Phi Phi Island, an idyllic gem in the Andaman Sea, is widely recognized as one of the most stunning diving destinations in Thailand.
The island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, offers both beginners and experienced divers an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Whether you’re looking for impressive rock formations, caves, or the chance to swim alongside diverse marine life like turtles, sharks, and colorful fish, Phi Phi’s dive spots are a diver’s dream.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 Phi Phi Island diving spots around Phi Phi Island to help you plan your ultimate diving experience.
1. Bida Nok
Bida Nok is one of the most popular dive sites near Phi Phi Island, known for its stunning underwater landscape and abundant marine life. Located just south of Phi Phi Leh, this limestone island offers a wide variety of dive experiences for both beginners and advanced divers.
With depths ranging from 5 to over 30 meters, divers can expect to see an array of marine life such as barracudas, reef sharks, moray eels, and colorful nudibranchs. The visibility is generally excellent, making it a great spot to take underwater photos and observe the diverse ecosystem.
Why Bida Nok is Special
- Diverse marine life: Expect to see blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, and a host of reef fish.
- Beautiful underwater topography: Swim through fascinating rock formations, soft corals, and crevices.
- Ideal for all levels: Whether you’re a newbie diver or an experienced one, Bida Nok offers something for everyone.
2. Shark Point
As the name suggests, Shark Point is famous for its regular sightings of leopard sharks. This spot is actually a protected marine sanctuary, making it an excellent location for observing undisturbed marine life.
The dive site consists of a series of pinnacles covered in soft corals and sea fans, attracting a variety of marine creatures like schools of snappers, barracudas, and occasionally, the rare whale shark. The depth of the site ranges from 10 to 25 meters, providing a perfect mix of experiences for divers of different skill levels.
What Makes Shark Point Stand Out
- Leopard shark sightings: Watch these gentle creatures as they swim or rest on the sandy seabed.
- Colorful coral gardens: Enjoy diving through beautiful coral formations teeming with tropical fish.
- Marine diversity: From small creatures like sea slugs to larger species like tunas and barracudas, Shark Point is full of surprises.
3. Koh Bida Nai
Just beside Bida Nok is its smaller sibling, Koh Bida Nai. Despite its size, Koh Bida Nai is a world-class dive spot with a diverse marine ecosystem. The dive site offers caves, swim-throughs, and steep walls dropping to over 20 meters.
One of the highlights of this dive site is encountering blacktip reef sharks, which often come close to divers. Koh Bida Nai is also known for its macro life, such as seahorses, ghost pipefish, and tiny shrimp, making it a paradise for underwater photographers.
Why Koh Bida Nai is a Must-Dive
- Stunning walls and caves: Explore the underwater terrain with caves, walls, and crevices.
- Shark encounters: Spot blacktip reef sharks cruising in the shallow waters.
- Macro photography heaven: The diverse array of small creatures provides endless photo opportunities.
4. Hin Daeng (Red Rock)
Hin Daeng, meaning “Red Rock,” is located about an hour’s boat ride from Phi Phi Island, but the journey is absolutely worth it. This site is famous for its deep drop-offs, which plunge down to about 50 meters, offering incredible wall diving opportunities.
The name comes from the red soft corals that cover the rocks, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. Hin Daeng is also a hotspot for pelagic species, with frequent sightings of manta rays, whale sharks, and large schools of fish like jacks and tunas.
Highlights of Hin Daeng
- Spectacular wall diving: Dive alongside steep drop-offs covered in red corals.
- Pelagic encounters: Keep an eye out for manta rays, whale sharks, and other big pelagic species.
- Deep diving experience: With depths reaching up to 50 meters, Hin Daeng is ideal for advanced divers looking for a thrilling dive.
5. Hin Muang (Purple Rock)
Hin Muang, also known as “Purple Rock,” is located close to Hin Daeng and is equally breathtaking. The name comes from the beautiful purple soft corals that cover the pinnacles, making the underwater scenery truly unique.
Hin Muang is the deepest dive site in Thailand, with depths going down to 70 meters. This site is famous for its clear visibility, which allows divers to witness the sheer walls, sea fans, and large schools of pelagic fish that surround the pinnacles. Manta rays and whale sharks are also commonly spotted here, adding to the thrill of diving at Hin Muang.
What Makes Hin Muang a Top Dive Site
- Vibrant purple coral gardens: The soft corals create an extraordinary and colorful diving experience.
- Manta ray sightings: Encounter the graceful mantas gliding through the clear waters.
- Challenging depth: Perfect for experienced divers who want to explore the deeper parts of the Andaman Sea.
Tips for Diving Around Phi Phi Island
- Best Time to Dive: The best time to dive around Phi Phi Island is between November and April when the weather is calm, and the visibility is at its peak.
- Diving Certification: While most dive sites are suitable for Open Water Divers, some, like Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, require Advanced Open Water certification due to their depth.
- Safety Precautions: Always dive with a reputable dive center, follow your dive instructor’s guidance, and keep an eye on your air supply and depth limits.
- Marine Conservation: Respect the marine environment by not touching or disturbing the coral and marine life. Practice good buoyancy to avoid damaging the reef.
What You Need to Know Before Diving in Phi Phi
Before diving, it’s essential to prepare adequately to make the most of your underwater experience.
Make sure your dive gear is in good condition, bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment, and always follow the instructions of your dive leader.
Remember that each dive site has its own unique characteristics, so plan your dives according to your skill level and interests.
Final Thoughts
Phi Phi Island offers a range of dive sites that cater to all experience levels, from beginner-friendly shallow reefs to advanced deep drop-offs.
Each site has its own special appeal, whether it’s the vibrant coral gardens, the thrilling encounters with sharks and manta rays, or the stunning underwater rock formations.
Exploring these top dive spots will not only provide a memorable diving experience but also allow you to witness some of the best underwater beauty that Thailand has to offer.