Freediving in Railay/Krabi?

[Shanks]

I'm going to Railay beach in Thailand which is quite near Krabi. Desperately looking forward to get underwater asap... any tips about the area would be greatly appreciated, including good spots, advice about water temperature (wetsuits necessary?), visibility, dive buddies, dive schools etc. etc. would be MOST appreciated!

Thanks, Sandor

 

[miguel-van]

Try to contact Blue Planet Divers. They have a freediving section at their diveschool and are located at Koh Lanta wich is not that far from Krabi.

M

 

[Shanks]

Thanks. That is probably my best option.

Since I made my post, I've heard that Railay is really rubbish for diving, shallow, awful vis, loads of long-tail boats, etc. etc.

I am crushed.

Is there any hope?

Unfortunately my time is limited so I probably won't make it too far afield from Railay.

 

[msonne1@me.com]

Hey Shanks

When are you going?
I might be going from feb 23 - 3rd of March 2010.

I've been in contact with a local spearo called Charlie who knows about the area.

I'll bring spearfishing equipment and hope to meet someone to join me for some spearfishing while I'm there.

I've been to Railay before. You'll need to get a long tail boat to take you to some of the better places. There are plenty - and it's cheap to charter a boat for the day - to take you where you want. There are plenty of small islands near by where the snorkeling is excellent. Going out from the beach is not too amazing.

Cheers,
Martin

 

[msonne1@me.com]

Oops...2009....you probably already went - how was it?

 

[Shanks]

Martin, it was OK, but nothing to write home about, especially without sufficient local knowledge. As you say, it's best to get to the islands in a long-tail... very easy to find one... the shore has nothing. I found some pretty good spots... but I'm much happier just jumping in off the shore. And having a partner in crime! Not somewhere I'd go back to for the diving... Let me know how you get on... Sandor