Over 38 years of diving, I have seen a lot of operations across many countries. Sea Bees has hands down been the best I have ever experienced, a sentiment that seems to resonated with many others based on the reviews. It’s easy to fall in love with a dive shop if the weather is perfect and site happens to be lovely and populated with great fish during your dive. It’s not to say these things didn’t happen, they did. Rather, Sea Bees is great by design, from initial contact to departure from the parking lot.
I had several questions before booking and had quick, friendly, and thoughtful answers that confirmed in my mind that I was making the right choice. Great directions led me to the shop (though they do offer flexible shuttle services). Once there I was welcomed in by a large, friendly, and professional team who made sure all of our needs and desires had been considered. We got a large group briefing over coffee and biscuits and then were whisked to the dive boat where my personal gear “magically” appeared all set up and ready to go.
The Excalibur II deserves a lot of mention. This boat is awesome! Not only does the lower level support up to 20 simultaneous divers (maybe more), it has two more covered and enclosed levels (one a lounge, the other a bar/restaurant), plus great outdoor and covered lounging in front on comfy cushions. Rather than the sliced oranges and warm water I got used to in the Caribbean, I got to GORGE on three full and delicious meals as well as a fruit snack, plus plenty of reasonably priced beverages beyond the complimentary free and cold water.
My dive master, Jenns, was great. He gave structured dive planning guidance up front that was geared to me and my dive buddy’s experience levels, not too much, not too little, just right. I saw this personal care demonstrated across the whole team so while I loved diving with Jenns I know this was not a fluke. Finally as we approached the harbor after a long and wonderful day the whole team came back together for a debrief (my first time doing this diving and so smart).
If you find yourself in Phuket wondering how to spend a day or several or wanting to get certified or improve your training, check out Sea Bees, you’ll be glad you did.