Thailand : Come Dive with Us : April 2018

THE SCUBA PLACE

THAILANDWHERE TO DIVE : ASIA

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.

[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.thescubaplace.co.uk

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 PAWARA

Refitted especially for this season, the MV Pawara is now equipped with large hull stabilisers and
improved keel for maximum comfort at sea. Enjoy fully serviced dive trips and first class facilities
including air conditioned rooms, NITROX availability, traditional Thai style decoration,
comfortable living area and entertainment facilities and WiFi in selected areas.

The marine wildlife here is world class – with oceanic pelagics and macro critters in abundance.
The biodiversity of coral growth is impressive with huge gorgonians and carpets of soft multi-
coloured corals covering the reef wall. This trip up to the Similan Islands provides for some
serious dives off the beaten track... Beyond Elephant Head Rock & Christmas Point we will
venture north to get to world famous Richelieu Rock – simply stunning diving for all.

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THAILAND GALLERY

© Tourism Authority of Thailand and © Johan Torfason for Sea Fun Divers

THE SCUBA PLACE

BEST OF THAILAND - PHUKET AND SIMILAN ISLANDS
14 NIGHT ITINERARY : Friday 13 April to Friday 27 April 2018
PRICE:
£2749 per person based on double occupancy
£500 non-refundable deposit per person

balance due 13 weeks prior to departure
Booking Conditions at www.thescubaplace.co.uk/booking-conditions.asp
FLIGHT DETAILS:
Friday 13 April 2018 : Emirates Airlines 12/396

departing : LGW - Gatwick at 10:00
arriving : DXB - Dubai at 19:55 (GMT+4)
departing : DXB - Dubai at 22:00 (GMT+4)
arriving : HKT - Phuket at 07:20 (GMT+7/next day)
Friday 27 April 2018 : Emirates Airlines 397/9
departing : HKT - Phuket at 09:10 (GMT+7)
arriving : DXB - Dubai at 12:40 (GMT+4)
departing : DXB - Dubai at 14:55 (GMT+4)
arriving : LGW - Gatwick at 19:45
details : economy seating, 23kg checked baggage plus size restricted hand
baggage allowance
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS:
Kata Beach Resort : Phuket, Thailand
check in : Saturday 14 April 2018
check out : Saturday 21 April 2018
details : twin room, bed & breakfast board

DIVING:

Sea Fun Divers : Phuket, Thailand
details : 5 days with 2 to 3 dives daily, free NITROX for certified divers

LIVEABOARD DETAILS:
MV Pawara Liveaboard : Phuket, Thailand

check in : Saturday 21 April 2018
check out : Wednesday 25 April 2018
details : twin cabin, full board

[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.thescubaplace.co.uk

THE SCUBA PLACE

DIVING:

West Coast Divers : Phuket, Thailand
details : 4 days diving with 2 to 4 dives per day, free NITROX for certified divers

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS:
Kata Beach Resort : Phuket, Thailand

check in : Wednesday 25 April 2018
check out : Friday 27 April 2018
details : twin room, bed & breakfast board
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

BOOKING DETAILS:
To book this trip please contact us 020 7644 8252 or at [email protected]
Any change in pricing due to flight availability or other circumstances will be disclosed
and discussed at time of booking.
Please note there is a 2% processing fee for Visa and MasterCard credit cards and 3.5%
for Amex. There is no fee for payment by debit card or bank transfer.
Tickets and full travel documentation for group travel will be issued to all passengers 2
weeks prior to departure. All passengers will receive confirmation of their booking and
receipt for deposit or any payment immediately after processing along with an ATOL
certificate.
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 final
documents can be distributed.
Travel and Diving Insurance are mandatory.
Please review all Booking Conditions www.thescubaplace.co.uk/booking-conditions.asp
Thank you!

[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.thescubaplace.co.uk