Dive operators in Phuket

We're going to Phuket Thailand in just over a month... (woohoo!)

Does anyone know a good dive outfit out that way? I should mention that we like to dive in small groups.... None of those 20 people kicking/bumping/scratching eachother trying to get a view of a little coral head kind of dive trips.....

Any good suggestions? Any places we just "have" to dive? I've heard that Phi Phi island is a great spot....

Thanks,

~Todd

Phi Phi is a nice dive location with many dive operators.

If go with a big outfit, you normally end up in a big group.

If you read up on the Phi Phi sites, you will know where to go. Then hire a local boat, tanks... and do it yourself.

Since the dive sites are quite safe, no strong currents, you will not get washed away. Of course diving without a guide you might miss all the known good spots. Also you need good navigation skills, if not it could a be a long swim back to the boat.

Since I know the sites quite well, I normally hire my own boat and tanks, then follow my own schedule.

When I am in Phi Phi, I normally stay at Phi Phi Cabana closer to the main strip. I am told Travelodge (Holiday Inn, not onb main strip) is also very nice.

http://www.sawadee.com/krabi/index.htm

Over the years, Phi Phi on land has become quite dirty.

I'm going there and I was wondering:

a)Is the weather too bad?

b)Is it better moving the base to Phi-phi instead of phuket?

Thanks in advance

Forgot to login - but it was me.