Why Thailand Bans Newbie Divers at Some Dive Sites (And Why That’s Actually a Good Thing)

If you’ve been dreaming of diving in Thailand’s crystal-clear waters, you might be surprised to hear that some of the country’s top dive spots have started banning newbie divers. It might sound harsh at first—but there’s actually a solid reason behind it. So before you pack your fins, let’s break down what’s really going on.

What’s the Deal?

Thailand’s Marine Department and national park authorities have implemented restrictions on beginner divers (usually Open Water students or newly certified divers) in certain protected marine areas. These rules mostly apply to sensitive spots like Richelieu Rock, Koh Haa, and parts of the Similan Islands, which are famous for their rich coral life and rare marine species.

Why Ban Beginners?

The short answer: reef protection.

New divers are awesome—everyone has to start somewhere—but they often struggle with buoyancy control. A stray fin kick or unintentional bump can damage delicate coral structures that took decades (or centuries) to grow. Multiply that by thousands of divers a year, and the damage adds up fast.

By limiting access to only experienced divers (usually those with 20+ logged dives or an advanced certification), Thailand hopes to reduce environmental stress and give these ecosystems a fighting chance.

But Don’t Worry—There Are Still Amazing Spots for Beginners

This doesn’t mean beginners can’t dive in Thailand at all! There are tons of beginner-friendly dive sites around Koh Tao, Phuket, and Krabi that offer beautiful marine life, safe conditions, and amazing training grounds.

Plus, the restrictions can be seen as a motivator—a reason to gain more experience, improve your skills, and eventually earn your spot on those legendary dive trips.

The Takeaway

Thailand’s ban on newbie divers at certain sites isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about sustainability. It’s a move to protect the ocean we all love, so future divers (like you!) can continue to experience its magic.

Get some dives under your belt, practice that buoyancy, and when you're ready—those pristine Thai reefs will still be there, waiting.

What's New in 2025?

As of April 2025, Thailand's Department of National Parks rolled out updated rules restricting the use of underwater cameras by divers who are not Advanced Open Water certified or who haven’t logged at least 40 dives. The only exception? Divers who can show a logbook with at least 40 deep dives.

These changes aim to reduce unintentional damage caused by new divers—particularly those juggling cameras and gear underwater. The concern is that without proper control and experience, divers can easily bump into or break fragile coral structures while focusing on their shots.

Why the Focus on Cameras?

Let’s face it—underwater photography is awesome, but it also comes with distractions. Fiddling with camera settings, chasing the perfect angle, or managing bulky equipment can lead to poor buoyancy and accidental reef contact. That’s why Thailand has said, “Let’s pause and protect.”

The new rules aren’t just about cameras, either. They've also put tighter limits on the number of divers per guide, especially during training dives, to make underwater trips safer and less chaotic.

What This Means for You

If you're new to diving or still working on your certifications, don’t worry—you can still dive! You just won’t be allowed to bring a camera into certain marine parks until you’ve gained enough experience. But guided dives, snorkeling, and non-camera explorations are still totally on the table.

Plus, this could be your motivation to level up your diving game. Get those logged dives in, practice your buoyancy, and work toward your Advanced Open Water cert. The ocean—and your future photos—will thank you for it.

Final Thoughts

Thailand’s latest move isn’t about shutting out newbies—it’s about protecting what makes these dive spots so incredible in the first place. The coral reefs need time, space, and respect to thrive. By giving them that, we’re ensuring that they remain beautiful, diverse, and dive-worthy for years to come.