The waters of Thailand are hugely inviting for scuba diving enthusiasts from around the world. Warm, mostly clear and tranquil waters throughout the years with an abundance of marine life. The waters in the Bay of Thailand are calmer all year round and suitable for diving throughout the seasons as they are less affected by the more tropical storms that Krabi and Phuket experience.
The seas around the islands only a few kilometres off Pattaya tend to be cleaner with more marine life along with artificial reefs and ships that have been deliberately sunk to enhance the overall diving experience. Within the city, there are a wide number of diving schools offering lessons to beginners through to expert divers so everyone can enjoy the experience. Trips are arranged to various dive sites that are suitable for both novice and experts along with those that target specific groups.
Naturally, all of the schools offer training that is of the highest standard with safety being of paramount importance. Many of the local schools speak a number of different languages which once again makes things easier for all concerned. No one is ever put under pressure or forced into situations which they are not comfortable with and the teachers will appreciate that some people learn at a quicker rate than others as well as understanding that some will be more confident in the water.
It is hard to single out individual schools but below we have listed just eight of the better known schools that have a developed an excellent reputation over the years. Some of these schools also cater for more experienced divers who are perhaps looking at this as a future career.
Mermaids Dive Centre
Mermaids Dive Centre is located on Thappraya Road and has developed a reputation as being one of the best diving schools in Pattaya. Mermaids offer PADI courses aimed at all abilities and attract divers from all across Pattaya. Multiple languages are spoken but predominantly the lessons are in English and Thai with the school picking pupils up from across the city. The school is perhaps best known for its established reputation for fantastic diving trips to the waters off the local islands. These trips are open to anyone who has managed to obtain the necessary certification.
Pattaya Dive Centre
Another hugely respected school, Pattaya Dive Centre can be found at Thip Plaza on Pattaya Second Road, close to the Pattaya Klang junction. In a similar manner to Mermaids, they offer a wide range of course aimed at everyone from novice through to specialist PADI courses. Like with all of the schools on our list, the PADI certification that you will receive is recognised globally. Again, students are welcome from all across Pattaya and of course every nationality.
Neptune Dive Centre
Neptune Dive Centre like many of the other schools offers a range of courses from beginner to through to professional diver. Diving trips are arranged on a daily basis assuming that weather and sea conditions are suitable These trips cater for divers of differing abilities which can prove to be very attractive. An added bonus is that Neptune, unlike some other schools in the city also offer accommodation making it a great option for tourists or those not living in the city.
Jomtien Dive Centre
Situated on Jomtien Beach Road, Jomtien Dive Centre has diving courses aimed at all abilities for both recreational and professional divers. All of which are PADI recognised. For beginners or those less confident in the water, they also offer snorkelling trips and both are available on organised tours to the Pattaya Far Islands and the Pattaya Near Islands, as they as known locally.
Seafari Dive Centre
The oldest of diving schools in Thailand is Seafari that was established almost 50 years ago. Their courses are primarily aimed at beginners but they do have a selection of courses available for the more experienced diver. Similar to Jomtien Dive School, they offer frequent trips for both snorkellers and scuba diving in waters of the coast of Pattaya and the nearby islands.
Real Divers Pattaya
Real Divers is a British owned dive school that is located on Soi Welcome in Jomtien. As you would imagine, the lessons are taught in English with courses aimed at divers of all standards. A range of trips are organised by the school with snorkellers welcome too.
Pattaya Scuba Adventures
Again located on Thappraya Road on the way to Jomtien, Pattaya Scuba Adventures is a school that provides the usual PADI courses. They cater for all divers and have a selection of diving trips that range from a “2 Dive Day Trip” to a “12 Dive Package”. Different to other schools, they also have courses that are specifically designed for women which may appeal to females.
Maxi Dive
Finally, an option that offers something different to many of the other dive schools is Maxi Dive Commercial on Naklua Soi 18. As the name suggests, they offer courses aimed more at professional and advance divers.
