Khao Lak Diving

Similan Dive Sites - Christmas Point

2008-07-24T00:01:00.000+06:00

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Christmas Point

Situated on the very northwestern point of the Similan islands, you will find one of the most scenic sites in all the Similans.

With massive boulder formation breaching the surface, shelfs dropping to 30, then to 40, and onwards beyond 70 meters with massive gorgonian fans the area can be breathtaking. On these deeper shelves, look for white-tip reef sharks as well as napoleon wrasse. Look closely for ribbon eels in the sandy areas.

Heading back towards the shallows brings you over massive fields of multicolored bush corals to the South or several amazing swim-throughs towards the East. In the shallower areas, you can often encounter more napoleon wrasse, trevallies and huge jacks between the boulders.

While scanning through all the beautiful nudibranchs and flabellinas, don’t forgot to watch the open ocean as we often get “swim-bys” of manta’s here! Safety stop is best done among the boulders, for safety and to avoid currents.

Diving depths range from 10-40 meters with most of the really amazing scenery from 20-30 meters. This is definitely a dive site to bring a camera. Visibility ranges from 20-30 meters, but on good days it seems to be infinite…

Currents can be strong as this location is where the tidal currents wrap around the top of the Islands. Definitely check out the currents before jumping in. There can be both downward and westerly currents here. With both strong currents and depth, this is a site suitable only for more experienced divers.

This dive site is not suitable for beginners.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Similan Dive Sites - Elephant Head Rock

2008-07-23T00:01:00.001+06:00

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Elephant Head Rock AKA Hin Pusar

The site is named after an unusually shaped rock that juts out of the water just southwest of Koh Similan. The huge boulders that form Elephant Head Rock create daring swim-throughs, arches, caverns, gullies and tunnels – great places to hide, and great places to discover!

Swimming through the tunnels you’ll come across blue-ringed angelfish, triggerfish and bicolour parrotfish. Yellow goatfish and snappers always hang around at the deepest levels, as well as several species of lionfish. Take a look under the overhanging ledges to find several species of the larger snappers, such as one-spot, mangrove and black and white, as well as giant and Andaman sweetlips – an endemic species.

Hang out in the shallows here to off-gas at the end of your dive. Powder blue surgeonfish make their way across the boulder tops, grazing on the algae. Bigeye bream hang out here, seemingly eying you curiously, as large trains of traveling robust fusiliers arrive on the scene from other nearby feeding stations. Keep an eye out for the great barracuda’s that do some serious hunting here. You will often be surprised by the assaults of the huge Jacks that dive into these passing fish too!

The southern most point of the site has a tiny group of submerged pinnacles in very deep water. A great place to observe small reef sharks. There is a possibility of strong surge and current. This makes it one of the more challenging Similan Islands diving sites.

Diving is done from 5 – 35 meters (15-115 feet) with most time spent 15-30 meters (50-100 feet).

Currents can be present but any experienced dive guide will take you to the sheltered spots.

Visibility is often quite good 30 meters+ (100 Feet) but can be affected by prevailing currents.

Divers should be experienced due to depth and currents. Swim-throughs are a hazard to be conscious of as well.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Similan Dive Sites - Turtle Rock

2008-07-21T00:01:00.002+06:00

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Turtle Rock

Turtle shaped rock gives this site it’s name.

A great site for night dives. Generally free of currents, this site is safe for all divers.

While not overly abundant, the coral here is home to some very interesting little critters. nudibranchs, squat lobsters and several other interesting creatures make for some good macro photographs.

Diving depths range from 5-20 meters (15-75 feet) with most of our time spent in the shallows.

Currents are minimal.

Visibility averages 15-20 meters (50-74 feet).

Site is suitable for all divers.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Dive Khao Lak

2008-07-19T10:30:00.000+06:00

Khao Lak Dive Center

Khaolak Diving Trips - Local Sites

Khao Lak has more to dive than just the Similan Islands. While the Similans are listed as one of the “top ten dive sites” in the world, we also some incredible local dive sites around the Khaolak area including Bon Soong Wreck, Premchai Wreck, Khao Nayak and the Thai Muang reef. The most famous, and we think the best, is Bon Soong wreck. Rather than using speedboats we visit these sites via traditional longtail. This means smaller groups and empty dive sites! These trips are shorter days (less transit time) and you are usually back in your resort by 2 or 3 O’clock.

Bon Soong Wreck - Khao Lak's Best Diving

The reason Bon Soong is so exciting is the sheer magnitude of fish life. With very few other places to for the fish to go in the area, they all hide at the wreck. You will usually see 100,000 plus fish. Small fish of such amazing diversity - schools of Puffers, all manner of Eels in the nooks, Lionfish by the dozen, Sharks lurking in the background, hundreds of Shrimps and plenty more. This is a photographer’s paradise. Itinierary

2900 Baht

Booking Query

Premchai Wreck - Khao Lak's Closest Wreck

Another tin dredger (suction style) that ended her days working for the Premchai Tin Mining company off the west side of Phang Nga province.
After sinking in September 2000, a few hundred meters offshore beach, Premchai rests on her side at a depth of 20 meters. The wreck is in excellent condition with the most amazing soft corals and has attracted large numbers of Honeycomb & White-eyed moray eels, lionfish & all types of scorpion fish. It is also possible to spot Ornate ghost pipe fish here. While it is possible to penetrate this wreck, it is not that great due to the EXTREME amount of silt inside.

Booking Query

Khao Nayak -Closest Reef to Khao Lak

Closer to home, Khao Na Yak is the house reef for Khao Lak. Only 45 minutes away by local boat, and with a maximum depth of only 12 meters, this is a most relaxing dive and an excellent site for new divers or for those of you who haven't dived for a while.
Khao Na Yak Reef also appeals to experienced divers who would like to see a different ecosystem than the Similans. The water here is murkier, but vibrant with life. Scores of beautiful nudibranchs can be found here - and see if you can find the ghost pipefish!

2900 Baht

Booking Query

Thai Muang Reef-Khao Lak's undiscovered gem

Another interesting, but shallow reef close to Khao Lak. This site was “discovered” after the tsunami by researchers looking for reef damage.

It has been dived on and off for years, but never achieved the fame or stature of the Similan Islands. Of course if the researchers had actually talked to any dive shop in Khao Lak they would have known. It is, like Khao Nayak, a very good site, an entirely different ecosystem than the Simlans and shallow. But it’s huge.

3500 Baht

Booking Query

All trips are two tank days. Included is all transportation, meals and equipment. We do need a minimum of 2 people to run these trips. And take a maximum of 8 with 2 guides. This is a great addition to any visit to the region

These are also great opportunities to enhance your training with specialties like Wreck Diving and Photography! Ask us how

Itinerary/schedule

We will pick you up at your resort, stop by our shop for a quick coffee or tea. Double check equipment and off we go to the beach. Longtails are the traditional transportation and we will climb on one of these. Into the water by 9.00. Up by 10.00 and we have a buffet/brunch of traditional Thai foods. After a long surface interval we go back in back 12.00. We then head back to the shop for an extensive debriefing and dive logging session and we’ll have you back to your resort by 14.00 and a relaxed afternoon snooze or sunbathing session. (for the Thai Muang Trip, add about 1 hour to the total time)

Similan Tours - Overnight Snorkeling

2008-07-18T10:23:00.000+06:00

Similan Snorkeling Tours

Our Snorkeling tours are incredible 3 Day and 2 night visits to the Similan Islands Marine Park. Your snorkel guides will show you the best sites, introduce you to the marine life and share the safest ways to enjoy the Similans. Our trips are Family friendly, so bring everyone! These trips are run jointly with our Diving Liveaboard, so if one member of the family is a diver, or would like to learn, this is the perfect holiday for you. Want to see the best beaches? What about those rare species that inhabit the Similan Archipelago? Your guides will take you to some amazing viewpoints and on jungle walks.

We also offer a very special "castaway" trip to the rarely visited Koh Tachai Island. This is the northernmost part of the Similan Islands National Park - we are the first and only tour operator to offer this trip - that means empty beaches and Great service!

Similan Snorkeling Tour

3 Days and 2 Nights

Only 9,900 Baht

Booking Inquiry

Here is your chance to get out and enjoy all of the marine life that the SIMILAN ISLANDS has to offer. Not everything in the big blue ocean is limited to those who dive, so grab your mask and snorkel, sunblock and fins, and hit the water with WICKED

This trip is designed with SNORKELING in mind, and will take you to not only the white pristine beaches of the SIMILANS but many other thriving reefs in the area for your SNORKELING enjoyment. You will always be accompanied by a professional Snorkel guide who will show you the ropes and help you with fish identification.

The trip price includes:

3 days, 2 nights
Marine Park Fee
Guide (no more than 4 guests per guide!)
Luxury Tents and appropriate Linens
All food – there’s always plenty so bring your appetite!
Water, tea, coffee, electrolytes, juice
Transfers from hotel/guest house to and from the pier

Additional fees:
Soda and Beer (25-80 bht ea)
Private Guide (1250 bht/day)

Want to learn more?

Koh Tachai "CASTAWAY" Snorkel Tour

December – April (weather dependent in DECEMBER)

3 Days- 2 Nights - 10,900bht

Booking Inquiry

Get away. Far, far away. Join WICKED and hitch a ride on our boat to your perfect Island getaway. Your guide will escort you to the white sandy beaches Thailand is famous for. There you will enjoy luxury camping in our own tents supplied with mattresses, mosquito netting and fresh linen. Enjoy the guided snorkeling, the secluded beaches and of course the best marine life in Thailand. Crystal clear skies, no mobile phones, no worries. Get away. Far away!

The trip price includes:

Additional fees:
Soda and Beer (25-80 bht ea)
Private Guide (1250 bht/day)

Similan Dive Sites - North Point

2008-07-18T00:01:00.000+06:00

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

North Point

Usually marked by a red buoy which drops down to around 20 meters at the north of the dive site. Characterised by large rocks interspersed with sand and dead corals. Whip corals reach up from the sea bed, while gorgonian fan corals often with feather stars hanging from them protrude from the side of the rocks. Reef sharks can often be seen around the outer edges of the site, as can larger pelagic fish.
The northern tip of the site is often characterised by a strong current which may necessitate staying close to the rocks and zig zaging through the many small swim throughs back to the shallows in the southern side of the dive site. A high and long channel rounds from north to south, with the bottom sitting around 18 meters.
Look on the walls of the rock for nudibranches and check the top of the rock for larger fish. Barracuda have been seen sitting in wait. As you work back towards the south of the dive site staghorn corals become more prominent until they cover the dive site at around 12 meters running from east to west.
In the shallows towards the end of the dive it is not uncommon to see a large school of chevron barracuda or longfin batfish above you, and on most occasions at least one of the resident hawksbill sea turtles is scouring the reef for food. Follow the current during the safety stop.

Diving Depth runs from 10-35 meters (30-120 feet) with the time spent at the divers chosen depth with great features throughout visibility depends on the overall conditions but tends towards 25-30 meters. Currents can be present.

This is the Northenmost point of the Similans and the tidal currents do tend to round this point. Experience level ranges from intermediate to advanced.

While shallow, beginning dives can be done along the reef, it is best to avoid as currents can be present and intimidating to the novice.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Richelieu Rock Diving from Khao Lak

2008-07-17T10:11:00.000+06:00

We are proud of all our trips, but one of the most famous and exciting is to the Richelieu Rock. There is very limited spaces on these trips as we do not do these trips every day. Please book ahead for spots!

Richelieu Rock Day Trip

Book now

Khao Lak is perfectly located to dive one of the best in the world – Richelieu Rock.

While joining our liveaboard will give you more time at the site, we are also able to visit the site via speedboat three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday). This gives you the rare opportunity to dive Richelieu Rock and still sleep at your resort each night. We do two dives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. If the weather cooperates, we will have you back in your resort by 5:00 – time for a shower, nap and sunset drinks. What a life!

Only 6200 Baht (what’s included?)

Richelieu Rock – why so famous?

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Richelieu Rock is Thailand's premier dive site and one of the best places in Thailand to see Big Pelagics like Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. This huge pinnacle climbing from the depths of the Andaman Sea attracts scuba divers from around the world. Huge fish, soft corals and an incredible array of small fish make Richelieu famous around the world. If you are in Khao Lak, Richelieu Rock is not to be missed. Itinierary

Richelieu Rock Location

Richelieu Rock is part of the Surin National Marine Park, yet located about 18 kilometers east of the islands themselves. Richelieu Rock is just barely exposed at the lowest of tides-thus a navigational hazard for those boats not equipped with a GPS navigation system. Situated 200 kilometers Northwest of Phuket and 70 km from Khao Lak - the rock is closer to the Burmese (Myanmar) border than Phuket.

Richelieu Rock Geology

I want to learn more

A massive underwater limestone pinnacle rising up from 50 meters to the just below the surface. Horseshoe shaped with several smaller boulders surrounding it at the depths, protection from currents is assured for the experienced guides. Steep walls and deep crevices offer both stunning scenery and great hiding places for all manner of amazing creatures.
The unique shape and location are part of what Richelieu so special. There are no other pinnacles or submerged rocks anywhere nearby so all the marine life in the area have one place to go. As this is the single pinnacle, it also generates a strong disturbance to the tidal currents. This creates strong upwellings of cold water – which causes plankton. And this plankton feeds the diverse fish and corals. Itinierary

Diving Richelieu Rock

Located in the middle of the sea, Richelieu provides no shelters for the boats. So this is not a site if you get too sea-sick (if that’s the case -join our liveaboard instead). It also means more coordinated entry and exits. As these Currents can cause drift, we require everyone to have and use a safety sausage.
As currents can be strong, dropping down fairly quickly can be part of these dives. Experienced guides in the area prepare for this and will have you drop off the site so you can drift into by the time you have descended.
Aiming for a depth down of 30-35 meters are optimum for both maximum time and pleasure! Many of the outlying boulders have incredible treats for the intrepid visitors. A slow circle of a site should bring you right up to the 5m safety stop by the end. As there is a current and very little protection – this is definitely a site for using a surface marker buoy.
You can dive here over and over and see something new. The currents change constantly, and it's not always an easy dive. But, if you have an experienced dive guide and they give a good detailed briefing, you can learn how to hide from the currents and have a very enjoyable dive.

Currents
As currents can be strong this is definitely a site that should be done with an experienced guide. In addition we recommend that divers be certified and experienced as Advanced Divers or higher.

Could you send me more information?

Richelieu Rock - Marine Life

While Richelieu Rock has long been famous as the easiest place to see Whale Sharks, but a worldwide decline in numbers has really reduced the number of encounters. The frequency of encounters over the last 4 years has been about once every 2 weeks.

We frequently see such quotes as…

”Up until 2000 it was a case not of "will I see a whale shark?" but more like "how many whale sharks will I see?" These days whale sharks are less common however some years are better than others.”
“Sightings occur 50-70% of the time, depending on the time of year. Generally, from February to April are the best times for a visit to enjoy some of the most exhilarating liveaboard diving in Thailand.”
This is complete hogwash and is just a way to sell trips. It’s just not true. As a matter of fact, seeing a Whale Shark is less common than seeing one.
Go here if you would like to learn more about Whale Sharks. Not only can you learn a lot, but you can also join in research and conservation projects.
Disappointed? Don’t be, the Richelieu Rock has an amazing amount of diversity. Expect to see schools of chevron barracudas while larger sharks and rays can be seen in the deeper water.
Vast Schools of Snappers, Tuna, Mackeral, Jacks and Trevallies circle the site hunting and hiding from one another.

Could you send me more information?

The crevices, cracks and fields of soft corals are home to such an amazing diversity of fish such as White-eyed Morays, Nudibranchs, Tigertail Seahorses, Harlequin shrimps, Ghost pipefish, Lionfish, Glassfish, Frogfish, Leaffish and even some very exotic species like Pineapplefish. Just keep your eyes open, take your time and enjoy. There is so much to see.

We will pick you up at your resort and drive you to the pier. We try to depart by 9:00 Am, with a little more hour travel time on the speedboat. We do have snacks, but recommend having a breakfast before we pick you up. Our first dive is a bit deeper than our second one, so it might be bit shorter – depths on Richelieu should be watched. We’ll have our lunch together during the surface interval onboard. After the second dive, we offer some refreshing fruits on the return journey home. If all goes well, we will have you back in your resort by 5:00 – time for a shower, nap and sunset drinks. What a life!

The trip includes:
Pick up from your hotel (in the Khao Lak Area), transport to the pier and back
Lunch and fruits
Diving Equipment
Drinking water and soft drinks
Good Times
National Marine Park entrance fee
Tanks and weights for the divers
Dive or snorkel guide
Lots of fun!
The trip does not include:
Pick up from other areas – expect a surcharge if you stay in Phuket or Krabi
Breakfast or Dinner
Bad attitude
Accommodation – though it can be arranged if needed!
Use of Computer or Cameras – they can be rented

Khao Lak Liveaboard - The best way to enjoy the good life

2008-07-16T10:04:00.000+06:00

We are bringing you more and more details of our new liveaboard. This is very exciting news for us as we are very proud of the new boat and the new services we will be offering to everyone. Not only will we be bringing you the service and standards that you have come to expect with Wicked Diving, but now we will have a very affordable alternative to the same old 4 Day/4 Night trips that everyone else offers. Not only is our schedule different and unique, but we are the first "Green" diving operation in Thailand.

When you dive with Wicked, you make a difference.

Come and join WICKED DIVING from November through April for a unique scuba diving liveaboard adventure in The SIMILAN ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK on the west coast of Thailand. Join us for our guided tours around the islands and many of the best dive sites in the Andaman region. Dive guilt-free aboard the “Greenest” boat in Thailand with the most experienced staff in Khao Lak. Book your diving holiday before space runs out.

Our unique liveaboard allows you to dive different sections of the Similan archipeligo. We’ll spend three days in the Southern Dive sites, then 3 days in the Northern sites and finally 3 days at Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon. Join us for 3 days, 6 days or 9! Choose the best trip to meet your needs – or budget.

3 Days - 9 Dives
14,900 Baht

We only carry 12 guests on our trips, so the groups are small with a relaxed pace and uncrowded dive sites. Each cabin is air-conditioned with seaviews and fresh air. A total of 6 crew will be waiting on your needs while we provide at least one dive staff per 4 guests. You will be treated to the best in Thai hospitality.

We you dive with us you make a difference. Our boat and trucks use only locally produced Biodiesel so your money makes a difference in our community. Wicked uses only fair-trade, phosphate-free soaps and detergents on our boats and in our shops so that we don’t affect our environment around us. Your sheets and towels will be 100% fair-trade organic cotton. 10% of all our profits go to local NGO’s and we continually strive to make the world around us better.

Our staff are among the most experienced and highly trained in all of Thailand. Our continual training programs assures you that all staff are current EFR and DAN certified. Wicked Diving has not one but TWO Instructor Trainers and TWO Dive Medics on staff. We are the evacuation and emergency center for the entire region. In addition we can conduct our dives and courses in English, Swedish, German, Thai, Indonesian, Dutch, Belgian and French (and even American).

Not diving? All of Wicked’s trips feature snorkel guides! We always offer family friendly trips that cater to divers and non-divers alike. We spend time on the islands experiencing more than just the marine life. Interact with the world around you. We know that not all the world dives – and we are happy to cater to all their needs as well. We even feature an incredible Koh Tachai “castaway” experience that offer guided snorkeling, nature walks and camping for all the non-divers.

All Wicked trips are designed to increase the skills and awareness of our guests. Whether we are sharing the benefits of biodiesel in marine environments or conducting open water course with beginning divers the passion is clear.

At Wicked Diving we believe you will walk away from our adventures happier and better off. Whether it is our active role in the community around us, running the only ecologically friendly boat in the region or the incredible staff – Wicked Diving is more than just a dive shop. Make a difference, enjoy your diving and share in our unique experience.

Boat Details

All the cabins have:

* Air conditioning
* 100% Organic Bedding
* Sea-view windows
* LED Reading lights
* Dressing cabinet
* Mains outlet 220 Volts AC & 24 Volts DC - 24 hours per day
* 100% Organic Towels are available - please request before boarding
* Life jackets

Technical information :
• Length/Beam : 20 meters/5 meters.
• Max. Guest : 12.
• Cabins : 6 twin
• Bath rooms : 3 showers/toilets..
• Fresh Water : 12,000 Liter.
• Generators : 220v.-24v. 2 Sets.
• Compressors : Bauer Mariner. 2 Sets
• Engine : Hino Ek100 330 HP.
• Oxygen First Aid system/
• Navigation System/Sounder
• Ship-to-Ship Radio
• Satellite Phone
• 3.6m Tender with 15hp Yamaha

All Cruises Include :
• Full accommodation on board
• Personal climate control for each cabin.
• All meals, tea, coffee and fruits.
• Transfers from/to hotel in the Khao Lak Region.
• A Qualified Dive Instructor as your Dive Guide.
• Tanks and weights.
• National Park Fees are included in all our trips

Please contact us with all your inquiries. We are happy to answer all you questions. If you and your family or dive club is interested in a charter we hope you will feel confident that we can take care of you!

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Course

Similan Dive Sites - East Of Eden

2008-07-15T17:25:00.000+06:00

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

East Of Eden

No visit to the Similan Islands would be complete without a dive along perhaps the most famous of all the islands’ divesites. Running along the southeastern corner of Island 7, East of Eden is one of the most colourful and vibrant fringing reefs in Thailand. Featured in National Geographic, Scuba Diver magazine and hundreds of other publications; this is it!

Starting in the shallows at 6m the reef falls quite steeply in the northern section to depths of 35m or more where the sand bottom then levels out. Usually this reef is dived from north-east to south-west and it is here at the start if you head down to the deeper coral pinnacles you will often find a few pairs of purple fire gobies and a massive red frogfish hidden amongst the deeper boulders.

Heading along towards the shallower parts of the reef you will swim over enormous orange and red gorgonians sea fans, beautiful barrel sponges as well as staghorn corals, table corals and pore corals, which are home to many colourful Christmas tree worms. Keep a keen eye open as there are ribbon eels, frogfish and hundreds of other small treats in all these corals.

At the deeper end of the reef, where reef meets sand (25-30 Meters) we often find scores of Kuhl’s Rays and whole fields of Garden Eels. Along the entire reef you will find all the usual reef fish going about their daily business, a myriad of shapes, sizes and colours. hawksbill and green sea turtles are very often seen at the top of the reef plateau.

Just before the main pinnacle is long slope of sand where our friend Emma lives. She’s a Giant Moray eel that has made her home there for several years. A few ignorant dive guides fed her, so they could show off to their customers – until one overzealous videographer tried to get some good footage by holding out some small wieners. Emma took off his thumb. You’ll often see this video on Youtube and Google Videos. Another good reason not to feed fish!

At the southern end of the reef is an enormous coral pinnacle starting at 24 meters and rising to 10 meters. It is definitely worth swimming around slowly at least once. This pinnacle is home to many different large and small sea fans, enormous table corals, endless differently coloured feather star worms and beautiful soft corals and anemones. So many fish are attracted to this pinnacle, but also look for the smaller species such as nudibranchs, cowries and at the right time of year the elusive ornate ghostpipefish. This pinnacle is truly an ecosystem in itself.

At the end of the dive we swim in the shallows where several turtles are often found, as well as clown triggerfish.

Diving Depths range from 4 to 30 eters (12-100 feet) with most time spent at about 16 meters (50 feet) Visibility is often quite good with normal range of 25-30 meters (85-100 feet) Currents are present, but helpful. We ride the currents which most frequently run from North to South. Experience level is from Beginner to Advanced. This site is accessible to all. Please remember that the delicate corals are easily broken by those without real buoyancy skills and overzealous photographers!

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Similan Island Divemaster Program Details

2008-07-15T09:56:00.000+06:00

As we have pointed out - we are very proud of our new Divemaster program for next season. Not only joining our incredible team of instructors for a real-world divemaster training, but also the opportunity to join our Similan liveaboard for trips, living in Khao Lak and do we even need to mention the great food, beaches, incredible diving?

Anyhow, here are more details for the Divemaster Training:

Divemaster Training on our Similan Island Liveaboard – live, dive, learn in Thailand’s tropical paradise

Imagine waking up each day eager to start work?

Your office: The azure waters of the Andaman Sea
Your Job: Show people the most amazing places on Earth
End of the Day: Kick Back on the beach and watch the sunset

Tomorrow: Repeat

The Wicked Divemaster Course grants you professional level SCUBA diving certification - the first step on a career that will can take you anywhere in the world. You will be qualified to guide divers, conduct Scuba Reviews (Refreshers) and assist Instructors.
Earn a living, doing what you love!

Wicked Diving’s divemaster training program develops your leadership abilities, qualifying you to supervise divers, plan and prepare dive trips and even lead dive trips! By the end of the course you will no longer be a diver – you will be a leader!

During your Divemaster training you will be joining our liveaboard on trips to the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock as well as our daytrips throughout the region. With the real world experience on our boats, as well as in our busy shop, you will learn what is like to lead the life of a working Divemaster – not just the diving. This will give you the important skills that dive operators look for in their staff.

Wicked Diving’s DM program guides you through a wide range of skills through both classroom and independent study. You will complete several water skills and stamina exercises, as well as training exercises that stretch your ability to organize and solve problems. Finally all of this practice and theory will come together by the end of your internship when you plan, organize and actually lead dive trips!

Why should I do my Divemaster course with Wicked Diving?

Our Divemaster Training program is one of the best you will find anywhere – the goal of our program is make you a dive leader. With a mind to experience, safety, service and fun we aim to make you one of the Professional diving community.

We have chosen to do the Divemaster program the way we always thought it should be – intense, through and preparing you to work in the dive world. Our team of instructors have lived and dived around the world, with experience on all the continents (except Antarctica). We have seen the “factory” schools and the dive center’s with 20 Divemaster Trainee’s doing all the work. Instead we work side by side with you through the whole course. You are not a slave doing our work for us, you are an intern, treated with respect and soon you will be an equal – possibly even hired on as our team.

Our courses can be conducted in English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Belgian, Bahasa (Indonesian), Thai and even American. Our staff consists of the most qualified instructors in the region – Including Instructor Trainers for SSI, DAN, EFR as well as PADI specialty courses and more thorough training such as Technical diving, Advanced Cardiac Life support and more…

Our liveaboard offers the widest and most diverse selection of dive sites in the region. Of course we do trips to all the popular Similan Island Sites, but also to the less visited Southern sites and of course Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai. With trips ranging from 3 to 9 days and the ability to join our exciting snorkeling expeditions – we offer a very wide selection of opportunities to gain diverse experience whilst doing your divemaster program.

Wicked Diving operates the ”Greenest” dive boat in Asia. The vessel is fueled by locally produced biodiesel and low energy appliances. Our soaps and cleaning agents are bio-degradable and do not harm the reef. A portion of all our proceeds go to local NGO’s that promote the improvement of our community at large. Please ask us for more details if you wish to learn or join in these activities.

If the great boat, experienced Instructor team and incredible diving is not enough!!! – Khao lak is only one hour north of Phuket International Airport and home to some of the best resorts in the world. With restaurants and beaches to match - it is a very laid back and comfortable town. Lacking the nightclubs and party atmosphere of places like Phuket and Pattaya, it more than makes up for it with amazing diving, relaxing sunsets and low key lifestyle.

Finally our safety and standards are among the highest in the region. With staff that are actually employed by the hyperbaric chamber to coordinate emergency evacuations in the region. Having the only active Dive Medic in Khao Lak on staff should assure you of our standards (but we actually have two!)

When can I start?

We only offer this course while our liveaboard is operating – Mid-October until May. The last internship will begin around March 15, so we can assure you of adequate training time. This will give you plenty of time to complete both the practical and theoretical sections of the course.

Our Commitment to you

The Wicked Team of instructors will always be available for consultation during your Divemaster training. If you are unsure of who to complete your course with maybe you should ask yourself the following questions:

1) Is my Divemaster course more than just a few dives from the beach?

2) Do I have 2 experienced Instructor Trainers overseeing my Divemaster training?

3) Can my Divemaster course be taughtin other languages, if needed?

4) Will my Divemaster group size be smaller than that of 4 candidates?

5) Do I get discounts on more liveaboards? Can I assist on more courses if possible?

6) Do I get discounts on future courses – including my instructor course?

7) Are your instructors the owners or just employees?

8) Is the dive facility I want to be trained in able to offer Instructor courses and specialty training in Wreck diving, Nitrox, Night diving, Deep diving?

9) Will My shop be able to offer all Safety training in ALL the DAN courses? To Instructor level?

10) Are my Instructors able to help me with career advice and are they well connected in the local region and in other dive resorts around the world?

11) Am I confident my Divemaster course will be professional, knowledgeable, interesting, real world and fun?

If you can answer yes to all those questions – then give us a shout. We are eager to have you join our family! Remember it’s important that you feel 100% comfortable with the facility and people where you undertake your Divemaster Training.

Unfortunately the one thing we cannot give you an idea of is sense of family you will offer at Wicked. Our shop is here because we love what we are doing, not to get rich. We started this shop because we thought that a dive shop should be warm, supportive and fun. If your passion is diving then we are here for you!

What we expect of you

You need to meet all the prerequisites for the Divemaster Course (see below). If this is not the case we can do the necessary courses or dives with you, or if you prefer, you can do them somewhere else before you come here for your Internship.

By the end of your Divemaster Training we expect you to have all the equipment required as a Divemaster, this includes the normal complete equipment and articles like a dive knife, compass, marker buoy, etc. What you don't have we can offer you at very good prices.

You need to provide your own accommodation and food so you need to be able to live here for the time span needed without income. We are happy to help you find accommodation and show you the local markets.

Being of clean mind is paramount in preventing accidents. The well-being of you, our guests and our staff are utmost in our decisions. If you can not show up for your courses and dives with a clear head and sound decision making ability – we will not complete your course and we do not issue refunds.

Most important for us is a professional attitude from you (don't worry, that also includes having fun), you don't want to look upon it as a vacation. This includes good appearance, high standards of safety and service when dealing with our guests. If you would a job in the diving industry, we’ll train you! If you want to hang out on the beach and drink beer all day – go for it – just not here!

What you can expect of us

Wicked Diving does not care about your race, religion, color, sex, nationality or orientation. We will try our hardest to mentor you into the career of divemaster. We will conduct frequent and detailed lectures about all topics in your course (and more).

We will you treat you with a professional attitude. We have a lot of fun, but there can be risks associated with diving and we will work our hardest to prevent accidents form happening – THEN we will have fun.

We will offer all the tools, materials and knowledge you need to complete your course . We will celebrate your success and share in your failures. We will treat you as part of our family.

Interested? Send us quick note!

What all is involved in the Divemaster course?

The goal of the Wicked Diving Divemaster training program is to improve your level of diving and diving knowledge. You should feel confident and knowledgeable in both the theory and practical elements of recreational scuba diving. You will assist instructors teaching real courses and get hands on experience supervising and leading dives. You’ll learn mapping techniques and map an actual dive site, guide certified divers, test and hone your rescue skills, learn how to handle stressful situations underwater and learn how to teach some programs.

Our Divemaster course requires you to;

Complete a series of water skills and stamina exercises in confined and open water environments.

Three required training exercises that test organizational and problem solving abilities.
Mapping a dive site, including underwater and surface features
Equipment exchange: demonstrate the ability to solve unanticipated problems underwater
Conduct a class, under the supervision of a Instructor Internship
Practical Training Exercises Internship: hands-on experience supervising and assisting divers in actual programs, under the guidance of a Instructor
Practical Training Exercises: simulated scenarios in supervising and assisting divers, under the supervision of a Instructor
Plan, prepare and lead a dive trip

The training and experience you gain through our Divemaster program helps shape your abilities and attitude toward becoming a professional level diving educator. As such, many Wicked Diving trained Divemasters go on to become Instructors and working Divemasters around the world

There are three phases in the Divemaster programme:

1. Watermanship and skills assessment

Watermanship and stamina skills
Rescue evaluation
General diving skills
Developing Diver skills to demonstration quality. This we will complete overa number of skills circuits.
You will have to produce an Emergency Assistance Plan and map for a local dive site.

2. Knowledge Development

Diving physics
Diving physiology
Divemaster conducted programs
Diving skills and the Environment
Supervising Students in Training
Supervising Certified Divers
Decompression theory and dive planning
Emergency planning
Diving Equipment

3. Practical application

This involves training activities using various structured training sessions, simulated scenarios and internship sessions with actual Wicked Diving programs. These training sessions enable you to gain practical experience as an instructional assistant and a supervisor of diving activities, both as a coordinator and as an underwater guide. These involve courses on land, leading divers, preparing longtail, speedboat and liveaboard trips

Conducted as an internship over a minimum of 6 weeks, you will gain practical experience of student and diver supervision while working under the close guidance of our experienced professional staff.

Interested? Send us quick note!

What do I need before I begin the Divemaster Course?

Advanced Open Water Diver or qualifying certification from another training organization
Rescue certification or qualifying certification from another training organization
You must also have completed the Emergency First Responder course or have been certified in First/Aid CPR within the last 2 years (you must provide current certification).
Medical clearance signed by physician
20 logged dives
18 years old

If you are not already an Advanced open water Diver or Rescue Diver, no problem- we can organize that for you. Contact us to let us know your requirements.

What equipment do I need for the Divemaster Course?

To start a Divemaster course, you don’t need any equipment. However, by the time you complete your Divemaster training, you should have a full set. In order to work as a Divemaster, most dive centers expect you to have your own equipment.

We offer advice and great deals on scuba diving gear - please contact us for further information.

What do I need while doing the course?

The Divemaster manuals you will required to buy and read in advance of your Divemaster course are:

Divemaster manual
Divemaster Diving Knowledge Workbook
The Encyclopdia of Recreational Diving

You will be required to have:

Full set of dive gear (available for rent or purchase at great discounts)
Surface Marker Buoy
Whistle or other surface alert device
Compass
Some form of Dive knife (Sea Snips are perfect)

Length of the Divemaster package

Over the course of the two liveaboards, you will do a total of at least 18 dives, if you require future dives to reach 60 dives (minimum required before qualifying as a divemaster), you can do further liveaboards for only 5,000 baht!!
There will also be plenty of opportunities to join out trips to local dive sites (and even exploratory dives) as well as joining our speedboat trips, so it should be pretty easy to get your 60 dives in the 6 weeks of your course.

How much does the Divemaster Course cost?

The Divemaster Course costs 35,000 THB.

A full set of equipment can be rented for 5,000 baht for the 6 weeks of the internship. We offer discounts on all equipment purchased (a very good idea if you are looking for work afterwards).

As this is actually the price of two liveaboards (included in the price), it is an incredible bargain!

Not included in this price:

Room & Board
Transportation
Equipment

Life in khao lak

We can help you organize cheap accommodation in Khaolak. Serviced rooms can range from 8,000 and up per month. Simple bungalows can be found for 5,000 for month and nice houses can be rented for 10-15,000 per month. It is often best to share accommodation while here – both for economic reasons, but also to have a fellow DMT to discuss the lessons with!

Meals will cost between 40-180 (or more) baht per meal & beers are 25-70 baht depending where you buy them (eg 7/11 or a bar). We provide you with meals when you are out diving on the liveaboard, and lunch on the daytrips. Khaolak has a very broad range of restaurants and can cater to all palettes, from Thai to Indian to Swedish to Italian and beyond. Be prepared to pay more for those places!

Our town, Khaolak is only a one hour drive from the Phuket International Airport. But we are light years away from Phuket! The area is small, catering to mostly tourists You will find all the necessities of life here, but not the luxuries. We plan trips to Phuket to visit the Hyperbaric chamber every two weeks and these are great opportunities to pick up any luxury items or treats you might need. We also plan trips to the movie theater when special movies are released.

You might find life here easier if you have a scooter, but be very cautious. It is very common to have accidents, usually not serious, but they can cost you weeks of time out of the water!

You have access to free tea, coffee, water & fruit when you are in the dive center and there is a small fridge where you can keep a few essentials.

Interested? Send us quick note!

Thailand's Best Divemaster Course

2008-07-14T09:47:00.000+06:00

We are very proud to announce the first of new programs for next season!

We are now taking applications for Internships at Wicked Diving - Khao Lak's Premier Dive Center. The divemaster training program will commence October 15th, 2008 and our last candidates can join March 20, 2009. Space is limited!

Similan Divemaster Internship!!!

Take this unique opportunity and become a professional diver. Join our Similan Divemaster internship program. Dive from our liveaboardin the Similan Islands, while living, diving and learning in the world-famous tropical paradise of Khao Lak, Thailand.

Our Divemaster training program will bring you experience, knowledge and skills that allow you to work as a professional diver any where in the world.

All of this AND you still join at least 2 of our Similan liveaboard diving safaris. With these trips you will have the opportunity to see and dive with Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Turtles, Sharks and the hundreds of other species of Marine Life that make this one of the Top Ten Dive Sties in the world – the Similan Islands.

Want to know more?

Wait! This price is incredible! Only 35,000 Thai baht to become a professional diver!!!
We also offer discounts on Equipment, future Similan Island liveaboards and all our selection of specialty courses. We are also an instructor Training facility, so you can move up to the next level after you complete Thailand’s best Divemaster training course.

We do not offer “short courses” and we are not a factory school. We only enroll a very limited numbers of divemaster interns at one time. We aim for the most thorough training and our goal is to make you an employable, experienced member of the worldwide professional diving community. Our course is twice as long as most other shops, and almost all our former Divemaster students are working as DM’s in the Similan Islands and around the world.

You will be “immersed” in the world of scuba diving. Not just being taught, but actually working alongside your instructors on our Similan Island liveaboard, on our speedboat and maybe even arranging and conducting trips to Khao Lak’s local shipwrecks! You will learn how a shop runs, how to coordinate a dive trip, to supervise divers in the water – even how to assist in teaching courses! Our Similan Divemaster course is for the passionate diver – who wants more!

You will find your head “swimming” with all the new experiences – imagine showing the incredible dive sites of the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock to “your divers”. You will be tending to our guests safety as you share your passion for the marine life you see on each dive, while readying them and their equipment for the next dive. In the shop you will get hands-on training for the real world – seeing how trips are planned and prepared for, equipment serviced and paperwork (yup, there is STILL paperwork – even in diving) readied for each guest.

When you join our “school”, you’ll see that things are different. We are passionate about safety and service. We conduct lectures every two weeks for the whole diving community in Khao Lak regarding safety, marine life and even the results of our exploratory dives around the region. We are a small school with the personal touch. You will be mentored through the divemaster internship with your own instructor, but all our staff lend a hand in training.

It is not often you can take 6-8 weeks out of your hectic life to live in the tropics, enjoy one of the worlds truly great cuisines, dive some of the best dive sites in the world (Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon , Koh Tachai) , visit white sand beaches for your lunch break and still end up with a career!

Please realize that by joining this diving adventure you are not guaranteeing your certification in any courses since PADI course certification is a result of completing/passing required coursework, completing dives and/or examinations

Want to know more?

Staying and living in Khao Lak:
We are happy to help you organize accommodation while doing your course. Living here is inexpensive. Unlike Phuket, this is a small town with lots of relaxed places to live. You can choose from serviced units (like hotel rooms) or actual houses with kitchens. Often times you will find that staying with other DMT’s (Dive Master Trainee’s) is a great way to live cheaply and share study time.

Khao Lak is about one hour North of Phuket Airport, but is a world away from the madness and chaos of Phuket. Khao Lak is a small town with lots of beaches and quiet laid-back restaurants. We are surrounded by the Khao Lak – Lamru National Park, and of course the World Famous Khao Sok National Park is just up the road from here.

Please bear this in mind – unlike Phuket, Khao Lak is quiet. Lacking in real nightlife and “go-go” bars, we like it. If you are coming to Thailand to party, this is NOT the town for you. On the other hand if you are here to dive, learn about diving and to see some of the best dive sites in Thailand – come on up!

Khao Lak is about a one hour drive up the coast from Phuket. Khao Lak is a lot more chilled out than Phuket - it's quieter and cheaper. There is a great beach, and several bars and restaurants. There is also the amazing Khao Sok national park nearby.

As always, please contact us with any other questions you might have. WE are very excited about this opportunity to share our knowledge and experience and hope you are too!

Khao Lak Diving

Divemaster Internship Link

Similan Dive Sites - Deep six

2008-07-11T00:01:00.000+06:00

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Deep Six

Deep Six tumbles down from the north point of Island 7. It is a collection of submerged boulders similar in topography to North Point and Christmas Point on Island 9. A mooring line to the west brings you down to the center of the dive cite. Continue to swim north where you can find boulders which extend down to maximum depths of 35-40 meters. Stay close to the rocks until you have assessed the current, which tends to be stronger towards the northern tip of the dive site. White tip reef sharks can occasionally be seen in the deeper areas, as can larger rays and Kuhl’s stingrays. There are some great swim throughs around the big boulders at the centre of the dive site. A large arch at around 22 – 24 meters on the western side will bring you into a maze of smaller swim throughs lined with whip corals and sea fans. Pipefishes and crustaceans love these dark holes, and harlequin shrimp have been found sitting on the bottom of the western swim through. Oriental sweetlips and larger groupers can be found under rocks and table corals. Look along the rocky bottom for mantis shrimp, octopus and sea snakes. Flabellina can be found along the outside walls of the main boulders. There is a larger channel on the eastern side of the dive site which can also provide good shelter if there is a strong current. Leopard sharks also seem to enjoy these sheltered sandy areas. Towards the south of the dive site, the boulders spread out into larger sandy areas which runs alongside of the island at around 10 meters. Look here for red and purple fire gobies and nudibranchs. Swim out into the blue for the safety stop or return to the mooring line as it can be difficult for the boat to collect you if you stay close to the island. This is also a good opportunity to look for cruising manta rays as well as to watch the large shoals of fusiliers.

Diving Depths range from 10 all the way to 30 meters and beyond! (30-100 Feet). With most time in the 15-25 meter Range (45-85 feet)

Currents are present and can be a hazard in the cracks between the huge boulders.

Visibility runs from 15-30 meters (50-100 feet) depending on prevailing conditions.

Divers should be of intermediate level and above due to depths and currents.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training

Similan Dive Sites - Anita's Reef

2008-07-08T16:20:00.000+06:00

As part of our ongoing series of Similan Island Dive sites, Wicked Diving presents:

Anita's Reef

Running from the southern tip of Island 5 to the western side of Island 6, Anita’s Reef is a perfect introduction to diving at the Similan Islands.

The reef consists of a mixture of hard and soft coral pinnacles, white sand areas and in the southern, deeper section, massive granite boulders. When currents are present here they are usually mild, ideal for taking a closer look at some of the coral pinnacles which start at around 5m and are dotted over the white sand to a depth of around 24m. They consist mostly of large pore, table and compact corals and a mixture of beautiful red and pink soft corals and huge sea fans.

Fish life is in abundance, the highlights of this reef being the shimmering schools of glassfish, patrolling bluefin trevally and goatfish, many clownfish and anemone fish and in the sand between and beyond the corals some of the largest fields of spotted garden eels to be seen anywhere at the Similans.

At the southern end the huge granite boulders, adorned in green tree corals fall to depths of 30 meters or more where leopard sharks and stingrays can sometimes be seen lying in the sand gullies.

With an ever-present current, this site also makes for one of the best drift dives around. Starting on the northern side of Island 6, we ride the drift all the way around to the Southern side, completing a half circumnavigation of the island!

Diving depths range from 5-30 meters (15-100 feet) and most of our time is spent at 10-20 meters (30-70 feet)

Currents are actually to be expected and we dive in for a great ride!

Visibility is usually 20 meters (70 feet).

Experience levels – everyone can dive this site. The perfect check dive for a liveaboard.

Similan Diving

Similan Guide

Divemaster Training