Phuket As A Water Sport Destination

Phuket, which is the largest island in Thailand, is a destination where tourists can enjoy several water sports. Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, jet skiing, parasailing, yachting and banana boat riding are the water activities available in the province.

All levels of swimmers can snorkel and experience the joys of swimming over coral reefs with colorful fish. The best locations for snorkeling in Phuket are Laem Sing Beach, Kata and Kata Noi Beach, and Ao Sane Beach among a few others. Snorkelers are advised to wear a T-shirt and protective UV cream as the sun is usually very hard.

For people who want to try deep water scuba diving, Phuket has lots of fantastic diving sites. Plenty of diving shops offer to the beginner the possibility to take a PADI Open Water course, and for the more experienced many diving selected trips around smaller islands are organized. The Similans, Phi Phi islands, Koh Racha Yai & Noi have the best spots for a dive.

Besides swimming, snorkeling and diving, other water sports can be enjoyed on the water like fishing. A fishing boat can be rented for the day for five or six persons where not only fishing, but sunbathing, can be experienced in the Andaman Sea. All the fish caught, mainly Tuna, will end as a dish for lunch, prepared by the crew on board of the boat.

Sea kayaking is another good way to explore the coast of Phuket from the sea. Kayaks with one or two seats can be rented at several beaches: Nai Harn, Ao Sane, Tri Tra and Yanui Beach. Kayaking tours are also organized to explore Phang Nga Bay's cliffs and caverns. It is advised to inquire if it is safe to kayak on the western coast of Phuket as big waves and courant can be dangerous at times.

Jet skis are available for rent in the main beaches but are regrettably overpriced because renters are together in an agreement not to compete and prices will be never discounted. There have been reports of tourists being scammed into paying huge bills for damages to the machines they did not do. The recommendation would be to avoid renting them and at the same time contribute to the environment with less noise pollution.

Parasails and banana boats are two other possibilities available. Parasailing is safe as there is someone present during the short trip to make sure that the parachute goes the correct way. Banana boat is a great way to share with five other friends a few minutes of fun on an inflatable banana towed by a speedboat on the water. The fun is over when everyone is eventualy thrown into the water.

Phuket definitely has everything that a visitor would want to do on a vacation at the seaside. From very busy beaches to smaller ones, everyone can find a favorite place to go and enjoy water sports.