Scuba Diving at Koh Doc Mai

Set off on an adventure to Koh Doc Mai in Phuket. Be amazed by the stunning wall dives and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine creatures waiting to be explored in the Andaman Seas hidden gems. Dive into this paradise today!

Diving into the Depths: The Allure of Koh Doc Mai

Off the coast of Phuket lies Koh Doc Mai—a gem in the Andaman Sea beloved by divers for its vertical wall dives and diverse marine life thriving in its coral gardens, below the surface waters. This tropical island covered in jungle is known as 'Flower Island' in Thai due to its underwater landscapes that resemble a blooming garden. Divers of varying expertise will discover something to behold at Koh Doc Mai; from those who appreciate the details of macro photography to those seeking the elusive presence of majestic pelagic fish gliding through the waters. Whether you're embarking on your exploration or adding another entry to your diving logbook, Koh Doc Mai provides an extraordinary underwater adventure with a mix of captivating marine habitats close to Phuket – from enigmatic cave formations, to bustling overhangs brimming with marine life. Come along with us as we explore the reasons why Koh Doc Mai's a must go destination, for diving lovers like yourself! Learn about the times to dive in this area and get ready to witness the underwater world it has to offer while picking up some useful tips to make your diving experience even more memorable at this captivating location.

Timing Your Dive: The Best Seasons to ExploreKoh Doc Mai

The peak time for diving at Koh Doc Mai coincides with Phuket's prime diving season between November and April when the weather is ideal for adventures. Seas and warm waters ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) with visibility reaching up to 20 meters (65 feet). These months offer divers the opportunity to explore the island's vertical walls and colorful coral gardens in optimal conditions. Scheduling your excursion during this period guarantees not only an amazing underwater adventure, but also pleasant weather for exploring Phuket's above ground sights and activities.

Koh Doc Mai Diverse Marine Life

Whale shark

Whale shark

Leopard shark

Leopard shark

Blacktip reef shark

Blacktip reef shark

Anemone fish

Anemone fish

Box fish

Box fish

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

Octopus

Octopus

Shrimp

Shrimp

Sea anemone

Sea anemone

Soft Coral

Soft Coral

Hard Coral

Hard Coral

Turtle

Turtle

Barracuda

Barracuda

Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish

Lionfish

Lionfish

Parrot fish

Parrot fish

Koh Doc Mai Marine Life Sighting Calendar

HHigh chance
MMedium chance
LLow chance
-No sighting
ANIMAL
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Anemone fish

Anemone fish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Parrot fish

Parrot fish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Lionfish

Lionfish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Soft Coral

Soft Coral

HHHHHHHHHHHH

The Marine Marvels of Koh Doc Mai: Animals and Seasons

Be amazed by the variety of life that Koh Doc Mai has to offer! The stunning walls of the site are beautifully decorated with corals and sea fans where a multitude of creatures reside peacefully. Macro photography enthusiasts will be thrilled by the abundance of nudibranchs,ghost pipefish​ and seahorses that can be found here​ while encounters with moray eels​ leopard sharks​ or even an occasional whale shark can add excitement to any divers' experience. Explorers will find delight in uncovering the hidden treasures within the crevice caves which provide a captivating environment for diving adventures. 

Koh Doc Mai Diving Conditions

Recommended scuba diving level
Open Water with Experience

Water temperature27°C - 30°C
Underwater visibility15M - 20M
Underwater currentModerate to Strong
Depth5m - 30m
WeatherTemperature: 28°C - 35°C Monsoon season: Jun - Sep
Underwater hazardStrong currents, sharp objects in caves
At Koh Doc Mai, there are diving conditions that cater to different levels of expertise.

Water Temperature: The water temperature remains consistently warm throughout the year ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F, to 86°F) allowing divers to prolong their experiences comfortably for a period. 

Underwater Visibility: The visibility underwater at Koh Doc Mai is usually quite good. Ranges between 15 to 25 meters ( 49, to 82 feet) providing clear views of the coral walls and the diverse marine creatures that inhabit the area. 

Currents: The location has gentle to moderate currents that cater to divers with basic experience but also provide a challenge for those wanting to improve their drift diving abilities. 

Depth: The diving spots, near Koh Doc Mai offer depths for divers of all skill levels. From beginners to advanced enthusiasts! The steep vertical walls are ideal for deep dives. The shallower areas cater well to those just starting out in diving. 

Weather: The ideal time for diving is from November to April when the weather is dry and the seas are calm with skies. Ideal conditions for exploring underwater!

Hazards: Be careful of currents. Navigate with caution around the walls and cave openings to ensure a safe diving experience for yourself. 

The wonders of Koh Doc Mai showcase the scenery of Phuket, with a mix of wall dives and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine creatures to delight divers exploring the depths or capturing the intricate beauty of macro life underwater, in the Andaman Sea—a truly memorable diving experience awaits. 

Explore Which Experience Is Best For You

Discover your perfect Koh Doc Mai scuba diving tour with Giant Stride! We offer a variety of options and price ranges to fit your budget and diving style. Browse our collection of dive center vendors to find your ideal experience.

Ready To Book Your Adventure With Giant Stride?

Giant Stride is the destination for booking and comparing scuba diving adventures and prices in Koh Doc Mai and across Thailand. Explore our website to find the perfect experience for you, from beginner dives to advanced expeditions.