Top 10 Must-Visit Spots For Scuba Diving In Phi Phi Island

Scuba diving in Phi Phi Islands has been one of the most preferred activities to be done when in Thailand. These islands are nestled in Thailand’s Krabi province which has crystal-clear water visibility and many underwater landscapes. The tranquil waters of the Andaman Sea are known for their marine life and ancient coral reefs. Phi Phi Islands have a worthy aquatic experience that promises an unforgettable time. The islands have more than twenty diving places to choose from that let you explore the deep oceans with beautiful sea turtles, reef fishes and an array of marine species.

Why Choose Phi Phi Islands For Scuba Diving?

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Phi Phi Islands have six islands and the most famous ones are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. These islands are accessible with speed boats or ferries. Scuba diving is preferred more in and around the region of Phi Phi Islands for the following reasons:

• Rich Marine Biodiversity: An array of marine species like reef sharks, turtles and rays. Beneath the waters lie coral reefs which are so colourful and bright that they simply catch your attention.
• The Dive Sites: The islands have multiple dive sites with unique characteristics. They have shallow reefs which are suitable for beginners. The deep dives challenge the thrill-seekers while letting them explore the underwater cliffs and pinnacles.
• Clear Visibility: The waters of the Phi Phi Islands are crystal clear. The visibility of the water exceeds approximately 25 metres. During scuba diving, underwater photography and observation of the marine ecosystem is done.
• Year-Round Diving: The visibility of the waters is the best during the months from November to April. Scuba Diving is performed during any time of the year with every sea

Suggested Read: Top Sites For Scuba Diving In Bangkok

Factors Affecting Scuba Diving

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• Weather Conditions: Sometimes the place experiences storms and high winds which decreases the clarity of the waters. Diving becomes hazardous during such a period.
• Visibility: Due to weather conditions, currents and plankton blooms. Good visibility leads to a better diving experience.
• Dive Sites: These dive sites experience different levels of deaths and species of marine life. Sometimes affected by the currents, it increases the difficulty of scuba diving.
• Tourism: Peak tourist season means these dive sites are more crowded. Tourists need to check the accessibility of these dive operators and accommodations.

Scuba Diving Places In Phi Phi Islands

Water sports activities like snorkelling and scuba diving are two of the preferred options in Phi Phi Islands, Thailand. These dive sites are the best in and around the region.

1. Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai

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Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai lie at the southern end of the Phi Phi Islands. These rocky islands provide an excellent ambience for varied scuba diving practitioners such as beginners or experienced divers. The islands are a beautiful sight to witness with marine creatures swimming on the coastal shores too. The islands have soft coral reefs mixed with hard coral reefs where a majority of scorpionfish hide. At Koh Bida Nai, a beautiful archway leads to a shallow hard coral reef garden. At Koh Bida Nok, numerous swim-throughs of the West Side can be witnessed.

Depth Level: 8-28 metres
Marine Species: Seasnakes, Cuttlefish, Moray Eels
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels

Suggested Read: Phi Phi Island National Park

2. Loh Samah Bay

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Loh Samah Bay lies to the east of the Phi Phi Islands. This island is a beautiful shallow dive which is primarily used for night dives. Under the waters of Loh Samah Bay lies an extensive hard coral reef garden which is home to colourful anemones. The place is not only an ideal place for scuba diving but for snorkelling too. A dive takes you through a small limestone island that lies within Loh Samah Bay itself. On the eastern side of this island is a long canyon which is home to delicate marine life.

Depth Level: 2-12 metres
Marine Species: Sea Whips and Seahorses
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels.

3. Hin Bida

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Hin Bida is located 6 kilometres from Koh Bida. This place is more prominently known as ‘Phi Phi Shark Point’. A majority of leopard sharks are spotted at this place. During the low tides, the rocks break the surface. This island is surrounded by boulders, corals and sand. There are soft corals located to the south of Hin Bida which are very beautiful. Hin Bida experiences strong currents, especially around the deeper sections. It accounts for experienced divers who can handle currents. The visibility of Hin Bada is usually clear but may vary in case of sudden currents in the sea.

Depth Level: 18-22 metres
Marine Species: Leopard Sharks and Large Rays
Experience Level: Preferably experienced divers

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4. Maya Bay- The Beach

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Maya Bay is always crowded on the shores and is one of the most known places in Phi Phi Islands. The place offers a decent diving experience to the tourists. The northern side of the bay has a pretty sloping reef with some dramatic rock formations. A variety of turtles can be spotted here. The place is more prominently known as ‘Maya Corner’ and is also considered as the best area. A diving spot at Maya Bay is at the NW Point. This point has a great swim-through and a steep wall. At the SW Point, a cavern is found making it the largest area of the Maya Bay.

Depth Level: 16-18 metres
Marine Species: Butterfly Fish, Blacktip Shark and Green Sea Turtles.
Experience Level: Suitable for all divers.

5. Hin Daeng And Hin Muang

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Hin Daeng with its neighbouring island of Hin Muang is very famous for showcasing its exquisite marine species and beautiful underwater landscapes. The islands are suitable for both recreational and professional divers. This place is very famous for its purple corals which are found all around the underwater pinnacles and walls. This site offers excellent visibility but sometimes experiences strong currents which are only ideal for experienced divers. Large schools of fish are found along the walls. Photography is also enjoyed by the divers as the waters of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are crystal-clear.

Depth Level: 12-60 metres
Marine Species: Manta Rays, Barracuda and Leopard Sharks
Experience Level: Suitable for all divers.

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6. King Cruiser Wreck

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The King Cruiser Wreck is a renowned site for scuba diving near Phi Phi Island. The place is just 10 miles from the island and offers a challenging experience only for certified divers. Historically, the King Cruiser was a ship that operated between Phuket and Phi Phi Islands. In 1997, it struck a coral reef and sank into the sea with its shallowest point at 100 feet beneath the earth. Certified divers can explore every corner of the ship as marine life has taken over the shipwreck. It is recommended for the divers to have advanced open water certification or higher.

Depth Level: 12-30 metres
Marine Species: Barracuda, Lionfish and Reef Sharks
Experience Level: Suitable for only certified divers.

Ideal Time For Scuba Diving In Phi Phi Island

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Phi Phi Island in Thailand offers excellent watersports activities to be performed with snorkelling and scuba diving as the most chosen one. Scuba diving activity is run throughout the year but the ideal time considered is from November to April when Thailand experiences the dry season. The water temperature is perfect ranging from 27 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. Underwater visibility is also considered to be at its best as compared to the months from May to October when sudden storms and rainfall tend to build currents. Rarely, scuba diving during the monsoon offers a unique experience. It is advisable to book diving excursions during the dry season to enjoy it to the fullest.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Phi Phi Island On Your Next Trip

Scuba Diving in Phi Phi Islands provides opportunities to drift along the walls which are covered by beautiful and vibrant soft corals. The divers not only have a thrill-seeking experience under the waters but also capture memories to be cherished forever. These dive spots offer a glimpse of the beautiful marine ecosystem. Book Scuba Diving at Phi Phi Islands with TripXL to witness the natural beauty beneath the waves.

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Frequently Asked Questions