Premium Guided Scuba Diving Day Trip for Certified Divers

If you’re a certified diver eyeing a trip to Phuket, this guided day trip with Aloha Diving might just be your next favorite adventure. With a maximum of 12 divers per boat, a flexible schedule, and a focus on personal experience, it promises an intimate, relaxed, and high-quality underwater exploration. The reviews speak volumes—consistent 5-star ratings and glowing comments about professionalism, safety, and memorable sites make this tour stand out.

One of the standout features we love is the small group size—you’re not lost in a crowd, and the guides can really tailor things to your skill level and interests. Plus, the delicious food and snacks onboard elevate the experience from just another diving trip to a genuinely enjoyable day out. That said, a consideration might be the price point of $158, which, while reasonable given the quality, doesn’t include scuba equipment rental, so you’ll need to arrange that separately.

This tour is perfect for experienced divers who want to explore Phuket’s underwater marvels without the chaos of large boats or crowded sites. If you’re someone who values professionalism, personalized attention, and authentic sites, you’ll find this trip a fantastic fit.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Environment: Max 12 divers, ensuring personalized service and safety.
• Flexible Schedule & Unrestricted Dive Time: Dive at your own pace, far from crowds.
• High-Quality Equipment & Food: Use of snorkeling gear included, with delicious snacks and lunch.
• Expert Guides & Crew: Known for their professionalism, safety, and friendly service.
• Stunning Dive Sites: Coral gardens, walls, shipwrecks, and vibrant marine life.
• Ideal for Certified Divers: Perfect for those with experience who want a relaxed yet adventurous day.

What Makes This Dive Trip Stand Out?

The experience with Aloha Diving revolves around a small, well-organized boat called M/V Matchanu. With capacity for just 12 divers, it offers plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere that larger operators often can’t match. The reviews consistently praise the professionalism of the crew and guides—notably Mona, Simon, Alice, and Mona’s team—who are lauded for their welcoming attitude, extensive knowledge, and safety-first approach.

The boat departs early at 8:00 am from Chalong, a convenient location for many Phuket travelers. The trip lasts around 7 hours, which includes multiple dives across diverse sites, plus time for lunch and snacks. The unrestricted dive time means you can take your time exploring, which is a major plus compared to more rigid schedules.

Dive Sites and Experience

The sites visited are described as pristine, less crowded, and varied—from coral gardens to dramatic walls and even shipwrecks. Reviewers mention being thrilled by the “mysterious underwater landscapes” and “vibrant marine life,” including colorful fish and coral formations. Many noted that the sites felt untouched, allowing for a more authentic and photo-worthy underwater experience.

One review highlights the diversity of sites visited over three days, indicating that the locations are carefully chosen for their beauty and diversity—something that keeps each trip fresh and exciting. The guides are experienced at adjusting the dive to suit different skill levels, making it suitable even for those who aren’t professional divers but are certified.

The Food and Snacks

An often-overlooked aspect of diving trips is the quality of onboard food. Here, you’ll be treated to snacks, coffee, tea, bottled water (in reusable tanks, in line with their eco policy), and a hearty lunch. Reviewers repeatedly mention how delicious and well-prepared the food is—these little touches go a long way in making the day memorable.

Equipment Use and Additional Costs

While the use of snorkeling equipment is included**, scuba gear is not. This means you’ll need to bring or rent your own if you don’t have it. The reviews suggest that the guides are helpful and knowledgeable about the equipment and safety procedures, adding peace of mind, especially for those who might be newer to diving.

Logistics and Meeting Points

The meeting point at Chalong is easy to reach via public transportation, and the tour provides complimentary transfers from select hotels, as per the reviews. The 7-hour duration is well-balanced—long enough to visit several sites but not so exhausting that it ruins your day.

Why Travelers Keep Coming Back to Aloha Diving

Based on the reviews, one of the most praised aspects is the team’s professionalism and friendliness. Alice, Mona, Simon, and the crew are frequently mentioned for making guests feel safe, well-cared-for, and relaxed. Many reviewers note that the guides are extremely knowledgeable, adjusting dives to their experience levels, and often share interesting insights about marine life and underwater features.

The small groups and personalized service stand out. For example, one reviewer mentions their guide Alice as a “wonderful and extremely friendly divemaster,” who takes “incredible underwater photographs”—a bonus for those wanting to remember their trip.

Authentic & Uncrowded Sites

Instead of crowded, mainstream dive sites, this tour visits less accessible, pristine reefs and walls that might be missed by larger operators. Multiple reviews emphasize the “untouched reefs” and “great experiences” that come from diving in smaller groups with local expertise.

Food & Overall Experience

Many guests highlight the delicious, freshly prepared lunch and snacks, which keep energy levels high. The relaxed, friendly vibe of the crew, combined with the well-organized logistics, makes for a smooth and enjoyable day.

Value for Money

At $158.13 per person, considering the small group size, expert guidance, quality sites, and included food and snacks, this is seen as excellent value. Remember, the price excludes scuba gear rental, but many reviews suggest that the overall experience far outweighs the cost.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

The day begins bright and early at 8:00 am in Chalong, with guests arriving on the well-maintained, comfortable boat. The crew preps your gear in advance, which many reviewers appreciate—they describe everything as well-organized and stress-free.

Once underway, you’ll cruise to some of Phuket’s most pristine dive sites. Sites are carefully selected to maximize underwater beauty and marine biodiversity. Reviewers mention coral gardens teeming with fish, dramatic vertical walls, and even shipwrecks that add a touch of adventure and history.

Each site offers ample dive time, with guides adjusting the dive to your comfort and experience level. The unrestricted dive time allows you to soak in the surroundings at your own pace, a feature that many emphasize as a major advantage over other tours with rigid schedules.

Lunch is served around midday—fresh, flavorful, and plentiful—with options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day, ensuring you remain energized.

After a couple of dives, the boat heads back around 3-4 pm, giving you plenty of time to relax and reflect on your underwater adventures. The return trip is smooth, with many noting the friendly, attentive service of the crew, who are eager to answer questions and share their knowledge.

The Experience’s Drawbacks & Considerations

While overwhelmingly positive, a few points are worth mentioning. The cost of $158 might be a barrier for some, especially since scuba gear rental isn’t included—so you’ll need to budget for that separately if needed.

Another consideration is the weather dependency—like all outdoor activities, poor weather conditions can lead to cancellations. The tour’s policy offers a full refund or rescheduling if this occurs, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the forecast.

Finally, the moderate physical fitness level required means it’s suitable for most, but not ideal for those with significant mobility issues or health concerns that prevent easy swimming or physical exertion.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is unrivaled for certified divers who appreciate small, intimate groups and personalized service. It’s ideal if you’re looking for diving in Phuket without the rush and crowds, with the bonus of delicious food and expert guides. Those who value safety, professionalism, and authentic underwater sites will find this experience aligns perfectly with their expectations.

While perfect for experienced divers, less seasoned but certified divers will also enjoy the relaxed pace and flexible dive times. It’s less suitable for complete beginners who haven’t yet obtained certification, as the tour explicitly caters to those who are already certified.

The Sum Up

This guided scuba trip with Aloha Diving offers a wonderful balance of personalized service, beautiful dive sites, and thoughtful touches like great food and flexible diving times. The small group size ensures a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, making it a top choice for those who want quality over quantity. The professionalism of guides like Mona, Alice, and Simon, combined with the stunning underwater scenery, creates an experience that many reviewers rank as one of their best in Phuket.

If you’re a certified diver who values expert guidance, uncrowded sites, and authentic experiences, this tour is an excellent investment. The focus on safety, comfort, and memorable marine encounters makes it a standout option in Phuket’s bustling dive scene.

FAQs

• What is included in the price?
  Use of snorkeling equipment, snacks, lunch, coffee/tea, and bottled water in reusable tanks. Scuba equipment rental is not included.

• Where does the tour meet?
  At the designated meeting point: R8CV+GVP, Chalong, Phuket. The tour begins at 8:00 am.

• How long is the trip?
  Approximately 7 hours, from departure to return.

• What is the maximum group size?
  12 divers, ensuring plenty of space and personalized attention.

• Is the tour suitable for beginners?
  It’s designed for certified divers, so beginners without certification might need a different experience.

• Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
  Yes, if the weather is poor, the trip can be canceled with a full refund or reschedule.

• Do I need to bring my own scuba gear?
  No, but scuba gear rental is not included. You can bring your own or rent locally.

• Are transfers included?
  Yes, many reviews mention free transportation from hotels in Phuket to the meeting point.

• What kind of dive sites will we visit?
  Expect coral gardens, walls, and shipwrecks that are less crowded and often described as pristine and untouched.

• Is the food good?
  Yes, reviewers rave about the delicious lunch and snacks provided, with many saying it enhances the overall experience.

To sum it up, this Aloha Diving day trip offers a personalized, relaxed, and scenic diving adventure in Phuket that your memories will cherish. Whether you’re keen to explore vibrant reefs or shipwrecks, your experience will be guided by passionate professionals committed to making your day special.