As with most popular and emerging tourist destinations
in Thailand, Koh Lanta has an ever-increasing number of dive shops to
choose from. Knowing which is best, is often a blind decision for many
tourists, based purely on price and the feeling received from the dive
shop closest to the hotel you are staying at. For numerous reasons, it
would be wrong for us to say that one shop is the best, or better than
another, there are simply too many variables to make such a statement.
We do however highly recommend Pimalai Divers, which
has some of the best dive boats around Koh Lanta, and a great team of
dive professionals that help you to relax and enjoy your dive in
comfortable and safe surroundings. Established in December 2002, Pimalai
divers is based on the beautiful and tranquil
Kan Tiang
Bay Beach in the South of Koh Lanta. Adjacent to the luxurious
Pimalai Resort and Spa, which, for good reason, is a member of Small
Luxury Hotels of the World, Pimalai Divers is not reserved only for
Pimalai Resort and Spa guests and the dive shop can offer a pick up
service for those not staying at the hotel.
The Dive Shop is able to meet the needs of most
divers, from total beginners to experienced divers with hundreds, even
thousands of dives under their belt. Most of the PADI courses can be
organised including the PADI Open Water, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver,
Different Certification Courses, Rescue Diver etc.
The dive shop can supply all the equipment needed for
your dive, so you do not need to bring anything. If however you get cold
easily, then you may want to bring your own 5mm wetsuit (shop rents a
3mm shorty), as while the waters around Thailand are warm year round,
some divers do get cold from time to time depending mainly on the time
of year.
Pimalai Divers operates daily dives to Koh Bida, Koh
Haa, Hin Mueang and Hin Daeng. The boat tends to leave around 8am and
aims for a 2pm return. Trips to Hin Mueang and Hin Daeng may leave a
little earlier and return a little later due to the distance from Koh
Lanta.
For custom made itineraries, special packages, and the
best prices we recommend you to contact Pimalai Divers before your
arrive in Koh Lanta.
Click here to send Pimalai Divers an Email
The
Good: |
Great
boat, possibly the best on Koh Lanta. Small diver numbers, which
is an enormous advantage. Great team of dive professionals.
Numerous languages spoken. Plus connected to the best resort on
Koh Lanta - the
Pimalai Resort and Spa (a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the
World). |
The
Bad: |
Very
good quality, but unimaginative
and repetitive food. Diving is not about the food though is it! |
Conclusion: |
Our
personal choice, and the dive shop we highly recommend if you
plan to dive off Koh Lanta. |
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Pimalai,
Krabi,
Koh Lanta,
Kan Tiang,
Diving
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