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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 slice of paradise in the Andaman Sea, a short boat ride from Phuket. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, spectacular coral reefs, and diverse marine life, Racha Island offers an unparalleled diving experience for both novice and seasoned divers. The island's underwater landscape is a vibrant tapestry of color and life, featuring everything from gentle sloping coral reefs to dramatic underwater pinnacles and swim-throughs. Whether you're looking to complete your first dive certification or seeking thrilling encounters with larger marine species, Racha Island provides a perfect backdrop for your diving adventures. Explore the island's two main diving areas, Racha Yai and Racha Noi, each offering unique underwater experiences and challenges. Dive into this guide to discover the best that Racha Island has to offer, from the most captivating dive sites to the mesmerizing array of sea creatures waiting to be encountered.

Diving Season in Racha Island

Timing Your Dive: The Best Seasons to ExploreRacha Island

The best time for diving at Racha Island aligns with Phuket's broader diving season, running from November through April. 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 visibility that often exceeds 30 meters (98 feet). This season offers the clearest views of Racha's underwater wonders and its flourishing marine life. 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

Manta ray

Anemone fish

Nudibranch

Shrimp

Sea anemone

Soft Coral

Hard Coral

Turtle

Barracuda

Butterflyfish

Lionfish

Parrot fish

Racha Island Marine Life Sighting Calendar

HHigh chance

MMedium chance

LLow chance

-No sighting

The Marine Marvels of Racha Island: Animals and Seasons

Racha Island is a sanctuary for an incredible variety of marine species. The waters around the island are teeming with life, from the smallest nudibranchs and colorful reef fish to majestic manta rays and the occasional whale shark. Divers can enjoy close encounters with moray eels, sea turtles, and schools of barracuda that frequent the area. The coral reefs around Racha Yai and Racha Noi are healthy and vibrant, supporting a rich biodiversity that makes every dive an exciting exploration.

Racha Island Diving Conditions

Recommended scuba diving level
Beginner and above

Water temperature

27°C - 30°C

Underwater visibility

20M - 30M

Underwater current

Mild - Moderate

Depth

3m - 30m+

Weather

Temperature: 28°C - 35°C Monsoon season: Jun - Sep

Underwater hazard

Strong Current

Racha Island offers favorable diving conditions suitable for a range of diving preferences and skill levels: Water Temperature: The surrounding waters are pleasantly warm year-round, ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F), making for comfortable dives. Underwater Visibility: Visibility at Racha Island is often excellent, reaching up to 30 meters (98 feet) or more, providing clear views of the vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Currents: Currents around Racha Island can vary, with conditions ranging from calm to moderately strong, offering opportunities for both relaxed and drift diving experiences. Depth: The dive sites around the island cater to all levels, with shallow areas for beginners and deeper spots for advanced divers seeking more challenging dives. Weather: The prime diving season offers the best weather conditions, with calm seas and sunny skies enhancing the underwater visibility and overall dive experience. Hazards: While diving at Racha Island is generally safe, divers should remain aware of their surroundings and potential for strong currents, especially around Racha Noi. Racha Island is a premier diving destination near Phuket that captivates divers with its clear waters, abundant marine life, and diverse underwater landscapes. Whether it's your first dive or one among many, Racha Island promises an adventure that will deepen your love for the underwater world and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.