We've got snorkels and masks we bought in Egypt from a market. Is there a reputable dive shop in Phuket that could perhaps sell us something better?

I.e. not 'I sell you snorkel velly good plice', but somewhere where the staff know what they're talking about and can make sensible recommendations

There are several professional type dive shops in Chalong, particularly on the road from Chalong circle to the pier.

Anything up north? We are staying at Mai Khao.

So many of them are around Chalong.

I bought mine from a place in Kata: Phuket Scuba club.

They had a good selection and I'm happy with the one I bought.

Up north, try the dive shop in the Indigo Pearl hotel.

If you come in from the beach side, they are in the first building on your left.

Wolf there is a good man and won't BS you.

Most of the dive supply places will have snorkel stuff but operate at higher margins (or get worse wholesale prices ??) than the chain sports stores.. The one in central or Jung ceylon usually under price them by quite a chunk.

Most of the dive supply places will have snorkel stuff but operate at higher margins (or get worse wholesale prices ??) than the chain sports stores.. The one in central or Jung ceylon usually under price them by quite a chunk.

Yes most dive shops have a small selection. Prices are sometimes cheaper at the main distributors/wholesaler retail outlets.

These companies are distributors/wholesalers as well as retailers.

Scuba Market, Kata

Siam Diving Interprises, Patong,

All 4 Diving, Patong

Water World Asia, Patong

As far as I know the rest of the shops are only retail.

Lilos, are you calling SuperSport in Jungcylon (and Central) a dive shop, or is there one in there I have yet to see? SS do carry Mares and some other cheaper local brands and have a deal with Siam Diving Enterprises to carry stock. You will see Thai SDE staff in there working the diving section of the store and I have found them to be somewhat knowledgeable.

No not calling them dive shops, only that they have snorkel gear and usually cheaper prices for the same gear.. Also with central (unless things have changed) there was quite a bit more selection and choice. I got a really good quality wide viewing angle mask for 1200 or 1400 and saw the same mask in a dive shop for 2800, the volume sales v specialist sales approach I guess.

No not calling them dive shops, only that they have snorkel gear and usually cheaper prices for the same gear.. Also with central (unless things have changed) there was quite a bit more selection and choice. I got a really good quality wide viewing angle mask for 1200 or 1400 and saw the same mask in a dive shop for 2800, the volume sales v specialist sales approach I guess.

I see. Well the bigger shops I mentioned theoretically shouldn't have that mark-up a small shop often has, since they have a much better margin.

No not calling them dive shops, only that they have snorkel gear and usually cheaper prices for the same gear.. Also with central (unless things have changed) there was quite a bit more selection and choice. I got a really good quality wide viewing angle mask for 1200 or 1400 and saw the same mask in a dive shop for 2800, the volume sales v specialist sales approach I guess.

post =3444293help I want to be able to try a mask on, as some i have Brought in the packet are no use. not a snug fit I was taught to put a mask on my face, with out straps breath in and the mask should stick. [to ones face] but but if one cant try.?? i had a brill set from pro dive shop uk then two months ago lost?? them, i have bought two in the packet.s could end up drowning. nice one for local media random

post =3444293help I want to be able to try a mask on, as some i have Brought in the packet are no use. not a snug fit I was taught to put a mask on my face, with out straps breath in and the mask should stick. [to ones face] but but if one cant try.?? i had a brill set from pro dive shop uk then two months ago lost?? them, i have bought two in the packet.s could end up drowning. nice one for local media random

Yeah the ones in plastic which you cannot try on are not suitable for scuba diving. Snorkling, fine. Those masks are generally very cheap. 150baht or so and thats with the snorkle. As you said, you really should try on a mask first, exactly as you described. Quality scuba masks can easily be over 3000 baht. The larger Supersport stores have both. The best mask is the one that fits you best.

Just checking the prices at Supersport Jungcylon tonight. Pretty nasty mark-up on their masks. The Mares frameless was going for almost 4000 baht. I must check it at one of the wholesalers.

I suspect JC may have a tourist premium on a tourist item like masks.. Kind of expected.

I suspect JC may have a tourist premium on a tourist item like masks.. Kind of expected.

And Central will be the same.

All I can say that is in my experience the gear I bought was about 50% the price of the same gear in dive shops..

Maybe it was an off season sale, maybe all kinds of things.. Not sure..