Best Scuba Diving In Asia - Diving Phuket Island And The Adaman Sea

When it comes to great Scuba Dive sites and scuba diving opportunities in Asia most dive professionals agree that the place to be is Phuket Thailand. Don't let the funny name intimidate you (its pronounced "Poo-get") - for divers Phuket translates into "Paradise"

Phuket has been called the 'Pearl of the South' and for scuba divers it's certainly the gem of Asia diving. This island paradise rests in the Adaman Sea lying only 8 degrees north of the equator. The Island has a year round tropical climate with an average water temperature of 78°F. The waters surrounding Phuket Island are home to an astonishing variety of undersea life. Below the surface of the Adaman sea is a feast for the eyes of scuba divers. Vast panoramas of corals explode with color. Tropical fish species abound. Manta rays and the majestic whale shark are not uncommon sites. The warm clear waters and wealth of marine life of Phuket make it a must for Asia Divers and underwater photographers.

The Adaman is home to one of the most spectacular coral reefs on the planet, attracting divers worldwide. More than 3000 different types of fish and over 500 unique corals have been identified and catalogued to date in this area. According to regional naturalists there are still hundreds, maybe even thousands of species of undiscovered marine life among the denizens of these reefs. During your Scuba trip to Phuket it is possible that you may be the first to document, photograph and perhaps even name a new species. The known species that inhabit the reef that you will likely see during your Asian Scuba Dive include various varieties of Shark including the Leopard Shark, an unmistakable shark due to its long caudal fin that runs the almost the length of its entire body, the astounding Whale Shark, the harmless yet largest fish in the sea, and may other species of reef shark including gray, white and blacked tip. Moray Eels of two varieties, the Giant Moray and the Fimbriated Moray are just two of the fascinating fish you will encounter on your Phuket dive. Scuba Divers in this area are also treated to views of Scorpion Fishes, Stone Fishes, Groupers and Basslets.

Not to be outdone, the reefs off of Phuket are also home to an amazing array of crustaceans and other underwater invertebrates such as sponges and sea worms. The White Spotted Hermit crab one of the largest of the species is common here, as is the unique "Dancing Shrimp" so named for the unusual way it scuttles about the crevices of the reef which resembles a tango. Reptiles also make their apperance known here as divers in the waters of Asia's Adaman Sea can also see a variety of Sea Snakes and Sea Turtles.

Southeast Asia, Thailand and the Adaman Sea can certainly lay claim to being one of Asia's best scuba diving locations with over 100 different dive sites, the most dazzling display of corals, temperate water and spectacular underwater life to be found any where in the world.