Dive Site: Racha Yai — Bay 1

About Racha Yai — Bay 1

Racha Yai Bay 1 is a highly sought-after dive destination located on the northeastern side of Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket. Known for its generally perfect conditions, including excellent visibility and minimal currents, it serves as an ideal spot for both new and experienced divers. The site uniquely combines a vibrant natural reef, an artificial reef, and a fascinating small shipwreck, providing a diverse underwater landscape to explore. The topography features a gently sloping seafloor that transitions from shallow sandy areas near the shore to deeper coral and rocky formations. This varied environment supports a rich array of marine life, from numerous species of moray eels hiding in crevices to schools of bigeye barracudas circling the artificial reef, and even occasional sightings of leopard sharks. The dive site is particularly suitable for year-round diving, with peak conditions offering up to 30 meters of visibility. While marine life is consistently present, the dry season from November to April typically provides the calmest seas and best visibility, enhancing encounters with creatures like blue-spotted stingrays and frogfish. The site's protected nature ensures calm waters, making it a comfortable and rewarding dive experience. Divers can enjoy a gentle progression through different underwater habitats, starting in the shallow, lively natural reef, moving to the artificial reef with its concrete cubes teeming with fish, and finally exploring the Harruby Liveaboard wreck at depths of up to 20 meters. Its accessibility and varied attractions make it a frequent choice for day trips and introductory dives from Phuket.

Dive site facts: Racha Yai — Bay 1

Depth

3–25 m

Current

None / Mild

Visibility

15–30+ m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Beginner

Dive type

Artificial reef, natural reef, wreck

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Phuket, Thailand

Coordinates

7.585, 98.365

Conditions & Currents

Racha Yai Bay 1 is renowned for its generally calm conditions, experiencing none to mild currents, making it an excellent site for all diver levels. The sheltered nature of the bay, especially on the east side of Racha Yai Island, typically protects it from strong wind and wave action. Visibility often remains high, ranging from 15 to over 30 meters, though localized conditions can cause slight variations. Divers can anticipate clear water and minimal surge, which aids in comfortable entry and exit from the boat. These gentle currents mean less physical exertion and provide ample opportunity to explore the diverse reef, artificial structures, and wreck without significant drift, allowing for relaxed bottom times and effective gas planning.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray Eel

common

Bigeye Barracuda

common

Batfish

common

Blue-spotted Stingray

occasional

Snowflake Moray

occasional

Clouded Moray

occasional

Fimbriated Moray

occasional

Giant Moray

occasional

Stonefish

occasional

Frogfish

rare

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Leopard Shark

rare

Wrasse

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Racha Yai Bay 1 typically begin with a boat drop into the calm, shallow waters, allowing for a comfortable descent. The dive route often progresses from the natural coral reefs closer to shore, which provide excellent snorkeling opportunities due to their vibrant, shallow marine life. Moving outwards, divers encounter the artificial reef, composed of concrete cubes, which are teeming with smaller fish and invertebrates. The dive then continues towards the Harruby Liveaboard wreck, positioned on a sandy bottom at around 20 meters, with its top accessible at 14 meters. The wreck is stripped clean, making it safe for internal exploration. The dive typically concludes with a safety stop along the natural reef or the boat's mooring line in the shallows.

Underwater photography

Racha Yai Bay 1 offers diverse opportunities for underwater photographers, particularly for macro and wide-angle shots. The artificial reef and natural coral gardens provide excellent subjects for wide-angle lenses, capturing schools of bigeye barracudas or the overall vibrant habitat. For macro enthusiasts, the site is rich with nudibranchs, peacock mantis shrimps, and various species of moray eels, which are best captured with a macro lens and external strobes to highlight intricate details and colors. Good buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or fragile corals. The clear visibility typically ensures ample natural light, but strobes are recommended to bring out true colors, especially in deeper areas or inside the wreck.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Racha Yai — Bay 3

  Another popular bay on Racha Yai Island, known for its reef and calm conditions.

• Racha Noi

  South of Racha Yai, offering deeper dives, larger granite boulders, and potential for pelagic sightings.

• Shark Point

  A renowned site for leopard sharks and vibrant soft corals.

• King Cruiser Wreck

  An advanced dive site featuring a large passenger ferry wreck.

• Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nai

  Known for its beautiful reef formations and diverse marine life.

• HTMS Sattakut Wreck

  A purpose-sunk wreck off Koh Phi Phi, ideal for wreck specialty training.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Racha Yai Bay 1 is primarily via day trips from Phuket, with boats typically departing from Chalong Pier. The journey to Racha Yai takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a convenient destination for half-day or full-day excursions. Many dive operators include multiple dives at Racha Yai, often combining different bays or even a visit to Racha Noi for a longer trip. Permits and park fees are generally included in the trip cost. Liveaboards visiting the Similan and Surin Islands occasionally include Racha Yai as a first or last dive, particularly during the summer schedule, offering a different itinerary structure for those interested in extended diving opportunities.

Safety & environment

Diving at Racha Yai Bay 1 is generally considered safe due to its mild currents and good visibility, making it suitable for beginners and training dives. However, standard safety protocols are always essential. Divers should maintain proper buoyancy, especially around the artificial reef and wreck, to avoid disturbing the environment or stirring up silt. All divers must have valid dive insurance, and it is recommended to carry emergency contact information. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Phuket, typically requiring boat and land transport for evacuation. Dive operators in Phuket are well-equipped with first aid and oxygen on board, and they follow strict safety guidelines.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Racha Yai — Bay 1 FAQ

Liveaboards diving Racha Yai — Bay 1

These liveaboards may visit Racha Yai — Bay 1 on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Mandarin Queen 9

Thailand

26 guests37.5 m

Manta Queen 8

Thailand

24 guests

$127/day

The Junk

Thailand

18 guests33 m

$163/day

Deep Andaman Queen

Thailand

23 guests30.5 m

$194/day

Explorer

Thailand

16 guests25 m

$150/day

Andaman

Thailand

20 guests26 m

$108/day

Stingray

Thailand

8 guests24 m

$245/day

Seatopia

Thailand

24 guests24 m