Racha Yai Bay 1

Phuket · Phuket · Thailand

Racha Yai Bay 1 occupies the main horseshoe-shaped bay on the eastern side of Racha Yai Island, roughly 20 kilometres south of Phuket. Protected from the prevailing west winds, this sheltered bay offers some of the clearest water in the region, with visibility frequently reaching 25 to 30 metres during high season. The reef slopes gently from the white sand beach to a maximum depth of 25 metres, making it accessible to divers of every certification level. The shallow zone between 3 and 10 metres features extensive staghorn coral thickets that rank among the healthiest in the greater Phuket area. These dense coral formations shelter juvenile fish, small wrasses, and chromis that dart between branches. Anemones with their resident clownfish families are scattered throughout, providing endless opportunities for macro photography. The coral coverage has recovered remarkably from past bleaching events and now supports a thriving ecosystem. Resident sea turtles are the site's main attraction. Both hawksbill and green turtles inhabit the bay year-round, grazing on algae and sponges growing on the coral and rocky substrate. They have become accustomed to divers and often continue feeding unconcerned when approached slowly. On the sandy patches between coral formations, blue-spotted stingrays bury themselves beneath a thin layer of sand, and cuttlefish hover near the bottom displaying their remarkable colour changes. The deeper sections beyond 15 metres feature scattered coral bommies on sand where moray eels make their homes and octopuses occupy rocky crevices. Schools of fusiliers pass through the bay, occasionally followed by small tuna. At night this site transforms into an outstanding night dive with hunting lionfish, Spanish dancers, and sleeping parrotfish wrapped in mucus cocoons. The calm conditions and reliable marine life make Bay 1 a perennial favourite among Phuket dive operators.