Don't miss Milton and his staff at :

http://www.westcoastdivers.com/

The liveaboard is so nice (including the food!!!!!) that I do it once a
year.

Sunrise Divers, http://www.sunrise-divers.com/ at Karon is well worth
checking, I've had nothing but good experiences with them.

Try The Junk - it's the best, especially for liveaboards going to The
Similans and Surin.

Romantic boat (old style Chinese Junk), great crew, hugely experienced and
an all-round fantastic experience. Company is based in Patong.

http://www.thejunk.com/

The dive instructors, Jerome, Kay and Mick are superb. Martin the
videographer is a great guy, too, and one of the best professionals in his
field. Most nights he shows video from the day's dives in the spacious and
comfortable lounge.

I've dived with them for the last four years and will go again this year.
Every time I have seen either Manta Rays or a Whaleshark - one trip we saw
both.

Last trip I did was just after 26 December 2004. As well as the recreational
divers (me), the company sought volunteers to help clean some of the famous
reefs from sand sediment which would have killed off many corals if not
removed quickly. A very environmentally conscious and well respected outfit.
I believe they were the first dive company to organise such an initiative
after the tsunami.

For day dives, try Kingfisher. Company is based in Patong and Chalong. Make
sure you get Jimbo as the DM - great character.

Good luck and best fishes - Nigel

I have just returned from Phuket and stayed at the Chaba Villa in
Patong Beach(www.chabavilla.com. This is a smallish and simple resort,
cheap,clean and safe and is just a 5 to 10 minute walk to the center of
dining, shopping and nightlife activities. Highly recommended.

For diving, try this address: Rumble Fish Adventure
[mizlyz@ji-net.com]They are honest, friendly and run a great operations
out of Kata Noi Beach, about 15 minutes from Patong Beach.

Enjoy.....