Activities & Sports

Diving
There are excellent dive sites along both the west and east coasts of Thailand. The waters off Phuket and the surrounding islands are world-renowned. Although tossed by stormy seas in the 'wet' monsoon there are still numerous popular dive spots that are worth a visit in all seasons.

Good sheltered water is found around the island at all times of the year. Spearfishing is illegal. Water visibility is fair to good down to a depth of some 15m. The reefs are very colourful and are particularly suited for snorkelling and photography.

As Phuket’s popularity among divers has increased, so has the number of dive sites. Nowadays, regular trips lasting from half a day up to two weeks are made to distant island groups in the Andaman Sea. Many of these are uninhabited and are pristine both above and below the water. Dive sites in this area rival the best in the world.

The half-day tours generally consist of a short boat trip taking the diver to nearby coral reefs. By far the most popular tours, however, are the full day trips to the islands off Phuket’s south and eastern coasts. These islands include Koh Racha, Shark Point, Koh Dok Mai and Phi Phi islands. As well as the above, most dive schools also offer night dives, a totally different experience to diving during the day.

Dive Sites

Koh Racha, to the south of Phuket some 2 hours by motorboat, has dives down to 30m with an excellent visibility range of 20-40m. In addition Racha’s’ attractions include huge rock formations, sloping coral reefs and steep drop-offs. From January to March manta rays and whale sharks can occasionally be seen, in addition to varied tropical marine life.

Shark Point and Koh Dok Mai, both approximately a 1.5hrs boat trip east of Phuket, are two of the most popular dive sites in the area.

The submerged reef of Shark Point is a favourite spot for leopard sharks and stingrays. More daring divers have hand fed moray eels and leopard sharks in this area. The visibility at Shark Point is 10-22m with dives down to 25m.

The island of Dok Mai offers dives down to 30m with excellent visibility of 10-25m. In addition to a variety of coral this dive site offers an impressive wall dive and a number of cave dives.

The Phi Phi Islands (Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le), some 40km southeast of Phuket and about 2hrs by motorboat are among the most beautiful islands in the world. They also have some excellent dive sites between 10m and 30m, with a visibility of 15m-25m. In particular, the islands offer several cave dives and many impressive wall dives. There are many hard and soft corals and abundant marine life. One can see, among other tropical fish, white tip sharks, stingrays and moray eels.

Golf

The golf courses of Phuket, like the rest of Thailand are of international standard. Each one has its own particular challenges and scenic splendour that only Thailand can offer.

Phuket Golf and Country Club (6,393 yards, par 72)
Phuket Golf and Country Club on the main road between Phuket town and Patong beach on a hilly and beautiful part of the island is the first major 18-hole course on the island. Each of the holes has been carefully planned; the first, for example, is a 14m elevated tee requiring a 165-yard carry over lake and marsh, with alternative approaches proving equally challenging. Then there is the Banyan Tree Laguna Golf Course, the Blue Canyon Country Club and the Loch Palm Country Club.

For more on other courses close to Phuket and Thailand please feel free to contact us or take a look at our guide pages for other areas within the country.

Other Sports

Swimming can be enjoyed all year round and is generally safe from November through to about April/May. WARNING: Undertows can be problematic during the rainy season. It is best to seek the advice of local people regarding swimming conditions as drownings off Phuket's west coast at this time of year are, unfortunately, a regular occurrence.

Snorkelling is good in sheltered bays all around Phuket and is particularly enjoyable at easily accessible reefs at Patong, Karon and Kata beaches. Fins, masks and snorkels can be rented on a daily basis from shops all over the island.

Windsurfing is available at all major beaches. Boards may be rented by the hour, half-day, full day or week. Tuition from expert Thai teachers is free.

Surfing is fast becoming a popular sport on the island particularly during the 'wet' monsoon from April through to November. October is the month that Phuket holds an international surfing competition and visitors are welcome to join in. Boards can be rented at many of the surf/dive shops or bring your own.

Sailing dinghies, Catamarans, Hobie Cats and Top Cats are available at many of Phuket's beaches and resorts. There are also a number of internationally renowned yacht charter companies on the island catering to both the novice and experienced sailor. The waters of Phuket and surrounding area are recognized throughout the world for their excellent conditions and spectacular scenery, making yacht charter a viable holiday pastime. For those who enjoy racing in regattas, pop down to the Ao Chalong Yacht Club and join in on one of their monthly local races. Visitors are more than welcome. Not only yachts are available in Phuket waters, for those that like a little more power and speed, motor cruisers come equipped with everything you'll need for a day out on the water, plus much more.

Water Skiing is offered off some beaches as well as a few resorts on a half-hour or hourly basis.

Deep Sea Fishing tours are arranged daily, usually with early morning departures and late afternoon returns. Caught are red snappers, rainbow runners, sailfish and other game fish. The tag and release system many other countries follow when applied to game fishing is not, as yet practiced in Thailand. Due to the ever-decreasing fish in the area, it is left to your discretion as to what you do with your catch.

Bowling is available at Pearl Bowl, Montri Road, Phuket, or Ocean Bowl also on Montri Road and there is a third bowling alley located inside Big C Supercentre on Chao Fa Nok Road (also known as the Bypass Road.)

Horse Riding There are three riding stables on the island, one in the north, one at the southern end and one in the middle of the island so no matter where you are located, there are stables within easy reach of your hotel or resort. Two offer beach rides and all offer jungle rides. For more info ask at your hotel or contact us.