A few things worth knowing before you dive.

Phuket is a big island, and where you stay matters when you're diving. Day boats leave from Chalong Pier in the south, and a place that looks close on the map can mean a surprisingly long drive in Phuket traffic.

Rawai and Nai Harn are convenient for Chalong while still giving you beaches, restaurants and plenty to do. Kata and Karon are also practical choices, while Patong is better for nightlife but farther from the pier.

Dive equipment is easy to rent, so there's no need to travel with your own unless you want to.

And don't forget to plan your flight home around your final dive. After several days of diving, allow at least 18 hours before flying.

Phuket's rainy season runs – calendaristically – from May to October, but that doesn't mean six months of constant rain. There are beautiful sunny days, short tropical downpours and, occasionally, days when the weather really does have other plans.

For diving, wind and sea conditions matter more than the rain. The southwest monsoon can make some sites rough or unsuitable. But low season can be fantastic. There are fewer divers in the water, and we've had some of our best wildlife encounters during these quieter months.

A little flexibility helps.
Low season also means fewer divers visiting Phuket, so we may not run our own boat every day. When we don't, we can join one of the smaller boats we work with instead. If your dates are flexible, get in touch and we'll let you know what we're planning and which days look best.

We have yet to be rained on below the waterline.