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.
While you do not need to be an Olympic athlete to take up this sport, you do need to be medically sound. The center will ask you to complete a questionnaire as heart or breathing or ear problems will stop you participating. Pregnant women are also advised not to dive as it may harm the fetus.
Luckily most people are passed fit to dive and can at least try an introduction to the water with a qualified instructor. It is important to choose a reputable center with qualified professional instructors. Diving is not dangerous as long as you follow the safety guidelines which are laid out by diving associations.
In Pattaya many centers are part of the PADI organization which is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. A PADI qualification is recognized around the globe and anyone who wishes can study for the Open Water Certificate. This is the first rung on the ladder following on from the Discover Scuba. An Open Water course will normally take about four days to complete. If you wish to take this course be sure to book a long enough vacation.
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.
There are several popular shipwrecks to visit. Despite being a quite recent wreck, the HTMS Khram already has a lot of flora and fauna. Both the wrecks of the Petchburi Bremen, a freighter, and the Hardeep, a cargo ship, are popular with guests. The Hardeep was sunk intact and laying in just 28 meters of water it makes it possible to swim the whole ship inside.
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 is a super way to relax and unwind from the bustle of Bangkok. The peaceful world under the waves is really soothing to the soul. There is much to look at and you are sure to have many tales for your friends at home.
While you do not need to be an Olympic athlete to take up this sport, you do need to be medically sound. The center will ask you to complete a questionnaire as heart or breathing or ear problems will stop you participating. Pregnant women are also advised not to dive as it may harm the fetus.
Luckily most people are passed fit to dive and can at least try an introduction to the water with a qualified instructor. It is important to choose a reputable center with qualified professional instructors. Diving is not dangerous as long as you follow the safety guidelines which are laid out by diving associations.
In Pattaya many centers are part of the PADI organization which is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. A PADI qualification is recognized around the globe and anyone who wishes can study for the Open Water Certificate. This is the first rung on the ladder following on from the Discover Scuba. An Open Water course will normally take about four days to complete. If you wish to take this course be sure to book a long enough vacation.
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.
There are several popular shipwrecks to visit. Despite being a quite recent wreck, the HTMS Khram already has a lot of flora and fauna. Both the wrecks of the Petchburi Bremen, a freighter, and the Hardeep, a cargo ship, are popular with guests. The Hardeep was sunk intact and laying in just 28 meters of water it makes it possible to swim the whole ship inside.
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 is a super way to relax and unwind from the bustle of Bangkok. The peaceful world under the waves is really soothing to the soul. There is much to look at and you are sure to have many tales for your friends at home.