Thailand : Scuba School : April 2019

THE SCUBA PLACE
WHERE TO DIVE : ASIA
THAILAND


PHUKET
In recent years Koh Phi Phi Island has gained a reputation as a spectacular tourist destination, one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world. But most people still don’t realise that Phi Phi is equally beautiful underwater. Phi Phi Island and the surrounding Phang-Nga Bay are spectacular limestone rocks created thousands of years ago. Many rise dramatically upward with sheer sides and have numerous caves where fearless men on bamboo scaffolding climb up to gather swallows nests (nok nang ann) for bird’s nest soup.
To the north, in Phang Nga Bay, is one of the worlds largest mangrove tracts, and it is in this dark and muddy sanctuary that an surprising amount of colourful reef fish are born and reared. In fact, without the mangrove providing shelter and food to so many marine species, the spectacular underwater landscape you are about to see on your first dive wouldn’t exist.
The dive sites vary enormously, ranging from sheer walls with a different creature in every nook and cranny, to craggy rock outcroppings surrounded by a smooth sandy bottom. Because of the abundance of nutrients in the water, these sites are rich in filter feeding mollusks such as clams, giant oysters and scallops. Golden gorgonian fans wave in the currents, while crinoids, starfish and anemones cling to every available surface. This is the perfect place to get out your macro lens and try and find a rare pink and white nudibranchs. If you’re lucky, you may spot something at the very top of the chain: "shallam wan" or whaleshark!
Hin Musang or Shark Rock, as it translates, rises out of the water from the surrounding depths of 18-20 meters. Considering the small extent of the rock above water, the actual size of the reef underwater is a big surprise to most divers. Beginning from the relatively steep main rock
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pinnacle, the reef flattens out to the south rising two more times to just below the surface at the other two pinnacle that make up the reefs structure.
The second pinnacle, depending on the currents is an excellent place to start the dive. Like many places in Thailand, Shark Point’s most colourful feature is the profusion of the purple and pink soft corals that cling to the rock. The currents sweeping over the pinnacle’s provide food a- plenty for the hundreds of different species of hard corals and limitless tropical fish species. The name of the site comes from the common Leopard (Zebra) Shark (Stegastoma Varium), a docile creature that can be found lying in the sandy bottom surrounding the pinnacles. These completely reachable, trusting sharks grow to a length of a little over 2 meters, and most divers think that they are one of the "cutest" sharks in the ocean.
Due South of Phuket lie two classic tropical islands, Koh Racha Yai (Big Racha) and Koh Racha Noi (Little Racha). Both islands feature fringing hard coral reefs with an abundance of fish life, including octopus, cuttle fish, and moray eels. You can always find territorial triggerfish and large schools of blue line and yellow tail snapper. Both Islands are especially good for non- divers, plenty of shallow bays with big coral heads – ideal snorkelling territory.
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KATA BEACH RESORT
The hotel is beautiful – with superior grade rooms on the beach and off “the circuit” for some serious relaxation, and yet still with easy access to a vast array of bars restaurants to dine out and sample delicious local cuisine.
Indulge in your very own tropical escape and be greeted with a warm Thai welcome at the Kata Beach Resort and Spa. Located on the popular Kata beach in Phuket, the resort boasts blissful ocean views out across the Andaman Sea with the golden sands of Kata Beach a matter of steps from the resort.
With Sea Fun Divers, our preferred dive centre, diving Kata Beach in Phuket is available all year long. Free transport from Kata Beach to the dive centre at Katathani Beach Resort is provided and morning dives are followed by an on-board Thai buffet during your surface interval.
The diving will take in the major attractions of Shark Point, Racha Yai, Book Bay with possibility of getting down to the stunning Sea-Mounts of Hin Muang/Hin Daeng if conditions allow. There are both Reefs & Wrecks – and some pretty BIG dives to be had out there... Nitrox is included for all qualified divers so no nasty extras bill at the end of the week.
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SIMILAN ISLANDS
The Similan Islands are by far the most spectacular group of dive sites that Thailand has to offer and are on par with some of the best diving destinations worldwide.
Located about 100 km northwest of Phuket, the Similans consist of nine granite islands covered in lush, tropical, jungle foliage, surrounded by sparkling clear blue oceans. The beaches are made up of the finest white powdery sand and literally melt into the warm tropical waters.
The underwater scenery features beautiful hard and soft coral gardens. As well you will find huge granite boulders and dramatic rock formations including: holes, overhangs, swim throughs and canyons. Drift diving is possible here as divers use the current to propel them along the vibrantly rich reefs teeming with unusual and interesting marine life.
Koh Bon is only a short cruise North of the Similan Islands and is without doubt the best site for Manta Rays. The dive site follows a ridge, covered in pastel shaded soft corals, which drops to depths of 35-40m. Mantas are often spotted over the ridge or in the deep water to the South. Leopard sharks are also common in the deeper water and this is a good location to find the elusive purple fire goby.
Some 50 nautical miles North of the Similan Islands lies one of the best known dive sites in Asia. Just breaking the surface at low tide, Richelieu Rock is probably your best chance to have the whale shark experience.
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MV SAWASDEE FASAI
MV Sawasdee FaSai is a large and luxurious purpose-built scuba diving liveaboard boat, and the newest addition to our fleet. The boat has just undergone a full refit in 2016 in preparation for the upcoming Similan Islands diving season.
With a steel hull and air-conditioned en-suite cabins, guests are guaranteed to enjoy safe and comfortable four day and four night dive cruise at Thailand's best dive sites around the Similan and Surin national marine parks. After diving one of the most famous dive sites, rest and indulge yourselves with our fantastic cuisine in our relaxing indoor and open dining areas. Thai and European main meal dishes and continental breakfast. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with snacks in between. Plenty of fresh seafood and fresh vegetables. Buffet-style service in dining room on main deck. Fresh coffee, tea and drinking water are free of charge 24 hours per day. Soft drinks and local beers also available for purchase. Facilities, such as the 35 square metre saloon (with TV/DVD player, free Wi-Fi internet and Play Station), dining room and the huge 72 square metre sundeck give guests plenty of space to relax between dives. Both the saloon and dining room are air-conditioned, and you also have access to a large shaded deck area on the main deck, for those that prefer fresh air but aren't sun worshippers.
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THAILAND GALLERY
© Tourism Authority of Thailand and © Johan Torfason for Sea Fun Divers


THE SCUBA PLACE
SCUBA SCHOOL
BEST OF THAILAND - PHUKET AND SIMILAN ISLANDS
Resort & Liveaboard -OR- Resort Only
13 night itinerary: Friday 12 April to Friday 26 April 2019 **SONGKRAN FESTIVAL**
PRICE : 13 night itinerary : Resort & Liveaboard
£3000 per person based on double occupancy £2659 per person for non-diver
PRICE: 13 night itinerary : Resort Only
£2759 per person based on double occupancy £2379 per person for non-diver
£500 non-refundable deposit per person to reserve space
balance due 12 weeks prior to departure
Booking Conditions at www.comedivewithus.co.uk/bookingconditions ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ FLIGHT DETAILS :
* Actual ight schedule not yet published. The following schedule is o ered as a guideline only. Final arrangements will be con rmed when the schedule is published by the airline
Friday 12 April 2019 : Emirates Airlines departing : BHX - Birmingham
via: DXB - Dubai
arriving : HKT - Phuket on Saturday 13 April 2019
Friday 26 April 2019 : Emirates Airlines departing : HKT - Phuket
via : DXB - Dubai
arriving : BHX - Birmingham
details : economy seating, 23kg checked baggage plus size restricted hand baggage allowance
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ACCOMMODATION DETAILS : 13 night itinerary : Resort & Liveaboard
Beyond Resort Kata : Phuket, Thailand
check in : Saturday 13 April 2019 check out : Saturday 20 April 2019 details : twin room, bed & breakfast board
Sea Fun Divers : Phuket, Thailand
details : 5 days with 2 to 3 dives daily, free NITROX for certi ed divers
LIVEABOARD DETAILS:
MV Sawasdee Fasai : Phuket, Thailand
check in : Saturday 20 April 2019
check out : Wednesday 24 April 2019
details : twin cabin, full board, beer and soft drinks extra
West Coast Divers : Phuket, Thailand
details : 4 days diving with 2 to 4 dives per day, free NITROX for certi ed divers
[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.thescubaplace.co.uk


THE SCUBA PLACE
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS:
Beyond Resort Kata : Phuket, Thailand
check in : Wednesday 24 April 2019 check out : Friday 26 April 2019
details : twin room, bed & breakfast board
__________________________________________________________________________ ACCOMMODATION DETAILS : 13 night itinerary : Resort Only
Beyond Resort Kata : Phuket, Thailand
check in : Saturday 13 April 2019 check out : Friday 26 April 2019
details : twin room, bed & breakfast board
Sea Fun Divers : Phuket, Thailand
details : 5 days with 2 to 3 dives daily, free NITROX for certi ed divers
__________________________________________________________________________ TRANSFERS:
All airport and local transfers included __________________________________________________________________________ NOT INCLUDED:
• airline upgrades : we can arrange for higher class seating and/or extra baggage, please contact us for up to date pricing
• accommodation extras : additional meals, alcoholic beverages, wi
• liveaboard extras : equipment rental, National Park Entry fee (1800 baht/diver payable in cash when
boarding), DIN adaptor rental, 15ltr tank rental, beer and soft drinks extra
• single supplements : £649 for Resort & Liveaboard itinerary, £300 for Resort Only itinerary ________________________________________________________________________________ BOOKING DETAILS:
To book this trip please contact us 020 7644 8252 or at [email protected]
Any change in pricing due to ight availability or other circumstances will be disclosed and discussed at time of booking.
Tickets and full travel documentation for group travel will be issued to all passengers 2 weeks prior to departure. All passengers will receive con rmation of their booking and receipt for deposit or any payment immediately after processing along with an ATOL certi cate.
Passenger names as listed on passport, together with passport number and expiry date, date of birth and nationality is required for each passenger travelling before nal documents can be distributed.
Travel and Diving Insurance are mandatory.
Please review all Booking Conditions www.comedivewithus.co.uk/bookingconditions Thank you!
[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.thescubaplace.co.uk