Thailand is often associated with the bustling city of Bangkok with its bright lights and constant partying. This is a great vacation spot, but if you prefer to get away from the noise and enjoy the quiet of the ocean then you should go about seventy kilometers to the coastal resorts. The beaches there are sandy and you can go scuba diving in Pattaya which has lots of dive centers who can provide daily diving or courses.
You do not have to be super fit to try this sport, but a reputable center will ask you to fill out a medical form before taking you in the water. Certain conditions such as a bad heart, asthma and any ear problems mean this sport is not safe for you. Also women who are pregnant should not dive as it may harm the unborn child.
The majority of people have no problem passing the medical and can go with an instructor for a "try dive" or "intro". You should choose a center with a good reputation which has professional instructors. There is very little danger associated with diving as long as safety standards set down by professional bodies are adhered to.
Most diving centers near Pattaya are associated with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, known as PADI. Once you have completed a PADI course it is recognized worldwide and you receive a card stating the level you achieved. The first step after a DSD (Discover Scuba diving) is the Open Water Course. This takes about four days to complete so you will need to book a long enough vacation to accommodate this.
During your course you will be able to visit some of the dive sites where there are pretty corals and many fish to be seen. The most popular are the Samaesan Coral Islands or the sites which are known locally as "Far Islands". The visibility under the water ranges from five to fifteen meters depending on location. The currents can also be very strong so it is vital to stay with your instructor and do exactly as they tell you.
As well as coral reefs there are 3 shipwrecks which are worth a visit. The HTMS Khram has a lot of flora and fauna even though it sunk quite recently. The wreck of the freighter Petchburi Bremen and the Hardeep, which was a cargo ship, are also very popular. The Hardeep can by dived internally from stem to stern as it sank intact.
There are plenty of fish to see including barracuda as well as the bright coral. Experienced divers who have visited the Red Sea may find some sites do not meet expectation as the waters are not as clear as to be found in Hurghada or Sharm. First timers however will find the underwater world a real adventure.
Scuba diving in Pattaya makes an excellent break from the constant party that is Thailand. The peace and calm under the water soothes away any stress as you float along. There is plenty to see and you will have great stories to tell the folks back home.
You do not have to be super fit to try this sport, but a reputable center will ask you to fill out a medical form before taking you in the water. Certain conditions such as a bad heart, asthma and any ear problems mean this sport is not safe for you. Also women who are pregnant should not dive as it may harm the unborn child.
The majority of people have no problem passing the medical and can go with an instructor for a "try dive" or "intro". You should choose a center with a good reputation which has professional instructors. There is very little danger associated with diving as long as safety standards set down by professional bodies are adhered to.
Most diving centers near Pattaya are associated with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, known as PADI. Once you have completed a PADI course it is recognized worldwide and you receive a card stating the level you achieved. The first step after a DSD (Discover Scuba diving) is the Open Water Course. This takes about four days to complete so you will need to book a long enough vacation to accommodate this.
During your course you will be able to visit some of the dive sites where there are pretty corals and many fish to be seen. The most popular are the Samaesan Coral Islands or the sites which are known locally as "Far Islands". The visibility under the water ranges from five to fifteen meters depending on location. The currents can also be very strong so it is vital to stay with your instructor and do exactly as they tell you.
As well as coral reefs there are 3 shipwrecks which are worth a visit. The HTMS Khram has a lot of flora and fauna even though it sunk quite recently. The wreck of the freighter Petchburi Bremen and the Hardeep, which was a cargo ship, are also very popular. The Hardeep can by dived internally from stem to stern as it sank intact.
There are plenty of fish to see including barracuda as well as the bright coral. Experienced divers who have visited the Red Sea may find some sites do not meet expectation as the waters are not as clear as to be found in Hurghada or Sharm. First timers however will find the underwater world a real adventure.
Scuba diving in Pattaya makes an excellent break from the constant party that is Thailand. The peace and calm under the water soothes away any stress as you float along. There is plenty to see and you will have great stories to tell the folks back home.
