Racha Yai Diving Day Trip from Phuket – 2 Guided Dives with Hotel Transfer
From: ฿3,000
Phuket’s easiest diving day: just 45 minutes from Chalong Pier, two relaxed guided dives, small groups of four. Departures daily at 08:30.
Racha Yai is the best Phuket diving day trip if you want maximum time in the water and minimum time on a boat. Just 45 minutes from Chalong Pier, the island delivers gently sloping sand bottoms, colourful coral gardens and 27–30 °C water all year round. On this day trip you make two guided Racha Yai dives in small groups of no more than four divers per guide.
The island is Phuket’s classic beginner and refresher site: very little current, depths from 5 to 30 metres, and reefs that start right where the sand does. It is also the dive we recommend for anyone getting back in the water after a long break, before heading out to the Similan Islands or the King Cruiser wreck. Non-divers join as snorkellers for ฿2,000 and explore the shallow bays.
How your Racha Yai dive day runs
| 07:30–08:00 | Hotel pick-up. Air-conditioned minivan collects you between 07:00 and 08:00 depending on your zone (see table below). |
| 08:30 | Departure from Chalong Pier. Registration, certification check, equipment set-up and a full safety briefing from your guide. |
| 10:30 | First dive. Entry over a shallow coral slope – ideal for settling buoyancy and air consumption without any rush. |
| 12:00 | Lunch on board. Thai buffet with rice, curry, vegetables and fresh fruit, plus water, coffee, tea and soft drinks. Cylinders are swapped during the surface interval and the second dive is planned. |
| 13:00 | Second dive. Deeper, or on a second section of reef, depending on conditions and the group’s experience. |
| 15:30 | Back at Chalong Pier. Rinse your gear and get your logbook signed on board. |
| 16:00 | Transfer back to your hotel. Arrival between 16:00 and 17:00 depending on traffic. |
Please note: All times are approximate. The guide decides the order of dives and which sites to visit on the morning of the trip, based on weather, current and the experience of the group.
Tour highlights
- Hotel pickup and return transfer (selected areas)
- Two guided dives at selected dive sites
- Lunch, drinking water, and fresh fruit on board
- Experienced, certified dive guide (PADI/SSI)
- Boat fees and fuel surcharge included
Meals
- Welcome drink
- Buffet on board
- Snacks & fruit onboard
- Soft drinks included
What to bring
- Swimwear and change of clothes
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Passport, copy permitted
Please note
- Pickup time varies depending on hotel location.
- In case of bad weather, rebooking or refund is possible.
- The tour takes place even in heavy rain; rain is not a reason for cancellation.
Tour duration
Tour start time
Tour end time
What's included
- Hotel transfer in an air-conditioned minivan (Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala)
- Licensed tour guide (English)
- Qualified staff (first aid, CPR)
- Life jackets (for adults & children)
- Mask & snorkel (undamaged return)
- National park fees included
- Insurance (valid 24h from tour start)
What is not included
- Tips/gratuities
- Beach chairs (pay on site)
- Swimming fins
- Local activities on the island
- Personal expenses
- Towels (if not provided)
Know Before You Go
- The schedule may change due to weather or traffic conditions.
- Insurance is valid for 24 hours from the start of the tour.
- Infants must be supervised by their parents.
Not suitable for
- Pregnant individuals
- People with back problems
- Individuals with limited mobility
- People with heart problems
Send us a message
Reviews
Racha Yai diving at a glance
| Duration | approx. 7.5 hours (08:30–16:00) |
|---|---|
| Dives | 2 guided dives, approx. 45–50 minutes each |
| Dive sites | Siam Bay · Ter Bay · Bungalow Bay · Staghorn Reef & Lucy’s Reef (weather dependent) |
| Depth | 5–30 m |
| Certification | Open Water Diver (PADI / SSI / CMAS or equivalent), minimum age 10 |
| Group size | max. 4 divers per guide |
| Departure | Chalong Pier, daily at 08:30 |
| Boat ride | approx. 45–60 minutes each way |
| Visibility | 20–30 m (Nov–Apr) · 10–20 m (May–Oct) |
| Water temperature | 27–30 °C year round (a 3 mm shorty is plenty) |
| Price per diver | ฿3,000 |
| Price non-diver (snorkeller) | ฿2,000 |
| Equipment hire | ฿500 per day (full set), single items from ฿50 |
| Briefing language | English (German-speaking guides on request – please note it at booking) |
| Cancellation / weather | If the operator cancels for bad weather: free rebooking or full refund |
The Racha Yai dive sites
Racha Yai (Koh Racha Yai) sits about 12 km south of Phuket. Your guide picks the sites on the day from the following:
Siam Bay – the classic first dive
A gently sloping sand bottom in the south-east of the island (5–18 m), scattered with coral boulders. Clownfish, damselfish, wrasse and blue-spotted rays live between the blocks. Almost no current and easy navigation – this is where new divers start and where refreshers feel at home again.
Ter Bay – shallow, fishy and the best snorkelling stop
Ter Bay in the north-west is the shallowest site of the day (5–14 m) and legendary for night dives. In daylight you will find boxfish, cuttlefish, large sea fans and rays resting on the sand. For snorkellers joining the boat, this bay is the best stop of the trip.
Bungalow Bay – a continuous coral garden
Between 8 and 20 m, hard coral runs along the coast in an almost unbroken band. Big schools of fusiliers and yellowtail snappers stream past, while moray eels, scorpionfish and the occasional octopus hide in the cracks. Bright, photogenic and full of life.
Staghorn Reef & Lucy’s Reef – the deeper second dive
When the sea is calm the boat heads for outer reefs such as Staghorn Reef or Lucy’s Reef, an artificial reef built from concrete modules (18–28 m). Barracudas and trevallies patrol here, and with a bit of luck a leopard shark is resting on the sand.
What you may see: clownfish, fusilier and snapper schools, boxfish, moray eels, scorpionfish, cuttlefish, blue-spotted rays and nudibranchs – with luck leopard sharks, barracudas and turtles. Sightings are wildlife encounters and can never be guaranteed.
Requirements: what you need to bring
- Certification: Open Water Diver or higher (PADI, SSI, CMAS or equivalent). Please bring your certification card and logbook – without proof of certification you cannot join the dives.
- Recent experience: Your last dive should be no more than 12 months ago. If it has been longer, book a Scuba Review in advance or on the day – just note it when you book.
- Minimum age: 10 years (Junior Open Water Diver). Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Health: A medical certificate is required for relevant pre-existing conditions (heart or circulatory disease, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes). The trip is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone with heart problems, back problems or limited mobility.
- No-fly time: Allow at least 18–24 hours after your last dive before boarding a flight. Do not plan this trip on your departure day.
- Insurance: Dive insurance (DAN, Aqua Med or similar) is strongly recommended. The tour insurance is valid for 24 hours from the start of the trip and does not cover recompression chamber costs.
- Packing list: swimwear, towel (not provided on board), reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, dry clothes – and your certification card.
Prices & what’s included
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Diver (2 guided dives) | ฿3,000 per person |
| Non-diver / snorkeller | ฿2,000 per person |
| Full equipment set (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) | ฿500 per day |
| Single items | BCD ฿200 · regulator ฿200 · wetsuit ฿100 · mask & snorkel ฿50 · fins ฿50 (per day) |
| Transfer surcharge, remote areas | ฿500–฿2,000 (see table below) |
Included / Not included
Included
- Hotel transfer by air-conditioned minivan (Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Naiharn, Rawai, Chalong)
- 2 guided dives with a certified PADI/SSI guide, max. 4 divers per guide
- Tanks (12 l aluminium), weights and weight belt
- Lunch on board, fruit, drinking water, coffee, tea and soft drinks
- National park fees
- Life jackets, first-aid equipment and staff trained in first aid and CPR
- Insurance (valid 24 hours from the start of the trip)
Not included
- Equipment hire (฿500 per day for the full set)
- Towels – please bring your own
- Tips for crew and guide
- Personal expenses and alcohol
- Transfer surcharge for remote areas
Pick-up times & zones
Your pick-up time depends on where you stay. Transfers take 30–90 minutes depending on the zone, and the return leg depends on traffic.
| Zone | Pick-up | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Kamala Beach | 07:00 | – |
| Patong Beach | 07:30 | – |
| Naiharn Beach | 07:30 | – |
| Rawai Beach | 07:40 | – |
| Karon / Kata | 07:45 | – |
| Chalong | 08:00 | – |
| Phuket Town, Siray Bay, Cape Panwa, Laem Hin, Boat Lagoon | 07:20–07:30 | +฿1,200 per person |
| Bangtao Beach, Surin Beach | 06:45 | +฿500 per person |
| Mai Khao, Naiyang, Naithon, Pa Klok, JW Marriott | 06:45 | +฿2,000 (private) |
| Self-arrival at Chalong Pier | 08:15 at the pier | – |
Not sure which zone your hotel is in? Message us before booking and we will check the pick-up time for free. You can also book our Phuket transfer service separately.
Best time to dive Racha Yai
One big advantage over the Similan Islands: Racha Yai is diveable all year, because your guide simply moves to the sheltered side of the island when the monsoon swings around.
| Period | Water | Visibility | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| November–April (high season) | 28–30 °C | 20–30 m | Calm sea, best conditions – book early |
| May–October (SW monsoon) | 27–29 °C | 10–20 m | Usually fine, occasionally the boat switches to the east side |
For comparison, the Similan Islands are only open from 15 October to 15 May – Similan trips stop completely over the summer.
Racha Yai or King Cruiser – which dive day suits you?
Both trips leave from Chalong Pier and both are run by South Siam Divers – they simply target different divers:
| Racha Yai (2 dives) | King Cruiser, Shark Point & Koh Dok Mai (3 dives) | |
|---|---|---|
| Boat ride from Chalong | 45–60 minutes | 1.5–2 hours |
| Duration | approx. 7.5 hours | approx. 9.5 hours |
| Depth | 5–30 m | 12–32 m |
| Best for | Beginners, newly certified divers, refreshers | Experienced divers, Advanced Open Water, wreck fans |
| Highlight | Coral gardens, relaxed diving, plenty of light | Wreck, leopard sharks, wall with caves |
| Price per diver | ฿3,000 | ฿3,600 |
| Price snorkeller | ฿2,000 | ฿2,500 |
| Year round | Yes | Usually – the boat switches to Racha Yai in bad weather |
In short: one dive day only, freshly certified, or you simply want an easy, sunny day underwater? Then Racha Yai diving is your trip. If you want a real wreck and the chance of sharks, take the 3-dive trip to King Cruiser, Shark Point & Koh Dok Mai.
More diving & snorkeling tours from Phuket
- Diving in Phuket: every dive area at a glance – from Racha Yai to the Similan Islands.
- King Cruiser wreck, Shark Point & Koh Dok Mai – 3 dives – the dive day for experienced divers.
- Snorkelling in Phuket: which tour matches your ability? – overview of every snorkelling trip.
- Coral & Racha Island speedboat trip – Racha Yai from the surface instead of below it.
- Similan Islands by speed catamaran – Thailand’s best diving region (15 Oct–15 May only).
- Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay & Khai Island – the classic day out without a certification.
Questions about the trip, or not sure whether Racha Yai matches your certification? Message us on WhatsApp, LINE or by email – we usually reply within a few hours.
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6 reviews for Racha Yai Diving Day Trip from Phuket – 2 Guided Dives with Hotel Transfer
Michael Roth aus München – OWD – November 2025 –
Pünktlich wie ein Uhrwerk
Morgens 7:30 Patong Abholung, 8:30 Chalong los, 10:30 erster TG, Mittag, 13 Uhr zweiter TG, 15:30 zurück – alles wie beschrieben.
2 TGs flach 14-18m, Korallen, Schwärme, Muräne, Nemos ohne Ende. Mittag Thai Buffet an Bord. Leih-Set 500 Baht, 3mm Neo. Für 3.600 inkl. Transfer top Preis. Wer 3 tiefe TGs will: King Cruiser. Wer entspannt und früh zurück will: Racha Yai. Klare Empfehlung.
Kevin Brown, Canada – AOWD, 60 dives – December 2025 –
Good fun diving, viz varied
First dive morning: 20m viz, lovely. Second dive afternoon wind picked up, maybe 10m, still plenty of fish but no big stuff. That’s Racha Yai – easy, pretty, not Similan.
Guides good, groups small, rental gear okay. Lunch simple but plenty. Short boat ride, back by 4pm. Good for beginners, refresher or a relaxed day. Experienced divers wanting pelagics should book King Cruiser 3-dive trip instead. Fair price, I’d still recommend.
Tobias Lang aus Hamburg – AOWD, nach 2 Jahren Pause – Januar 2026 –
Ideal zum Reinkommen
Nach 2 Jahren Pause erst Racha Yai zum Eingewöhnen, danach King Cruiser – perfekte Reihenfolge. Flach, klar, keine Strömung, 2 entspannte TGs à 50 Minuten.
Guide Mini-Gruppe mit 3 Leuten, Briefing gut, hat Oktopus und Muräne gefunden. Mittag an Bord, Obst. Boot nicht überfüllt. Abholung Karon 7:45, zurück 16 Uhr. Täglich Abfahrt, also flexibel. Genau richtig für Anfang vom Urlaub.
Rachel Adams, Australia – OWD, 30 dives – February 2026 –
Easy day, husband snorkelled
Brought my non-diver husband for 2,600 – he snorkelled while I dived, same boat, same bays. He saw turtles from the surface!
For me two relaxed 50-min dives, viz 20m, hard coral gardens, huge schools. Guides small groups, good briefing. Lunch onboard, soft drinks all day. Everyday departure so we could pick a calm day. Back early enough for sunset in Kata. Perfect easy diving day.
Emily Clarke, UK – OWD, newly certified – March 2026 –
Perfect first dives after my Open Water
Got certified last month, this was ideal. Calm bays, 12-18m, no current, 29°C water. Instructor stayed with me, helped with buoyancy, never rushed.
Saw a turtle, blue-spotted stingray, pufferfish and a whole Nemo city. Boat only ~1h from Chalong, much shorter than Similan trips. Lunch buffet tasty, fruit between dives. Rental full set 500 baht fine. Back at hotel 4:30pm. Great confidence builder, thank you!
Vanessa Berger aus Köln – OWD, 10 Tauchgänge – April 2026 –
Entspannt, warm, wunderschön
Als Anfängerin mit 10 TGs genau richtig. Keine Strömung, 29 Grad warm – Shorty reicht, 5mm viel zu warm. Guide geduldig, hat Fotos von uns gemacht.
2 TGs Ost- und Westseite, Korallengärten, Schwärme, Schildkröte und Blaupunktrochen. Mittagsbuffet lecker, auch vegetarisch. Leihausrüstung sauber und heile. Kurze Anfahrt ab Chalong, zurück früh. Ich komme wieder!