Itinerary Summary
Arrive in Phuket and meet your dive centre for gear fitting on day one. Day two is a guided discover-scuba or snorkel trip to Racha Island, day three a Phi Phi dive day over coral reefs and fish, and…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Phuket Arrival and a Dive Centre Gear Check
14:00
1.5h
Phuket airport transfer to Chalong
Chalong is the dive hub on the southeast coast, about an hour from the airport. Pre-book a transfer or use the airport desk, and ask the driver to drop you at the pier end of the road.
📍 Phuket International Airport to Chalong
17:00
1.5h
Dive centre paperwork and gear fit
Bring your certification card or logbook, complete the medical questionnaire honestly, and have your mask and fins fitted before the first boat day. Rental gear is limited in high season.
📍 Chalong dive centre, Phuket
19:00
1.5h
Dinner on Chalong pier road
The pier road has seafood restaurants used by dive crews. Eat light and skip alcohol the night before a first dive, since hydration and sleep affect equalisation.
📍 Chalong pier road, Phuket
💡 Pro Tip: Thailand is UTC+7. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Thailand visa section before travel. Do not fly within 24 hours after your last dive, so plan the final day accordingly. Choose a PADI-certified centre and disclose ear, lung and heart conditions on the medical form. Chalong is the dive hub on the southeast coast; pre-booked airport transfers are cheaper than curb taxis.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$42035%
Beach hotels near the dive centre, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$24020%
Seafood BBQ, energy bowls and coconut water
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to dive around Phuket, Racha and Phi Phi?+
November to April is the dry season, with calmer seas, better visibility and easier boat crossings. March and April can be the clearest. The May to October monsoon brings swell, reduced visibility and cancelled trips, though some operators still run sheltered sites on calm days.
Do I need a diving certification to join the Racha and Phi Phi trips?+
No. A discover-scuba programme lets beginners try a first dive with an instructor, usually after a short briefing and pool or shallow-water session. Certified divers can join guided reef dives. If you want to dive independently on future trips, complete an open-water course before you arrive.
How long before my flight can I dive on the last day in Phuket?+
Do not fly within 24 hours of your last dive. For this five-day route, schedule diving for days two and three, keep day four dive-free, and fly out on day five. If you plan repeated or deeper dives, check a dive computer or your instructor's guidance for longer surface intervals.
How much extra should divers budget for a five-day Phuket trip?+
The base range is about $900-1,500 (roughly EUR 780-1,300) per person excluding international flights. That covers hotels, two guided dive or snorkel days and equipment rental. Certification courses, extra dives, a camera rental and private guides sit on top, so confirm what each dive centre includes.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Active · approx. $900–1,500 (≈ €780–1,300), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Diving & Water Sports
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