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Racha Yai Island Diving Spot Information

Racha Yai Island is a 12 km-circumference island about 1 hour from Phuket. It has the clearest dive sites among the surrounding islands, with over 10 different spots. From May to November, diving points along the east side of the island are clear and blue. The sites feature staghorn coral forests, white sandy bottoms scattered with reefs, three shipwrecks, and three artificial concrete block reefs. From December to April, diving shifts to the west side of the island, including Siam Bay with underwater objects such as elephant statues, and calm Bungalow Bay. Racha Yai also boasts rich marine life, from macro species to manta rays and whale sharks, often surprising divers. Suitable for beginners to advanced divers, it is Phuket's most popular dive site, enjoyable over multiple days.

Image / Phuket Diving Spot Map / Racha Yai Island Map (PC version) Image / Phuket Diving Spot Map / Racha Yai Island Map (Smartphone version)
Image / Racha Yai Island / Bungalow Bay South

Beginner to Advanced   Depth:5M~25M   Visibility:8M~15M   Current:Weak~Moderate


Bungalow Bay is accessible only during the dry season high season. It is a popular spot not only for diving but also for snorkeling and fishing boats. The underwater environment is calm, making it safe for beginners. Sand flats may hide Blue-spotted Stingrays, and unique Indian Ocean endemics like Maldives Sponge Snails can be spotted. Corals host Collare Butterflyfish floating gracefully, and schools of colorful damselfish are enjoyable to watch. Relaxed Blackspotted Pufferfish and large Stellate Pufferfish can be seen swimming, along with Clownfish, popularly known as Nemo.

>>Bungalow Bay South Diving Spot Map

Image / Racha Yai Island / Bungalow Bay North

Beginner to Advanced   Depth:5M~25M   Visibility:8M~15M   Current:Weak~Moderate


On the north side of Bungalow Bay, a rocky wall runs along the bay. Depths range from about 5M inside the bay to 25M on the offshore sandy bottom. The walls are terraced, allowing divers to choose depths at 10M, 15M, etc. Staghorn corals are scattered throughout, hosting schools of Red Goatfish and Twospot Snapper. Concrete artificial reefs in the bay center attract Longfin Batfish and Barracuda. Encounters with Yellowtail Barracuda are common, providing a relaxing sight. While leisurely exploring rocks and corals, divers can also spot Frogfish, crustaceans, and occasionally sea turtles, making it a perfect spot for underwater photography.

>>Bungalow Bay North Diving Spot Map

Image / Racha Yai Island / Siam Bay

Beginner to Advanced   Depth:5M~25M   Visibility:8M~15M   Current:Weak~Moderate

Like Bungalow Bay, Siam Bay is only accessible during the dry season. Inside the bay, sandy bottoms are interspersed with rocky reefs. After the Indian Ocean tsunami, large elephant monuments and Thai-style houses were installed near the center of the bay to promote diving in Phuket, delighting divers. Those with cameras can take memorable photos. Numerous rays glide across the sandy bottom, and some eagle rays partially buried in the sand can also be spotted.

>>Siam Bay Diving Spot Map

Image / Racha Yai Island / Home Run Reef

Beginner to Advanced   Depth:10M~18M   Visibility:10M~25M   Current:Weak~Strong

Heading north from Number One Bay, the long reef stretching to the northern tip of Racha Yai Island is Home Run Reef. On the island side, massive rocks rise dramatically, and drift dives are often done gently northwards. At depths of 10–15M, schools of Twospot Snapper are scattered throughout. Stone corals host beautiful schools of damselfish. Exploring rock crevices may reveal cleverly camouflaged octopuses and cuttlefish. Nudibranchs such as Polycera and Phyllidia species can be seen on rocks, and comical Ghost Pipefish cling to branching corals. Sea turtles are sometimes spotted in shallows, making this reef enjoyable for divers of all levels.


>>Home Run Reef Diving Spot Map

Image / Racha Yai Island / Bay One

Beginner to Advanced   Depth:10M~18M   Visibility:10M~25M   Current:Weak~Strong

Near 22M offshore in Number One Bay lies a shipwreck, the most popular dive site in Racha Yai. Swimming from the shallows to the wreck, careful inspection of scattered rocks may reveal colorful creatures such as Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Frogfish, and Chromodoris nudibranchs. The sandy bottom hosts many unique animals like Razorfish, Y-bar Goby, and garden eels, making it a photographer’s delight. Although the wreck is deteriorating, its age has allowed fish to settle abundantly. Striped Snapper gather around the wreck, and many shrimps such as Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, Banded Coral Shrimp, and Sexy Shrimp hide inside. Depending on currents, dives often proceed from this wreck towards Home Run Reef. A newly placed wreck between Number One and Number Two Bays is frequently used for advanced or specialty courses. Concrete artificial reefs from around 18M lead to a medium-sized wooden fishing boat at 25M.

>>Bay One Diving Spot Map

Image/Racha Yai Island/Bay Two

Beginner to Advanced   Depth: 5M~25M   Visibility: 10M~25M   Current: Weak~Strong

The shallow areas inside the bay are ideal for Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water courses. Colorful tropical fish such as damselfish, lionfish, and moorish idols thrive among the corals. Heading further offshore, pristine white sandy bottoms stretch out, and the sunlit waters create a soothing underwater environment. The recommended diving style is to explore the scattered rocks slowly. Divers can enjoy photographing abundant crustaceans and frogfish. Unique garden eels peek from the sand, pufferfish lounge lazily, and sea turtles swim gracefully. Offshore, concrete reefs are placed at 18M~30M depths, attracting barracudas and schools of batfish. At around 30M, a sunken ship provides opportunities for technical diving.

>>Bay Two Diving Point Map

Image/Racha Yai Island/Staghorn Reef

Beginner to Advanced   Depth: 5M~25M   Visibility: 10M~25M   Current: Weak~Strong

"Staghorn" refers to "deer antlers." This long reef stretches from Bay No.2 to Bay No.3, named for its branching coral formations that resemble antlers. The branching corals are exceptionally beautiful, forming an underwater "forest" teeming with marine life, providing endless fascination on every dive. Large groupers and endemic Indian Ocean species like coralline butterflyfish and Roland damselfish swim through the forest, and occasionally a Napoleon wrasse appears. Popular anemonefish such as clownfish and skunk anemonefish can be seen, as well as colorful mantis shrimp peeking from coral rubble nests. During the rainy season, manta rays may appear offshore, surprising divers. When currents are strong, divers can drift from Bay No.2 to Bay No.3, creating a sensation of flying over the coral forest. Diving experiences differ significantly depending on the presence or absence of currents.

>>Staghorn Reef Diving Point Map

Image/Racha Yai Island/Bay Three

Beginner to Advanced   Depth: 5M~25M   Visibility: 10M~25M   Current: Weak~Strong

In Bay Three's shallow areas, sunlight illuminates vibrant tropical fish around the corals, making it perfect for beginners and Discover Scuba Diving. Schools of batfish often approach divers closely, sometimes following behind. Further offshore, concrete reefs are installed at 16~30M depths. Sandy bottoms host garden eels and longspine gobies, while angel rays glide elegantly. Colorful mantis shrimp can also be observed. During mating season, octopuses and cuttlefish display color changes and behaviors to attract partners, providing fascinating underwater encounters.

>>Bay Three Diving Point Map

Image/Racha Yai Island/Lucy's Reef

Beginner to Advanced   Depth: 5M~25M   Visibility: 10M~25M   Current: Weak~Strong

This reef extends south from Bay No.3, featuring stunning branching corals. Swimming along the island's rocky coastline, divers may encounter schools of barracudas. Observing bubble trails from divers, and the colorful endemic Indian Ocean Indian dash wrasses dancing over white corals, provides a relaxing experience. Unique fish such as trumpetfish, large pufferfish, blackspotted pufferfish, and butterflyfish glide along the coral slopes. Careful observation of rocks may reveal camouflaged creatures like scorpionfish, frogfish, and octopuses.

>>Lucy's Reef Diving Point Map

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