Overview
The Racha Islands (Racha Yai and Racha Noi) are widely regarded as some of the best dive sites accessible from Phuket. With consistently excellent visibility and a rich diversity of marine life, they offer something special for every level of diver.
Packages are designed to suit every budget and experience level, from a first-ever guided 2-dive taster to a full 3-dive day for certified divers who want to go deeper — choose 2 or 3 dives, and whether you're diving for the first time, refreshing after a break, or diving as an active certified diver.
Racha Noi in particular sits further from Phuket than most day-trip dive sites, which is part of why the visibility and coral condition hold up better than closer-in spots that see heavier boat traffic. Groups stay small on purpose — you won't be merged with another operator's group partway through the day.
Choose Your Package
All prices are per person and include transfer either way.
Discover Scuba · 2 Dives 5,000 THB
For first-timers with no certification. 2 dives at Racha Yai with a PADI-certified instructor by your side the whole time — shallow training areas from 4 to 12 meters. Return to pier by around 4:00 PM.
Discover Scuba · 3 Dives 5,900 THB
The same first-timer, no-certification-needed experience as the 2-dive option, extended to 3 dives across both Racha Noi and Racha Yai. Return to pier by around 5:30 PM.
Scuba Review · 2 Dives 5,600 THB
For certified divers who haven't dived in 6+ months. A skills refresh (buoyancy, mask-clearing, emergency basics) before 2 dives at Racha Yai. Return to pier by around 4:00 PM.
Scuba Review · 3 Dives 5,900 THB
The same refresher-first approach as the 2-dive Scuba Review, extended to 3 dives across Racha Noi and Racha Yai. Return to pier by around 5:30 PM.
Fun Dive · 3 Dives 5,900 THB
For active, currently-certified divers who don't need a refresher. 3 dives across Racha Noi and Racha Yai, including an optional wreck dive at 20 meters — enter the shipwreck or admire it from outside, your choice. Bring your certification card or app confirmation. Return to pier by around 5:30 PM.
Not sure which is right for you? Tell us your certification level (or lack of one) and when you last dived when you inquire, and we'll point you to the right package.
Gallery
Highlights
- Dive at TWO stunning islands: Racha Noi & Racha Yai
- Packages for ALL levels: complete beginners, certified divers & refresher divers
- Choose 2 or 3 guided dives at Racha Islands' top dive sites
- Small dive groups — your instructor focuses on you
- Encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, coral & tropical fish
- PADI-certified instructors with expert local knowledge
- Certified divers: optional wreck dive at 20m depth
- Hotel pickup, full equipment, lunch & snacks all included
What's Included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off (Phuket)
- Full scuba diving equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask)
- PADI-certified dive instructor
- 2 or 3 guided dives, depending on package
- Lunch onboard, snacks & refreshments
- Travel insurance
What's Not Included
- Underwater photos & videos (optional, extra fee)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
Good to Know Before You Book
No diving license is required for the Discover Scuba package. Our boats are small-group only — your seat will never be taken by another group. Certified divers who haven't dived in 6+ months should book the Scuba Review package.
Not suitable for: pregnant women, people with serious heart or medical conditions (consult a doctor before booking).
What to bring: swimwear, towel, cash, sunscreen, any personal medication.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (roughly November to April) gives the clearest visibility at both Racha Noi and Racha Yai, which matters more for diving than for most of our other tours since visibility directly affects how much you'll actually see underwater. Diving still runs in the wet season (May to October) — conditions vary day to day rather than being reliably worse for the whole period, so it's still worth booking if that's when you're in Phuket.
Why Book Direct With VGA
We're a locally-run Phuket operator, not a reseller — the boat, instructors and dive sites are the same whether you book here or through one of our OTA listings. VGA has been running tours out of Phuket for more than 10 years, with over 1,000 tours a month across our full program lineup. Booking directly means your questions about certification level, medical fitness to dive, or which package fits you go straight to our team on WhatsApp or Line before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a diving license?
No license is required for the PADI Discover Scuba package — it's built for complete beginners, with a PADI-certified instructor guiding you the whole time. Certified divers should bring proof of certification for the Fun Dive and Scuba Review packages.
I'm certified but haven't dived in a while — which package should I book?
Book Scuba Review (2 or 3 dives) if it's been 6 months or more since your last dive. You'll refresh your skills with an instructor first. If you're diving regularly and don't need a refresher, Fun Dive covers the same 3-dive sites without the skills review.
Can I get photos or video of my dive?
Underwater photos and videos are available for an extra fee — they're not included in the base package price. Several of our guests mention this is worth adding; see the reviews below.
I have a medical condition — can I still dive?
Diving isn't suitable for pregnant women or people with serious heart or medical conditions without a doctor's clearance first. If you're unsure whether a condition affects your ability to dive, consult your doctor before booking rather than after.
Will my seat be shared with another tour group?
No — our boats are small-group only, so your seat won't be taken by another operator's group partway through the day.
What's the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.
Is food provided?
Yes — lunch onboard plus snacks and refreshments are included in every package. If you have dietary requirements, mention them when you inquire and we'll check with our supplier in advance.
How's the visibility at Racha Islands compared to closer sites?
Racha Noi and Racha Yai sit further offshore than the dive sites most day operators use, and that distance is a large part of why the water stays clearer — fewer boats, less sediment stirred up, healthier coral. Visibility still varies with season and weather; see Best Time to Visit above.
How many divers does one instructor supervise?
Non-certified (Discover Scuba) divers get one instructor for every 2 participants. Certified divers dive in slightly larger groups of 3–4 per dive master or instructor — still small compared to the boatloads some operators run.
Is there a minimum age?
Children age 6 and up can take part in the Discover Scuba packages.
What Guests Are Saying
“Eak was awesome! He made me feel super comfortable getting back into diving after five years. Calm dives, plenty to see. On the boat there was heaps of food and comfortable seats. Highly recommend for a dive refresher.”
Rizalina · United States
“The most professional scuba diving team I've ever experienced. My guide, Nat, made sure I was well taken care of from start to finish, and there was plenty of delicious food and snacks throughout the day.”
Khalid · Bahrain
“We had an incredible experience with our dive master, Ekk! He made sure everyone felt safe and confident, especially the beginners. We also got amazing underwater photos and videos he captured — worth every baht.”
Margaret · Tripadvisor
“Amazing experience doing my first ever scuba dive with very sweet and exceptional well trained instructor Mr. Ekk and Mrs. Gob.”
Yug · Tripadvisor