Phuket Scuba Diving: Racha or Maiton Island, All Levels

VGA Vacation’s dive trip to Racha Island (Koh Racha Yai) or Maiton Island covers two dive sites in a single 4-hour outing, with separate tracks for certified and non-certified divers. Beginners can book a Discover Scuba Dive (2 dives) or a single Try Dive at Maiton, while certified divers use their existing qualification at either site. Non-swimmers are permitted on the Discover Scuba package under direct instructor supervision, and the operator markets Maiton as the less touristy of the two, with regular dolphin sightings.

The price covers snacks, bottled water, snorkeling and SCUBA equipment, meals, soft drinks, insurance and dive instructors, but excludes underwater photo and video service (1,500 THB with advance notice, up to 3,000 THB without) plus a 350 THB cash charge for a replacement mouthpiece and private transfer outside the standard pickup zone (1,400-1,800 THB). Participation is capped at ages 10 and up, and the operator advises against joining with spinal injuries, during pregnancy, or with poor cardiovascular health. Cancellation terms are stricter than most Phuket tours: all sales are final, with no refund for any cancellation.

Watch out: This tour is non-refundable: the operator’s policy states all sales are final regardless of the reason for cancelling.

Insider Tip: Non-certified divers aren’t shut out: the Discover Scuba Dive package at Maiton Island is open to beginners and even non-swimmers under an instructor’s direct supervision.