The Racha group, located to the south of Phuket Island, consist of two islands: the north island is called Racha Yai and the south island is called Racha Noi.

Racha Yai island is a popular site among divers due to the clear visibility (an avarage of 15 -30 meters) all year round.

Consisting mostly of hard coral reef slope and flat bottom covered with white sand, the site is sheltered inside the bay and is thus free from strong currents.

This combination makes Racha Yai island an ideal place for beginners and infrequent divers. There are also deeper reefs, which are suitable for more experienced divers.

 

With a luxury resort located prominently on the beach, it is easy to see how this bay got it's name. Bungalow Bay is characterised by a deep curve, and both sides are excellent for diving.

The northen side of the bay is a reef slope consisting of staghorn corals and small rock outcrops ranging from depths of 5m to 22m underwater, and ends with sandy bottom. The southern side of the bay is covered with staghorn and pore corals, and has several gigantic rocks along the edge of the island.

The current is mostly mild because it is sheltered by the bay, but be cautious when diving near the cape of each bay because there tend to be strong currents swinging around the cape.

Reef fish such as parrotfish, snapper, grouper, angelfish, butterflyfish and basslets are common. At the shallow waters, the unusual shrimpfish are occasionally found in schools.

Divers may also find some of the rarer creatures, such as the rare leaf fish which may be found in crevices. The robust ghost pipefish, an uncommon species in this area, has also been spotted at the sandy bottom.

Bungalow bay also has much to offer on its night dives. Keep your eyes peeled for cuttlefish and a variety of crabs such as the decorator crabs, spider crabs and coral crabs.

This is an easy divesite, but even the most experienced divers will enjoy it. One-way drifting is preferred at this site, but if you get too near the cape at high tide, the current can drag you out to the open sea.

This bay is always full of dive boats, speed boats and longtail boats, so surface carefully. Use of a floating device is recommended.

Siam Bay lies to the north or Racha Yai island with an average depth of 12 - 18 meters. the corals scattered around the bay are mostly hard coral, and some big pinnacles can be seen along the island edge on the east side of the island. This is an ideal site for night dives.

The currents are mild, but be careful of stronger currents drifting off the bay at the cape.

Parrotfish, butterflyfish and basslets are common. Cuttlefish and stingrays are often found at the sandy bottom.

At night, Saim bay is a heaven for macro lovers. Small crabs and shrimp can often be found on top of coral, in crevices and inside feather stars.

You can start your dive at the mooring line, then just swim slowly exploring the coral heads.

You can then swim out to explore the sandy bottom before making a big circle and heading back to the mooring.

 

Most of the reef is covered with hard corals like staghorn coral, branch coral, and pore coral with rocks scattered in between. The steepest slope is at a depth of 12 - 15 meters, with the rest ranging from 10 - 20 meters and ending in a gently sloping sandy bottom.

The currents are mild to strong, running in a north-south direction. Because this site is located at the northern end of the island, it is more affected by the tides.

Reef fish such as parrotfish, butterflyfish and basslets are common. Comets are sometimes found hiding in cavities or in the spaces between branches of staghorn coral.

Trumpet and cornet fish often camouflage themselves and stay close to the staghorn coral. Great barracuda are also common sightings here.

Due to the current conditions mentioned above, a one way dive is more practical and likely to be more enjoyable.

Start your dive on any end of the reef and drift along to the other end. Divers interested in exploring the wreck should take note that starting from the north will hinder your chances of finding the wreck not only because of limited no deccompresion limits but also because there are no dominant landmarks to mark the spot.

Start the dive at the southern side of the reef at a depth of approximately 22 meters, then retrun to the reef by swimming to the northwest for a couple of minuites.