Phuket Scuba Diving: Racha & Maiton Islands for All Levels
Two dive sites in one morning, coral and sea turtles still there because the boat skips the crowds.
Scuba dive at Racha Yai, Racha Noi or Maiton Island off Phuket with a small group (max 2 divers per instructor) and PADI/SSI guide in English, Thai or Chinese. Beginners and non-swimmers can try diving or take a Discover Scuba course. Certified divers choose a Fun Dive or Scuba Review. The boat leaves Phuket and reaches the islands in one trip, with all gear, air and instruction included: no pool warm-up, no beach entry, straight to the reef.
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The experience
The boat leaves Phuket harbor and runs straight to the dive sites: Racha Yai and Racha Noi for full-day trips, or Maiton Island for a half-day morning. Maiton is a private, non-touristic reef where dolphins are sighted regularly and the coral has stayed intact because fewer boats go there. Racha's two islands sit side by side, so a full-day option lets you drop at both and see how the marine life shifts between them. The water holds sea turtles, manta rays and healthy hard coral that mass-tourism sites have worn down. Beginners and certified divers go on the same boat but split into separate groups underwater with their own instructor, so nobody waits for someone else's skill level to catch up.
Beginners and non-swimmers have three entry points: Try Dive (one shallow beach dive, 30–35 minutes, for people who want to test it), Discover Scuba (two open-water dives, no certification needed), or Scuba Review (two dives for people who learned years ago and want to refresh). You don't need to swim. The guide handles the entry and you stay in shallow water until you're ready. Certified divers choose between a Fun Dive (exploring at your own pace) or a Scuba Review (brushing up on technique). Full-day trips to Racha include three dives. Half-day trips to Maiton include one or two. All gear comes with you (BCD jacket, regulator, air tank, weights, fins, mask), and the boat carries breakfast or lunch depending on which package you book.
Snorkeling is included for anyone who doesn't want to dive, so non-divers in your group can stay on the reef at the same sites. The boat is fast and spares no time getting there, which means more bottom time and less travel. Insurance and the guide's instruction are built in. Children age 10 and up can participate if they're fit and healthy. People with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy should not dive. Public transportation to the boat is available, and pickup from your hotel can be arranged on certain routes for an additional fee.
What’s included
- All scuba gear (BCD jacket, regulator, air tank, weights, fins, mask).
- snorkeling equipment for non-divers.
- dive instruction from a PADI/SSI guide in English, Thai or Chinese.
- insurance.
- breakfast on full-day Racha trips and lunch on half-day Maiton trips.
- snacks and fruit on board.
Options for this experience
5 optionsSee 2 more options
You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Operated by VGA Vacation
Is this one for you?Choose a full-day Racha trip if you want three dives and the chance to compare two islands in one outing. Pick a half-day Maiton morning if you want fewer dives in less time and prefer a quieter, less-visited reef. Beginners should book a Try Dive or Discover Scuba package. Certified divers can jump straight to a Fun Dive or Scuba Review. If you want underwater photos, that's available for an extra fee with advance notice.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What languages is the guide in?
Live guide in English, Thai and Chinese.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
Can I try scuba diving if I've never done it before and can't swim?
Yes. A Try Dive or Discover Scuba package lets you learn in the water with an instructor: no pool training, no swimming ability required. The guide stays with you in shallow water and handles your entry and exit.
What's the difference between Racha and Maiton Island?
Racha Yai and Racha Noi are the main dive sites and are visited on full-day trips, with three dives total and breakfast and lunch included. Maiton is a private, non-touristic island visited on half-day morning trips with one or two dives. It's known for dolphin sightings and untouched coral because fewer boats operate there.
How many people dive in a group?
Groups stay small, maximum 2 divers per instructor, so you get personal attention and the guide can match the pace to your level.
What gear and equipment do I need to bring?
Bring nothing. The boat provides all diving gear (BCD jacket, regulator, air tank, weights, fins, mask and snorkel) plus insurance and instruction. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel.
How long is the dive trip?
Full-day trips to Racha run about 10 hours from pickup to return. Half-day morning trips to Maiton are shorter. Both include travel time to the island, multiple dives, and meals on board.
Do I need a diving certification to go?
No. Beginners and non-certified divers can try diving or take a Discover Scuba course on the boat. Certified divers can do a Fun Dive or Scuba Review. Everyone dives with an instructor matched to their level.
Phuket Scuba Diving: Racha & Maiton Islands for All Levels
10h · EN +2
from US$ 102 per person
4.8692 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider