Phuket to Racha Yai: Beginner Scuba Course & Private Dive Guide

Summary

First-time scuba diving at Racha Yai with private guide, hotel pickup, meals

You’ll start your beginner scuba diving adventure right from your Phuket hotel with private tuition all day at Racha Yai. Practice skills on deck before exploring coral reefs and spotting clownfish or maybe a turtle below the surface. With small groups, patient instructors, meals included, and all gear provided—you might surprise yourself with how peaceful it feels underwater.

What’s the experience like?

I’d never actually put on a wetsuit before that morning in Phuket—turns out it’s a bit like wrestling a rubber octopus. Our instructor, Noi, just grinned and handed me the fins. She said not to worry about being nervous (I was), because even non-swimmers come out here to Racha Yai and manage just fine. The boat smelled like coffee and sunscreen, and there was this low hum of Thai pop music from someone’s phone as we motored away from Chalong pier. I kept looking back at the mainland getting smaller—felt a bit unreal.

Noi went over everything again while we ate breakfast on deck—how to clear your mask, what to do if you feel panicky (apparently everyone does at least once). She showed us how the regulator worked and let us practice breathing at the surface before we even tried going under. I appreciated that she didn’t rush us; she waited until my friend finally gave her an awkward thumbs-up before we slid into the water for our first open water dive. The sea was warmer than I expected, almost soft against my skin.

The first time I saw those clownfish darting around the coral—yeah, the “Nemo” ones—I nearly forgot to breathe through my mouthpiece. There were schools of silver fish flickering past and once, a turtle gliding by so slowly it looked fake. I remember Noi tapping her tank gently to get our attention whenever something cool swam by (she laughed when I tried to say the Thai word for turtle—probably butchered it). We did two dives that day, each about 45 minutes but honestly it felt both longer and shorter somehow. Lunch was this buffet spread on the boat—rice, curry, fruit—and everyone just sat around in towels talking quietly or staring out at the blue. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day beginner scuba diving course

• Hotel pickup in Phuket
• Travel to Koh Racha Yai
• Receive briefing from instructor
• Practice diving on boat and surface
• Complete first open water dive
• Enjoy breakfast and refreshments
• Complete second open water dive
• Observe marine life and coral reefs
• Have buffet lunch on boat
• Return to Phuket hotel

Top questions

Can beginners or non-swimmers join this scuba course?

Yes, beginners and even non-swimmers are welcome on this full-day beginner scuba course at Racha Yai.

Is hotel pickup included from anywhere in Phuket?

Hotel pickup is included for most areas: Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Chalong pier, Rawai.

How many dives will I do during this day trip?

You’ll do two open water dives during the tour, each lasting about 45-50 minutes.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Yes, breakfast and lunch are included along with snacks and drinks onboard.

What’s included in terms of equipment?

The tour provides a full set of scuba diving equipment: wetsuit, mask, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device.

Do I need any certification or experience to join?

No prior certification or experience is required for this beginner course.

Is insurance included for scuba diving?

Yes, scuba diving insurance is included for all participants.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with heart conditions or spinal injuries; a health questionnaire is required before diving.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from main Phuket areas (like Patong or Kata), all scuba gear you’ll need—from wetsuit to fins—a certified instructor guiding you through every step (even if you’ve never dived), plus breakfast and lunch served onboard between dives before heading back in the afternoon.