Yo...going to the Phuket area for a couple weeks and plan to just bounce from island to island as much as we can while there. Also wanting to do some diving...have found a couple questions that I was hoping to get an answers to here...keep in mind we're in "high adventure and low budget" mode for this trip:


1) Best way to island hop?
- Suggested islands? Mode of travel? Places to stay?
- I'm sure I'll have follow up questions based off your answers!

2) I'm PADA/NAUI dive certified, but my friend who's coming is not. How closely do they regulate dive gear rental? My hope is to just rent two dive set-ups and teach my buddy how to dive myself. (Please spare me the "You shouldn't do that!" lectures)
- If we can't get away with my plan, are there cheap, fast resort classes offered anywhere? Do you recommend any?

Thanks a bunch...Any other info for doing a "high adventure / low budget" trip in that area for a couple weeks would also be greatly appreciated!