Undertows can be problematic during the Rains Season. It is best to seek the advice of local people regarding swimming conditions. Fins, mask and snorkel can be rented on a daily basis from shops all over the island. Scuba diving expeditions regularly leave Phuket for dives around offshore islands, and further afield, most particularly around the enduringly popular Phi Phi islands, some 3 hours east of Phuket, and the Similan islands, some 110 kilometres Northwest of Phuket. Several dive shops concentrated in the Patong area have expatriate and English-speaking dive instructors who offer inexpensive beginner's courses.
All diving equipment is available for hire.