How to Plan a Scuba Diving Trip in Hua Hin

Located on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin, about 200 km north of Bangkok, became popular when a Thai monarch decided to have his holiday home there in the 1920s. Although one of the first Thai holiday destinations it is still popular with royalty and now many Thais and foreigners alike head there to enjoy its 8 km long beach, laid back atmosphere and water sports. Unlike other beach destinations in Thailand Hua Hin has retained its charm that originally attracted holiday makers to its beaches.

Step 1: Planning the Trip

Koh Talu about three hours journey by road from Hua Hin is the closest snorkeling and diving destination. Its sandy white palm fringed beaches and a hard coral fringing reef at depths between 10 and 12 meters on its western side is the attraction. Sergeant major fish, parrot fish, damsel fish, moon wrasse, butterfly fish, schools of fusiliers and snappers and colourful slugs are among the marine life snorkelers and divers encounter here. Further off shore scuba divers have excellent diving opportunities at depths of around 14 meters where there are some good coral formations and swim throughs among which are a diversity of marine life that includes sting rays, moray eels and the occasional turtle. Visibility varies between 5 and 15 meters depending on the season. As the current is weak around the island this dive site is also suitable for beginners. Because its reef is in shallow waters night dives are popular here. Prospective divers need to be in good physical condition, have at least a minimum PADI qualification or to have logged a reasonable number of dives. To avoid accidents divers should keep diving depths to a reasonable limit and dive in groups or with a dive guide. PADI dive courses are offered in Koh Talu for beginners, those who are keen on brushing up their diving skills and experienced divers who wish to get adventure dive certification. Stay in the luxurious confines of Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa to enjoy the laid back ambience of the town, its many activities and to enjoy delicious Thai cuisine at its restaurants that offer some of the best food among Hua Hin restaurants.

Step 2: The First Steps

While making preparation for the journey out to Hua Hin, those intent on diving in the islands nearby need to identify what type of a diving experience they wish to have. If a diving expeditions lasting several days is desired it is best to think of a liveaboard cruise where divers can dive several times a day at different sites around the island and explore nearby dive sites as well. For shorter diving experiences speed boats can be hired for the day from Bangsaphan to reach Koh Talu in twenty minutes. Contacting a professional diving outfit, preferably with a PADI certification and knowledge of dive sites in the area is the first priority. Once their credentials have been checked out they can be requested to arrange the trip and accommodation if necessary or just a day trip. Included in the package should be the boat, diving gear such as a wet suit, fins, mask, BCD, regulator, an air tank and a spare, a dive guide and an experienced crew and food and drink as needed.

Step 3: Getting There

Scuba diving tours leave Hua Hin daily for at 7 o'clock for Banmapraw harbour where a speed boat takes about 20 minutes to journey to the island. Divers are ferried back to the harbour by 2 pm and are in Hua Hin by 6 pm. Banmapraw is in a southerly direction and it takes about three hours by road to reach it. The popular dive sites out here are Ban Kruad and Yai Bay. Lunch at a resort in Koh Talu is included in the package. Divers can stay over at Koh Talu for longer diving experiences.

Step 4: Check Weather Conditions

Koh Talu and the islands nearby are affected by monsoonal weather conditions. The weather on each side of the island changes throughout the year depending on the winds affecting it. Heavy rainfall is experienced from September to October. Strong winds and big waves are characteristic from November to December. January through to March offers the best conditions to dive here, although it is possible to dive in different parts of the island throughout the year. It is advisable therefore for serious divers to check weather conditions prior to going on long dives. The Thai Meteorological Department has detailed daily weather forecasts online.