On this particular Friday morning, I left my blinds wide open and let the early morning sun’s rays wake me up. Why? Because today was the day I go out to, and under, the sea.
By: Christopher Lee
Phuket as a scubadive destination, has a rich history, with great pier and boat access to many dive sites around the Andaman that are within close proximity. Names like the Similans, Koh Racha Yai, and Phi Phi may ring bells for the accomplished divers amongst you. Phuket’s high season coincides with the diving season, so from November to April expect, crystal-clear waters and balmy temperatures ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius., As a forewarning it’s a necessity to book onto the boat, or else you’ll be enjoying the view from the pier. The area around Phuket is renowned for not just its diverse marine life, but also the stunning dive sites including wrecks, caves, walls, and vibrant coral gardens on limestone and granite islands. The promise of encounters with large pelagic species like manta rays and whale sharks had lured me here, and I was ready for the adventure of a lifetime. But I have to say, I’m no dive master. My chosen guide for this aquatic expedition was Sea Bees Diving, a company with a reputation for excellence who have won the prestigious Gold Dolphin Award 10 times, the Thailand Tourism Award 3 times, and 30 years in the industry. Spending time out of my comfort zone and under the sea made me want to ensure I was in safe hands, and as a natural stress-head, they did well to calm my nerves.
Located in Chalong, just around the corner from the bustling Chalong Circle, in the southernmost part of Phuket, Sea Bees is strategically positioned at the heart of the island’s diving scene. With their own fleet of dive boats, they ensured we wouldn’t be shuttled on overcrowded water taxis, and provided us with a premium onboard experience. The morning of my adventure began with a leisurely coee at their dive shop. I was sure to pitch up early since I had absolutely no clue what to expect, but everything was laid out in front of me, and the coee was delicious too. The Sea Bees Diving sta were incredibly helpful, setting a tone of warm hospitality that persisted throughout the day. The equipment pickup was ecient, and within moments, I found myself on a short 2-minute truck ride where the whole party seemed to be chatty. On the drive, it was an eclectic mix of backgrounds featuring Europeans to Middle Easterns, holidaymakers, expats and locals, parents and children were on board, and experienced dive instructors to break up any awkwardness. The skill levels were all mixed, and I felt grateful there were some other newbies to take the plunge, but a few touring divers were also aboard the vessel, and I tried to pick their brains anytime I could. The shuttle was very quick, and soon we boarded the Excalibur II, one of Sea Bees’ well-thought-out dive boats and headed out to sea. The Excalibur II was a masterpiece in its ownright. Designed for both comfort and safety, it was a spacious sanctuary on the water. Its flat and wide structure ensures stability even for those less accustomed to the open sea and known to tinge green with the waves. A 48-square-meter dive deck provided ample space for gearing up, and the large dive platform and ladders made entry and exit a breeze, especially for a beginner like myself. After a brief orientation, it was time for our first dive, and the excitement was palpable. Nerves coursed through me, but the Sea Bees sta’s kindness and professionalism put me at ease, even if there were a couple of jokes at the paleness of my face. They were always there to lend a helping hand, making sure every diver felt comfortable and safe. Descending into the underwater world of Shark Point was a revelation. The vibrant coral gardens and the mesmerizing dance of red and purple soft corals at Shark Point were nothing short of enchanting. As the name suggested, this dive site was home to numerous leopard sharks that gracefully patrolled the sandy bottom, unfortunately, no whale sharks were seen, but the diversity of species was amazing, I would get nowhere near naming all of them but after I got onboard my dive instructor ran through them all. Diving is a truly surreal experience. To be, not just out of my comfort zone, but out of the comfort zone of our whole species, and rather into the realm of the sea, home to things that often people only consider as food, but is truly a full, thriving eco-system that we are unfortunately losing. The beauty of the experience is profound and maybe more suited to my journal than this article.
Back on the boat, the attention to service continued. The food oerings were a delightful mix of options with breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack all being served by their chef working away in the galley, so everything is made fresh for all onboard to dive into. Local Thai options form the foundations for most of the dishes but they cater to all dining needs. The call for our second dive stirred the initial excitement once again, and I was eager to explore more of the underwater wonders. The day seemed to melt away underwater, and as we surfaced, the realization that we were leaving this magical world was bittersweet. The boat’s comfortable amenities, included for me, the opportunity to nap, and to recharge before my third dive of the day.
At Phi Phi Island, the underwater experience reached new heights. We all marvelled at the diversity of marine life and talked about it all above sea, black tip reef sharks, and hawksbill turtles were definitely my highlights, but some people couldn’t get the menacing moray eels out of their head. The massive boulders, colourful corals, and a parade of species, including sunfish, cuttlefish, and seahorses, left us in awe.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we concluded our final dive and celebrated our underwater adventures with a well-deserved bottle (or two!) of Singha beer.The day had been a blend of excitement, tranquillity, and wonder— three hours under the sea, disconnected from the world you normally know. Phuket’s proximity to the surrounding islands provides its inhabitants with incredible diving opportunities, proving to be a paradise for those who seek adventure beneath the waves. Sea Bees Diving not only provided a safe and enjoyable journey but also a sense of comfort and community that elevated the entire experience.
Sea Bees Diving Website