Scuba Diving in South Andaman: My Top Pick for Your 2025 Diving Adventure

By Jaruda Techaruvichit Date 21 Jul 2025

Hey there, divers! I’m Jaruda, Thailand’s scuba diving expert, and I’m here to share my love for South Andaman, a scuba diving paradise that’s often overshadowed by the Similan Islands up north. Trust me, South Andaman is a hidden gem with vibrant reefs, incredible marine life, and fewer crowds, making it perfect for your next underwater adventure. I’ve had so many divers come back from South Andaman trips raving about their experiences, and I can’t wait to tell you why this destination should be on your 2025 radar. Let’s dive into the best dive sites, marine life, liveaboard options, and why booking with Giant Stride is the way to go!

Where is South Andaman?

South Andaman lies in the Andaman Sea, off Thailand’s west coast, stretching from Phuket toward the Malaysian border. It’s home to stunning islands like Koh Haa, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Rok, plus iconic dive sites like Shark Point and Koh Dok Mai. Most liveaboard trips depart from one of Phuket’s many piers (like Chalong Pier, Asia Marina Pier, Rassada Pier, and others), with some offering shuttle services from Phuket hotels or the airport. It’s super accessible and sets the stage for an unforgettable diving experience.

Dive Sites in the South Andaman Route

The dive sites you’ll hit depend on your trip’s length—usually 3 to 6 days—but I always recommend the most popular spots that divers can’t stop talking about. These are the regularly visited sites that make South Andaman special:

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang: These twin pinnacles are jaw-dropping, with vibrant pink and purple soft corals and steep walls teeming with life. Hin Daeng (“Red Rock”) is a magnet for big pelagics, while Hin Muang (“Purple Rock”) is a colorful wonderland.
Koh Haa (Five Islands): With its Cathedral Caves and shallow coral gardens, Koh Haa is perfect for all skill levels and a favorite for underwater photographers.
Koh Phi Phi: This area, including Phi Phi Ley, Bida Nok, and Bida Nai, has dramatic walls, coral bommies, and vibrant marine life. Bida Nok and Bida Nai, near Phi Phi, are known for their limestone pinnacles and frequent leopard shark sightings.
Koh Rok: Known for pristine reefs and calm lagoons, Koh Rok is a relaxing dive spot packed with vibrant corals and turtles.
Shark Point: Named for its leopard sharks, this pinnacle is covered in soft corals and schools of tropical fish.
Koh Doc Mai: A limestone wall dive with caves and overhangs, it’s a macro lover’s dream with nudibranchs and seahorses aplenty.
King Cruiser Wreck: This coral-encrusted sunken ferry is a thrilling dive for advanced divers, full of nooks to explore.

Things to See in the South Andaman Route

South Andaman’s underwater world feels like a secret treasure chest. Here’s what you’ll discover:

Vibrant Coral Reefs: Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, and Koh Rok are bursting with colorful soft and hard corals.
Unique Formations: Swim through pinnacles, caves, and drop-offs at Koh Haa and Koh Dok Mai.
Wrecks: The King Cruiser wreck is a must for adventure seekers, with corals covering every inch.
Scenic Beauty: Above water, enjoy crystal-clear seas and iconic spots like Koh Phi Phi’s Maya Bay.

Animals in the South Andaman Route

The marine life in South Andaman is what keeps divers coming back for more. My customers often share stories of incredible encounters, like:

Large Pelagics: Manta rays and whale sharks (especially February to April) steal the show at Hin Daeng and Shark Point, along with grey and whitetip reef sharks. Additional, leopard Sharks are Easily spotted around Bida Nok and Bida Nai in the Phi Phi area, these gentle giants are a diver favorite
Reef Fish: Schools of barracuda, snapper, trevally, and colorful tropical fish like angelfish and clownfish fill the reefs.
Macro Life: Koh Dok Mai is a hotspot for nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, mantis shrimp, and seahorses.
Turtles: Green and hawksbill turtles are common, especially around Koh Rok.
Other Critters: Look out for octopus, moray eels, and the occasional Napoleon wrasse.

Dive Conditions of the South Andaman Route

South Andaman’s diving season runs from early October to late May, with January to April being the prime months. Here’s what you need to know:

Visibility: Ranges from 10–30 meters, with up to 40 meters at Koh Haa and Koh Rok. Shark Point can be slightly murkier due to currents.
Water Temperature: A comfy 27–30°C, so a shorty or 3mm wetsuit is plenty.
Currents: Mild to moderate, with stronger currents at Hin Daeng and Shark Point during tidal shifts—perfect for drift diving.
Suitability: Most sites are beginner-friendly, but Hin Daeng and King Cruiser wreck often require Advanced Open Water certification for their depth and currents.

2025 Liveaboard to South Andaman

South Andaman’s remote dive sites are best explored by liveaboard, but trips are limited, with only a few running in early October and late May, and most concentrated between November and April. I always tell divers to book early because these trips fill up fast—sometimes months in advance! Most depart from one of Phuket’s piers, with some offering shuttles from Phuket, though a few start or end in Khao Lak, so always check your itinerary.

Here are my top picks for 2025 liveaboard operators, with their trip names and what makes each special:

Tapana Catamaran – “6D/5N South Andaman”: A modern catamaran with spacious cabins and personalized service for a comfortable dive trip. Starting Price: From 55,000 THB per person for a 5-day/4-night trip.
Aqua Thailand – “5D4N South Andaman (Phi Phi-Koh Haa-HinDaeng Hin Muang-Lipe)”: Eco-conscious operator with expert guides and small groups for an intimate diving experience. Starting Price: From 33,500 THB per person for a 5-day/4-night trip.
Aquarian – “6D5N South Andaman”: Offers a warm, family-like vibe with excellent Thai cuisine and a well-equipped dive deck. Starting Price: From 34,000 THB per person for a 6-day/5-night trip.
Krishna 2 – “4D3N South Andaman”: Budget-friendly with professional dive briefings and a focus on safety for all divers. Starting Price: From 27,500 THB per person for a 4-day/3-night trip.

For the ultimate adventure, I can’t recommend the 7-day, 6-night North and South Andaman trips enough. These special itineraries, offered during Christmas and New Year weeks, combine the best of South Andaman and the Similan Islands, giving you 22–25 dives in one trip. Each operator typically runs this trip twice a year—once for Christmas and once for New Year—and they sell out fast, sometimes a year in advance. If you have the time, book this trip to explore the entire Andaman Sea in one go!

Jaruda’s Trip: My Personal Recommendations

I’ve sent so many divers to South Andaman, and I’m passionate about helping you plan the perfect trip. Here’s my advice to make your South Andaman adventure unforgettable:

Check the Itinerary: Most trips begin and end at a Phuket pier (like Chalong Pier, Asia Marina Pier, Rassada Pier, or others), but some may start or end in Khao Lak, Phang nga. Double-check your itinerary and confirm if transportation is included, and if you’re meeting at the pier, verify the departure pier.
Plan Around Phuket: Since most South Andaman trips start and end in Phuket, I recommend adding a few days to explore the island. Check out my Phuket Travel Guide for local attractions, cozy places to stay, and authentic spots to eat like a local.
Book Early: With only a few trips in early October and late May plan ahead to secure your spot—these trips fill up quickly!
King Cruiser Wreck Prep: If your itinerary includes the King Cruiser wreck, get your Advanced Open Water certification to fully enjoy this deeper dive site.
Go for the 7D6N Trip: If you can swing it, book the 7-day, 6-night North and South Andaman trip during Christmas or New Year week—it’s the best way to dive the entire Andaman Sea in one incredible journey.

Why Book with Giant Stride

At Giant Stride, we're proud to offer a diving experience that’s all about you. Here’s why booking with us makes all the difference:

Experts in Thailand Diving: Giant Stride’s team is available 24/7 to answer any questions, from dive conditions to travel logistics and planning beyond diving. Ask us—we’re happy to help!
Free DAN Dive Insurance: Every liveaboard trip booking includes complimentary DAN Dive Insurance for your peace of mind.
Best Prices Guaranteed: We offer competitive pricing and exclusive deals on 2025 liveaboards, ensuring you get the best value for your trip.

Conclusion

South Andaman is my go-to recommendation for divers seeking vibrant reefs, incredible marine life, and a quieter alternative to the Similan Islands. Whether you choose a 3–6 day liveaboard or the epic 7-day North and South Andaman trip, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime. With limited trips available, don’t wait—reach out to Giant Stride today to book your 2025 South Andaman liveaboard and dive into the Andaman Sea’s hidden treasures!

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