Racha Noi & Racha Yai

Dive into Racha Island, Phuket's underwater gem! Experience crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Perfect for divers of all skills. Your aquatic adventure awaits!

Diving into the Depths: The Allure of Racha Island

Racha Island, also known as Raya Island, is a one hour boat ride from Phuket. The island is known for its crystal clear water and calm diving condition despite being close to the mainland. Given its accessibility and diving conditions, Racha Island is a top destination for both skilled divers and beginner scuba divers. Racha Island underwater scene includes gentle coral reef slope, shipwreck and artificial reef. When you start your scuba diving journey in Phuket to get a scuba diving certification, Racha Island is the go to place among the top dive centers on the island. Or if you are an experienced diver, Racha Island will provide you with a perfect adventure on a short day trip. Racha Island has two main sites Racha Yai and Racha Noi. Each offers a unique experience and challenge. If you have a short time and want to go diving, Racha Island is the perfect place for your adventure.

Timing Your Dive: The Best Seasons to ExploreRacha Island

The best time for diving at Racha Island runs from November through April. The season aligns with Phuket's best season. During these months, divers can enjoy the calmest sea conditions, optimum water temperatures between 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). And the visibility often exceeds 30 meters (98 feet). As these months also mark the peak tourist season in Phuket, advanced booking of dive trips and accommodation is advisable to secure the best experience at Racha Island.

Racha Island Diverse Marine Life

Whale shark

Whale shark

Manta ray

Manta ray

Anemone fish

Anemone fish

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

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

Racha Island 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
Barracuda

Barracuda

MMMMMMMMMMMM

The Marine Marvels of Racha Island: Animals and Seasons

Racha Island is a home for an incredible variety of marine species. The animal ranges from the smallest nudibranchs, colorful reef fish, majestic manta rays and the occasional whale shark. Divers can also enjoy close encounters with local species like moray eels, sea turtles, and schools of barracuda. The coral reefs around Racha Yai and Racha Noi are healthy and vibrant. Divers can explore the whole day and still find something new to look at.

Racha Island Diving Conditions

Recommended scuba diving level
Beginner and above

Water temperature27°C - 30°C
Underwater visibility20M - 30M
Underwater currentMild - Moderate
Depth3m - 30m+
WeatherTemperature: 28°C - 35°C Monsoon season: Jun - Sep
Underwater hazardStrong Current
Racha Island offers favorable diving conditions suitable for all diver at all skill level

Water Temperature: The temperature is from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F)

Underwater Visibility: Visibility at Racha Island is often excellent, reaching up to 30 meters (98 feet)

Currents: Current is calm most of the time, divers can expect a gentle drift in some area.

Depth: The depth is starting from 5 to 30 meters, however the site is gentle slope. Diver will not get push down to dangerous depth

Weather: During prime diving season, it offers calm seas and sunny skies enhancing the underwater visibility and overall dive experience.

Hazards: Boat Traffic and venomous animal underwater

Racha Island is a diving destination near Phuket that awes divers with its clear waters, shipwreck, and its ease of diving. Racha Island promises an adventure that will make you fall in love with the underwater world around Phuket. 

Explore Which Experience Is Best For You

Discover your perfect Racha Island 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 Racha Island and across Thailand. Explore our website to find the perfect experience for you, from beginner dives to advanced expeditions.