives and share their experiences with fellow travelers.

Second Guided Scuba Dive

Following the break, it is time for your second open water dive.

With your instructor guiding you every step of the way, you will once again descend into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Racha Yai Island. This second dive allows you to explore different areas of the reef and further experience the incredible underwater environment.

Many divers find this second dive even more enjoyable, as they feel more comfortable and confident underwater.

Return Journey to Phuket

After completing both dives, the boat begins the return journey to Phuket.

Guests can relax on the deck and enjoy the sea breeze while reflecting on the day’s adventure. The boat returns to Chalong Pier in the afternoon, typically between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, depending on weather and sea conditions.

From the pier, hotel transfers will take guests back to their accommodations across Phuket.

A Perfect Introduction to Scuba Diving in Phuket

This full-day scuba diving experience at Racha Yai Island is ideal for travelers who want to try scuba diving in Phuket without needing prior certification.

With professional instructors, high-quality diving equipment, delicious onboard meals, and convenient hotel transfers included, this tour provides a safe, comfortable, and exciting introduction to the underwater world of Thailand’s Andaman Sea.

Whether you are a complete beginner or simply curious about scuba diving, this unforgettable experience offers the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty beneath the waves.

Includes

  • Full scuba diving equipment (wetsuit, BCD, mask, regulator, fins)
  • Professional certified scuba diving instructor
  • Two open water scuba dives (45–50 minutes each)
  • Boat trip to Racha Yai Island dive sites
  • Breakfast onboard
  • Lunch onboard
  • Snacks and refreshments
  • Drinking water, tea and coffee
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai and Chalong
  • Scuba diving insurance

Excludes

  • Souvenir photos (1000–1500 THB)
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Hotel pickup outside Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai and Chalong areas
  • Personal expenses

Important information

Meeting point

Chalong Pier Meeting Point 12 Sunrise Rd, Tambon Chalong, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Weather

This runs outdoors, so the operator can call it off for rain, wind or sea conditions, and that decision is usually made on the day. If they cancel, you choose: another date, or your money back in full. We do not keep a booking fee on a tour that did not run.

Know before you go

  • Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more
Duration 8 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

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Main Tour Price
Starting from $150
$150
Tour Type
Adventure TourBeach / Island Tour
Need a custom booking or have a larger group?Contact Support via WhatsApp
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more

Traveler Reviews

4.9/5
based on 4 reviews
Guide
5/5
Value for money
4.7/5
All reviews are from verified AsiaByLocals travelers
5
B
Ben C.– United Kingdom
March 3, 2026

Never dived before and was honestly a bit scared but the instructor made me feel completley safe. We spent about an hour in shallow water learning the equipment and hand signals before going deeper. Racha Yai Island has incredibly clear water, visibility was maybe 20 meters, and the coral reef was teeming with fish. Saw a moray eel hiding in a rock which was terrifying and amazing at the same time. The boat ride to the island was beautiful too. Cannot believe I waited this long to try diving.

5
C
Carla V.– Brazil
February 19, 2026

Absolutley magical experience. The full day trip to Racha Yai is worth it, the island is gorgeous with white sand and turquoise water. Did 2 dives, the first one was a training dive to about 8 meters and the second went to 12 meters where we saw so much marine life. Trigger fish, parrot fish, giant clams, and even a small reef shark in the distance! The dive instructor was PADI certified and very professional. Lunch on the boat between dives was good. Hands down the best day of our Phuket holiday.

5
A
Alex M.– Netherlands
March 7, 2026

Did a discover scuba diving day at Racha Yai and it was phenomenal. Water temperature was warm enough to dive in just a shorty wetsuit. The reef at the dive sites was healthy and colourful, much better than what you see snorkeling from the beach in Phuket. Two dives included and by the second one I felt really comfortable underwater. The dive team was very safety focused which gave me confidence. They provide everything including underwater camera for photos. Definitely doing my PADI cert now.

4
M
Mika S.– Finland
February 24, 2026

Great introduction to scuba diving. Racha Yai Island is about 45 minutes by speedboat from Phuket and the change in water quality is dramatic, so much clearer than the beaches near Patong. The dive instructor was patient and thorough with the safety briefing. First dive was a bit overwhelming honestly, its a strange sensation breathing underwater, but by the second dive I was relaxed and could really enjoy the fish and coral. Full day is tiring but totally worth it. Bring motion sickness pills if you need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

No certification is required for the Phuket scuba diving trip at Racha Yai Island. This is a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience specifically designed for first-time divers with zero prior experience. Your PADI-certified instructor provides all theoretical and practical training on the day — including equipment use, underwater breathing, equalisation techniques, and hand signals. The DSD programme is an internationally recognised introductory format that allows you to dive under direct instructor supervision without holding any licence. It is the most popular way to try scuba diving worldwide.
Beginner divers on the Racha Yai Island dive trip descend to a maximum depth of 12 metres (40 feet), which is the PADI limit for Discover Scuba Diving participants. Your first dive typically reaches 6–8 metres to build comfort and confidence, and the second dive may go to the full 10–12 metres if you are comfortable. At these depths, the coral reefs and marine life at Racha Yai are spectacular — you do not need to go deep to see incredible underwater scenery. The water at Racha Yai is remarkably clear with visibility often reaching 15–25 metres, making even shallow dives visually stunning.
Safety is the top priority on the Racha Yai beginner diving trip. The instructor-to-student ratio is strictly 1:4 maximum (often 1:2 for DSD divers), meaning your PADI instructor is always within arm's reach underwater. Before entering the water, you complete a 30–45 minute confined water skills session practising breathing, mask clearing, and buoyancy control in shallow water. All equipment undergoes pre-dive safety checks. The dive boat carries emergency oxygen, a first-aid kit, and communication equipment. The Racha Yai dive sites are chosen for their calm, current-free conditions — specifically selected because they are the safest in the Phuket region for beginners.
Racha Yai Island is home to diverse tropical marine life that makes the beginner diving experience genuinely spectacular. Commonly sighted species include: clownfish (Nemo) in their anemone homes, parrotfish, triggerfish, moray eels, pufferfish, barracuda, blue-spotted stingrays, and schools of yellowtail fusiliers. The hard and soft coral gardens at the dive sites are vibrant and well-preserved. Occasional sightings include sea turtles (especially green turtles), reef sharks (harmless bamboo sharks), and giant groupers. Visibility at Racha Yai is among the best near Phuket, so you will see marine life clearly even on your first dive.
The boat ride from Phuket's Chalong Pier to Racha Yai Island takes approximately 45–60 minutes by dive boat. The vessel is a purpose-built dive boat with a covered deck, seating, toilet facilities, and a dive platform at the stern. The journey south through the Andaman Sea passes Coral Island and offers beautiful open-ocean views. During peak season (November–April), the sea is typically calm and the ride is comfortable. In monsoon season, the ride can be bumpier — if you are prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 minutes before departure. For island experiences without diving, consider the Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour.
The full-day Racha Yai diving trip includes 2 guided scuba dives at different dive sites around Racha Yai Island. Each dive lasts approximately 30–45 minutes depending on air consumption (beginners tend to use air faster). Between dives, you enjoy a surface interval of 60–90 minutes during which lunch is served on the boat and you can snorkel, swim, or relax on the deck. The two-dive format is ideal for beginners: the first dive builds foundational skills and comfort, and the second dive allows you to relax and truly enjoy the marine life with greater confidence and awareness.
Yes — all scuba diving equipment is fully provided for the Racha Yai beginner dive trip. This includes a BCD (buoyancy control device), regulator, wetsuit or rash guard, mask, fins, weight belt, and tank. The equipment is professionally maintained and inspected before every trip. The instructor ensures a correct fit for all gear before departure — mask fit is particularly important to prevent leaking. You do not need to bring any dive equipment. Just bring: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a change of dry clothes. Prescription mask inserts are available for guests with poor eyesight — request in advance.
Yes — all participants must complete a PADI medical questionnaire before the Racha Yai dive trip. Certain medical conditions require a doctor's clearance letter before diving, including: asthma, heart conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, ear/sinus conditions, and pregnancy (pregnant women cannot dive). If you answer 'yes' to any medical questions, you must obtain a dive medical clearance from a doctor — this can be done at clinics in Phuket, but ideally arrange it before your trip. You must not dive within 24 hours of flying afterwards, so schedule your dive at least one full day before any departure flights.
The Racha Yai beginner dive trip requires participants to be comfortable in water but does not require strong swimming ability. The PADI Discover Scuba programme does not include a swimming test. However, you must be able to float, put your face in water, and breathe through a regulator without panicking. Non-swimmers who are comfortable in water can participate — the instructor stays within arm's reach at all times, and the BCD (buoyancy vest) keeps you afloat on the surface. If you are a true non-swimmer who is not comfortable in water, consider snorkelling with a life jacket on a Phi Phi Islands tour as a first step.
The best diving visibility at Racha Yai Island is during the dry season from November to April, when visibility regularly reaches 20–30 metres and water temperatures are a comfortable 28–30°C. The Racha Yai beginner dive trip operates year-round, but January to March offers the most consistently crystal-clear conditions. During monsoon season (May–October), visibility drops to 10–15 metres and seas can be rougher, though Racha Yai is sheltered enough to remain diveable on most days. The dive operator monitors conditions daily and cancels trips only when safety requires it. For seasonal Phuket planning, see our Phuket travel guide 2026.
The Racha Yai dive trip is a full-day activity, so plan it as a standalone day in your Phuket itinerary. Excellent multi-day plan: Day 1 — Full-day scuba diving at Racha Yai, Day 2 — James Bond Island speedboat tour for above-water karst scenery (a perfect contrast to your underwater day), Day 3 — Thai cooking class in Kata or Elephant Beach Experience for a land-based cultural activity. Important: do not fly within 24 hours of scuba diving due to decompression risk — schedule your dive at least one day before your departure flight. See all options in our Phuket things to do guide.
Full scuba diving equipment (wetsuit, BCD, mask, regulator, fins), Professional certified scuba diving instructor, Two open water scuba dives (45–50 minutes each), Boat trip to Racha Yai Island dive sites, Breakfast onboard, Lunch onboard, Snacks and refreshments, Drinking water, tea and coffee, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai and Chalong, Scuba diving insurance
The duration of the Phuket Scuba Diving for Beginners – Full Day Racha Yai Island Dive Trip is typically 8 hours. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled start time for a smooth check-in. Your guide will meet you at the designated meeting point and ensure the experience runs on schedule while remaining flexible to your pace.
For most experiences, we highly recommend an early morning start. This allows you to avoid the midday heat, bypass the largest crowds, and capture the best lighting for photography. Your guide can advise on the optimal timing based on the season and specific attractions included.
Yes, once your booking is completed via our secure payment gateway, you will receive an instant confirmation email with your tour details, meeting point address, guide's name, and direct contact information. You can also view and manage your booking through your AsiaByLocals account dashboard.
Yes! All our private tours are fully customizable. Whether you want to add extra stops, skip certain locations, change the pace, or adjust the start time — simply let your guide know in advance or on the day. We aim to create a personalized experience tailored to your interests and energy level.
We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may be subject to a partial charge depending on the tour type. Weather-related cancellations for outdoor and boat tours are handled on a case-by-case basis, with full refunds or free rebooking offered when safety is a concern.
Most of our experiences are family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages. However, some tours involving extensive walking, water activities, or early morning starts may be better suited for children aged 5 and above. Please check the specific tour description for age recommendations, or contact us for personalized family itinerary advice.
After booking, you will receive detailed meeting point instructions via email. Most tours include complimentary hotel pickup within the central area. For tours without pickup, your confirmation email will include the exact address, Google Maps pin, and your guide's phone number for easy coordination. Guides typically arrive 10 minutes early and will message you on WhatsApp.
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, and Razorpay for Indian cards. All payments are processed through a PCI-compliant secure gateway with 256-bit encryption. You can also pay in multiple currencies — the price is automatically converted to your local currency at checkout.
Yes, all AsiaByLocals guides are licensed professionals who have been rigorously vetted through background checks, skill assessments, and customer reviews. Many hold government-issued tourism licenses, university degrees in history or cultural studies, and have years of experience leading tours for international travelers. Every guide maintains a minimum 4.5-star rating to remain active on our platform.
The dry season from November to April offers the best weather for island-hopping tours and beach activities. December to March is peak season with calm seas, perfect for Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay boat trips. May to October (monsoon) is quieter and cheaper but some boat tours may be affected by rough seas. See our Phuket travel guide for detailed month-by-month advice.
Phuket is one of Southeast Asia's safest tourist destinations with excellent infrastructure, friendly locals, and a strong tourist police presence. Standard precautions apply: use reputable transport, stay aware in crowded areas, and book verified tours through trusted platforms. For water activities, all our tours include safety equipment and experienced crew.
The top experiences include: the Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and Maya Bay, Phang Nga Bay for dramatic limestone cliffs and James Bond Island, the Big Buddha for panoramic views, Wat Chalong temple, and the charming Phuket Old Town for street food and Sino-Portuguese architecture. See our things to do guide for the complete list.
Yes! Direct flights between Phuket and Bangkok take just 1 hour 20 minutes. We recommend 3–4 days in Phuket for island tours, then 2–3 days in Bangkok for temples, markets, and street food. Our local guides operate in both cities for seamless trip planning.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering water sports before booking any speedboat tour or island-hopping excursion. While all our boats carry safety equipment and licensed crews, Thai hospital costs can be significant without coverage. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation and water activity accidents.
Starting from$150