Coral Island Diving Phuket
Discover Scuba Diving at Coral Island
A Discover Scuba Dive (DSD) at Coral Island is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to discover the underwater world for the first time. The boat ride to the island takes just 15 minutes, the reefs are in shallow water and very close to shore so you can just walk out from the beach with your PADI dive instructor and start in waist high water.
This is a great option for anyone who is a bit unsure if they will like diving or not. Because if you don’t enjoy it you just stop and get out of the water and enjoy the beach for the rest of the day. You can go snorkeling or try para-sailing or banana boating instead (there is an extra charge for these activities). Or just relax on a beach chair. And the price is cheap at just 2,800 baht per person for a day trip including transfers and lunch on the island.
Compare this to the normal Discover Scuba diving program which visits Racha Yai Island, 80 minutes boat ride away from Phuket. All day is spent on the dive boat which is fine unless you suffer from sea sickness. There is no chance to visit the beach. Diving starts by jumping from the boat and descending into water 2-3 metres deep which is a bit more challenging for anyone who is nervous. If you don’t enjoy it you just have to spend all day on the boat. The price is 4,900 baht for 2 dives.
The reefs are nicer at Racha Yai but we think that Coral Island is a good alternative as a cheap and easy intro for anyone who just wants a taste of diving. It’s also more fun for non diving partners who can enjoy the beach while you try diving.
Compare Discover Scuba Diving Programs:
| Racha Yai | Coral Island | |
| Boat trip duration: | 80 mins each way by dive boat | 15 mins each way by speedboat |
| Beach visit? | No. All day is on the boat | Yes. Beach chair included in the price |
| # of dives: | 2 | 1 |
| Dive starts from: | Jump off the boat | Walk off the beach |
| Other activities? | Snorkeling / Swimming | Snorkeling / Swimming / Para-sail / Banana Boat |
| Lunch | Buffet on the boat | At the beach restaurant |
| Price | 4,900 baht | 2,800 baht |
| Price for non diver | 1,800 baht | 1,400 baht |
| Price for child (up to 11) | 1,800 baht | 900 baht |
