South Andaman Thailand – Dive the Best of Southern Andaman Sea

The South Andaman Sea in Thailand is a diver’s paradise, stretching from Phuket to the Malaysian border. Known for crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant coral reefs, this region offers some of the best dive sites in Thailand. From macro treasures to majestic pelagic species, the South Andaman has it all.

Best Dive Sites in Thailand’s South Andaman Sea

Koh Lanta National Marine Park

Koh Lanta Marine Park is home to world-famous dive sites like Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, and Koh Haa.

• Koh Haa – A cluster of five islands ideal for swim-throughs, macro diving, and spotting seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, moray eels, hawksbill turtles, and even leopard sharks or manta rays.
  
  

• Hin Daeng & Hin Muang – These open-ocean pinnacles are known for exceptional visibility, dramatic underwater landscapes, and pelagic species like manta rays and whale sharks. Schools of barracudas, fusiliers, cuttlefish, trevally, and snappers are always present.
  
  

Tarutao National Park & Koh Lipe

The Tarutao National Marine Park in southern Thailand features over 70 islands, including the inhabited Koh Lipe. This pristine diving destination is home to the Chao Ley (Sea Gypsies), white sand beaches, and top dive sites:

1. 8 Miles Rock
A submerged pinnacle famous for its colorful soft corals (purple and pink) and rich marine life. Expect sightings of whale sharks, leopard sharks, barracudas, frogfish, and nudibranchs. Perfect for macro photography and pelagic encounters.

2. Stonehenge
A unique dive site with a pinnacle resembling Stonehenge in Britain. Explore sponges, barrel sponges, table coral, and staghorn coral while encountering leopard sharks, eagle rays, moray eels, groupers, butterflyfish, and angel fish.

3. Koh Pung
A drift dive along a coral reef surrounding the island. Spot moray eels, scorpionfish, lionfish, cleaner shrimps, nudibranchs, and large schools of reef fish. Famous for colorful soft corals along the rocky boulders.

4. Koh Sarang
One of Koh Lipe’s most photogenic dive sites, featuring pristine hard and soft coral reefs. Explore the Christmas Tree Pinnacle with schools of trevally, snappers, fusiliers, lionfish, scorpionfish, clownfish, and triggerfish. Great for underwater photographers and advanced specialty courses.

5. Yong Hua Chinese Wreck
A large cargo shipwreck lying on a sandy bottom. Dive the wreck for giant barracudas, lionfish, scorpionfish, and a resident giant grouper. The wreck is overgrown with soft corals, gorgonians, and black corals. Ideal for PADI Wreck Diver, Deep Diver, and Advanced courses.

Phi Phi Islands

Located about 45 km east of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands became famous through the movie The Beach. Above water, enjoy limestone cliffs and white sand beaches; below water, explore limestone wall dives, swim-throughs, and colorful gorgonian seafans. Common sightings include Zebra sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and abundant reef fish. Most dives range from 15 to 25 meters, offering excellent conditions for photography.

Best Time to Dive South Andaman

• Koh Lanta & Koh Lipe: November to April
  
  

• Phi Phi Islands: Year-round when weather permits
  
  

• Water Temperature: 26–30°C
  
  

• Visibility: Up to 30 meters
  
  

• Currents: Mild to strong, ideal for drift diving
  
  

Why Dive the South Andaman Sea?

• Diverse marine life: Whale sharks, manta rays, leopard sharks, barracudas, trevallies, groupers, and macro species.
  
  

• Vibrant coral reefs: Soft corals in vivid colors, hard coral gardens, and gorgonian seafans.
  
  

• Variety of dive experiences: Pinnacles, walls, wrecks, drift dives, and shallow macro dives.
  
  

• Scenic above water: White sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and pristine national parks.
  
  

• Top destinations for underwater photography and marine biology enthusiasts.

South Andaman Thailand Diving Liveaboards – Full Cruise Schedule & Trips