Discover the Magical Creatures of Phuket’s Waters: Night Diving - Bioluminescence

The world is filled with incredible creatures, many of which remain unknown to most people. Beneath the waves, in the warm tropical waters of Thailand, there exist fascinating marine life forms that seem almost too extraordinary to be real.

One such creature is the see-through cardinalfish, a species that has developed a unique survival mechanism intertwined with the lives of tiny, glowing crustaceans known as ostracods. This isn’t some mutant fish or a magical marine wizard (although it certainly feels that way). The cardinalfish, despite its ghostly appearance, faces a daily battle for survival in the predator-filled waters of the Similan Islands.

Nature’s Fireworks Display: The Cardinalfish & Ostracods

The cardinalfish, like many marine species, feeds on plankton. However, in its pursuit of a meal, it occasionally swallows ostracods by accident. For these tiny crustaceans, digestion is not an option—they’ve evolved a remarkable defence mechanism: bioluminescence. When swallowed, they light up like tiny underwater fireworks. Since the cardinalfish is transparent, this sudden glow makes it a beacon for predators, turning the hunter into the hunted. In a desperate bid to avoid becoming a glowing target, the cardinalfish spits out the illuminated ostracod, allowing both creatures to survive another day.

This evolutionary arms race is a fascinating example of nature’s ingenuity. The cardinalfish likely evolved its translucency as a means of camouflage, a way to avoid detection in the water. But the ostracods’ ability to emit light has turned this adaptation into a vulnerability, rendering the fish’s invisibility completely useless in certain situations. Millions of years of evolution have resulted in this extraordinary natural phenomenon, a testament to the endless adaptations species make in their quest for survival.

Witness This Phenomenon While Diving in the Similan Islands

If you’re an avid scuba diver or simply curious about marine life, the Similan Islands are one of the best places to experience this magical display. A Similan Islands liveaboard trip offers the perfect opportunity to embark on night dives, where you’ll not only encounter unusual creatures but also witness the breathtaking bioluminescent spectacle of glowing plankton swirling around your fins.

While I’ve yet to personally witness the cardinalfish spitting out glowing ostracods in the Similan Islands, knowing that this phenomenon exists gives divers something new to search for. Who knows? You might be one of the lucky few to witness this incredible display firsthand!

Scuba Diving in Phuket: A World of Wonders

Phuket is not just about its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife—it’s also a top-tier diving destination. If you’re already a diver, be sure to add a night dive to your itinerary. During the day, these tiny creatures remain nearly invisible, but under the cover of darkness, the ocean reveals its most mesmerising secrets.

For those new to scuba diving, Phuket offers numerous dive centres, such as Thailand Divers, where you can take your first steps into this incredible underwater world. You can start with a Discover Scuba Diving experience and, if you’re hooked (which you likely will be), continue to complete your PADI Open Water Course. With world-class dive sites just a boat ride away from your Phuket hotel, diving here is an unforgettable experience.

Game Fishing in Phuket: A Different Kind of Adventure

If diving isn’t your thing, Phuket offers plenty of other marine adventures, including game fishing. While you probably won’t catch any bioluminescent cardinalfish, you’ll have a great chance at reeling in big game fish such as tuna, barracuda, marlin, and sailfish. Many Phuket game fishing boats are fully equipped to handle these powerful fish, making for an adrenaline-pumping day on the water.

The Ultimate Marine Adventure Awaits in Phuket

Phuket is truly a magical place, offering a mix of adventure, natural wonders, and breathtaking marine life. Whether you’re night diving in the Similan Islands, marvelling at bioluminescent creatures, or heading out for a game fishing expedition, there’s always something extraordinary waiting beneath the surface. So pack your bags, book your Similan Islands Snorkeling safari, and get ready to experience the wonders of the Andaman Sea like never before!

Thailand Divers in Phuket Thailand Is Moving To The Next Level To Cater For All And Not Just Divers.

What's really good for all dive centres and instructors of all sports

is when you get great feedback from experienced divers. Here in Phuket Thailand that has been a mecca for people diving Thailands waters for many years and attracts many new divers each year. it's nice to know from the experienced divers who have a lot of other places to compare us too. These reviews mean a lot.

There are so many now we can post them all. Review. but please check them all out and then you will see why Thailand divers offer the best Phuket tours for both diving and so much more.

Here we run many Phuket day trips for divers and non-divers alike. We have access to some great national parks where we can have 2 day and 3-day Phuket safari trips too. Phuket game fishing again is some of the best in the world. Plus the world-famous Similan islands which are open from 15th October until 15th of May for the best diving in Thailand.

The Similans are one of the worlds best diving locations and is very popular. There are so great Similan islands liveaboard trips ranging from an overnight trip to a great 8-day adventure into the Burma banks and back. Plus anyone wanting to learn to dive Phuket is the ideal place. From the first-timers when doing the discover scuba diving Phuket shallow reefs offers so much to see at shallow depths its more like an aquarium.

Then the PADI open water course Phuket again comes into its own with so many dive sites to explore you normally ending up doing 6 dives all in different locations compared to the required 4 that our divers learn so much more than most other places. Phi Phi Islands

When diving in Phuket or just visiting there really is no better place for a tropical holiday. Places like James Bond island and Phi Phi Bamboo are just a short speed boat ride away.  Phuket really is a dream location if you just know where to go and who to talk to. Just a short online chat and you will get all the best advice for everything from the diving, tours, fishing, snorkelling and even your Phuket hotel or the best guest house Phuket can all be arranged with a quick chat with Thailand Divers. Its never been easier to get to paradise.