A GUIDE TO KOH PHI PHI DIVING – 2024

Koh Phi Phi is perhaps the most famous island in Thailand as it was the place where the famous movie “The beach” was filmed.

The island has become very popular and it has a reputation for being a party island. However the island is not only that but it is a top diving spot in Thailand. Koh Phi Phi diving is one of the best you can find in Thailand and this is what is has kept me returning there.

I had my first scuba diving experience in Koh Phi Phi in 2008, when I did my Open Water Scuba Diving certification, and I felt in love with the island underwater world.

I returned to Koh Phi very recently when I was already a certified Open Water Scuba Diving Instructor and once more I was in awe with its underwater world. The place is simply stunning and one of the best places for scuba diving in Thailand.

I have created this guide to help you planning your Koh Phi Phi diving trip so that you can make the best choice and make the best out of your trip. I am sharing some underwater videos and underwater video footage that I recorded myself so that you can see which of diving to expect when going to the island.

Let’s jump into this guide.

ABOUT KOH PHI PHI

Koh Phi Phi islands are a group of six islands in the South of Thailand in the Krabi province. The most famous island in the archipelago and where people live and tourists stay in Phi Phi Don. It is a stunning island despite its reputation as a party island.

The second most famous island is Phi Phi Leh, a natural reserve that can be visited but where people do not live.

The other four islands are: Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Koh Mai Phai and Koh Yun.

In December 2004 there was a very big tsunami that erased almost the whole island’s infrastructure.

Despite the destruction rapid development and reconstruction efforts took place as well as building regulations, aiming to restrict the height of the new buildings, in order to preserve Koh Phi Phi’s breathtaking views.

SCUBA DIVING KOH PHI PHI VIDEO

Check out this video with some underwater of my diving in some of Koh Phi Phi’s best dive sites.

MY EXPERIENCE SCUBA DIVING KOH PHI PHI

It was my first time out of Europe. I had booked a plane to Thailand and I had decided to go to Koh Phi Phi as some friend of mine had been there and had recommended the island. After Koh Phi Phi I visited Koh Samui and Koh Phangan where I also dived.

I had decided to do my Open Water course and had chosen for a dive school close to my accommodation. As the day approached to have my first open water dive, after having passed all my theory exams and the confined water practices, I was scared to death to do it. The night before I had all these worst case scenarios going through my head, but something inside of me told me: “You will do it and it will be fine”

What can I say? Once I jumped in the water, I had my first dive ever in Bida Nok, one of the most beautiful dive sites in Koh Phi, all my fears were forgotten, as the magical underwater world unfolded in front of my eyes.

Yes, our instructor even had to take care that me and buddy were keeping the right depth according to our training as the beauty of the underwater world hypnotized us.

I got so hooked with that experience that I did not stop until I become a Open Water Scuba Diving instructor in Bali in 2011.

After that I recently came back to Phi Phi island and did around 22 dives around the islands and felt in love with its underwater world again. And for sure I will be back some day for some more dives.

I am in love with Koh Phi Phi underwater world and I am sure you will as well.

WHAT MAKES DIVING PHI PHI ISLAND SO UNIQUE?

Phi Phi island is world wide known for its parties and scuba diving often goes overlooked. But the island is much more than a party destination. It boasts pristine white beaches, crystal clear water and very accessible dive sites.

Scuba diving in Phi Phi will seem like doing into an real life aquarium brimming with marine life. The dive sites are ideal for beginner divers and if you are lucky you might even spot a Whale Shark or even a Leopark Shark.

You can enjoy a day of diving and have some party to celebrate life after your diving day. Despite the island being a bit overcrowded and noisy at night the underwater world will for sure leave you speechless. Check the video in this article to get an idea about what to expect.

THE BEST SCUBA DIVING SITES IN KOH PHI PHI

Koh Bida Nok

This dive site holds a special place in my hears as it was here that I tasted the underwater world for the first time.

The site has a lots of colorful corals and marine life and even if I was not lucky to spot it I heard that some times whale sharks can be spotted here.

Dive site specifications:

Depth: 0 – 30 m.

Experience levels: Beginner to advanced

Visibility: 10 – 25 meters

Current: Variable, mild to medium

Marine life: Colorful soft coral, sponges, trigger fish, stone fish, fusiliers, trumpet fish, big snapper, reef sharks turtles, barracuda schools and chances of whale sharks.

Viking Cave

Viking Cave is popular dive site in Koh Phi Phi located in a quaint bay having a cave situated above the water. But the true wonder lies beneath the surface, just a few hundred meters North of the cave.

Some yeas ago the Phuket Marine conservation department placed an artificial reef to restore marine life after the tsumani.

Today this underwater paradise hosts an array of fascinating marine life, including batfish and Leopard sharks. There is a chance to spot baby Blactip reef sharks as well.

Dive site specifications:

Depth: 0 – 25 meters

Experience: Beginner

Visibility: 10 – 25 meters

Current: Variable, mild to medium

Marine life: Barracudas, Batfish, moray eeels, turtles, black tip reefshark, soft colorful coral.

Pileh Wall

Pileh Wall, situated along the east coast of Phi Phi Leh Island just south of the renowned Pileh Lagoon entrance, is an ideal dive site. Its relatively shallow depth and gentle currents create a relaxed and accessible diving experience, making it a perfect choice for our sunset dives.

Dive site specifications

Depth: 0-20 meters

Experience: Beginner

Visibility: 5- 20 meters

Current: None or moderate

Marine life: soft coral, sea fans, moray eels and shrimps among others.

Wreck Kled Gaeow

In 2014, the Kled Gaeow was deliberately sunk to create a new artificial dive site. Serving the Royal Thai Navy for nearly six decades as a transportation vessel, the ship remains remarkably well-preserved. With dimensions spanning approximately 47 meters in width the wreck make a stunning underwater location where you enjoying diving with thousands of different types of fish.

Dive site specifications

Depth: 16-28 meters

Experience: Advanced

Visibility: 10- 25 meters

Current: Moderate, strong

Marine life: snapper, barracuda, lion fish, moray eel and crabs.

Anemona Reef

This is a very popular dive site in the island. It is famous for its stunning colorful coral gardens and abundance of marine life. As it names indicates you will be able to spot countless anemone’s ecosystems, with its playful clown fish.

Dive site specifications:

Depth: 6-28 meters

Experience: Beginner

Visibility: 5- 15 meters

Current: Slow to strong

Marine life: clown fish, anemone colorful coral, seahorse and turtles among others.

WHERE IS KOH PHI PHI LOCATED

The Phi Phi islands are an island group in Thailand located between the larger island Phuket and the Straits of Malacca.

Find here a pin with Phi Phi islands location:

HOW TO GET TO KOH PHI PHI

The only way to get to Koh Phi Phi is by boat. This little paradise island is located 42 Km from Krabi, 48 Km from Phuket and 35 Km from Koh Lanta.

There are boats from all these locations and from several other islands in the Andaman see.

TIP:Make sure to book tour accommodation in advance. The island is a very popular destination and you risk having to sleep at the beach when you do not book in advance.

BEST TIME FOR SCUBA DIVING KOH PHI PHI

The best time for scuba diving in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand, is generally during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, the weather is relatively calm, and the sea conditions are more favorable for diving.

1. November to February: This is considered the peak season for diving in Koh Phi Phi. The weather is cool and dry, with clearer visibility underwater. Water temperatures are also more comfortable during these months.
2. March to April: These months are still part of the dry season, but temperatures may rise. Diving conditions remain good, and the marine life is abundant. It’s a great time for diving before the onset of the wet season.

While diving is possible year-round, the wet season (May to October) brings higher chances of rain, rougher seas, and reduced visibility, making it less ideal for diving. It’s essential to check the specific weather conditions for the exact time you plan to visit, as weather patterns can vary from year to year. Additionally, it’s advisable to book your diving trips in advance and consult with local dive operators for the most accurate and up-to-date information on dive conditions.

KOH PHI PHI DIVING FAQs

IS KOH PHI PHI GOOD FOR DIVING?

Yes, absolutely. Koh Phi Phi is a top diving destination in Thailand and it offers some very stunning dive sites suitable for beginners. I highly recommend to visit the island just for the goos diving options it offers.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DIVE IN PHI PHI ISLAND?

The average price for diving in Phi Phi island is 3,900 THB for two dives. There is an additional fee of 600 THB to add for the marine national park fees.

WHERE IS THE BEST DIVING IN THAILAND?

The best diving in Thailand is located in the Andaman sea and some of the best spots are located in Koh Phi Phi.

WHAT TYPE OF SHARKS ARE THE IN KOH PHI PHI?

The type of sharks you can encounter on Koh Phi Phi are leopard shark or the black-tipped reef shark but you might be lucky and have a whale sharks in Thailand encounter as they hang around there some times.

IS KOH PHI PHI EXPENSIVE?

Yes, Koh Phi Phi is one of the most expensive islands in Thailand. This is due to the high infrastructure costs for the inhabitants and the popularity of the island. Make sure to book your spot before arriving in the island to get a better deal and ensure your spot.

WRAP-UP

Yes, Koh Koh Phi Phi underwater world has kept me hooked and I still would like to give it another try and go to the island.

The colorful soft corals, the stunning underwater landscape and the myriad of fish you will find will leave you speechless.

Do not forget to add a few days in Koh Phi Phi to your Thailand itinerary if you a diver. Trust me, you will not regret.

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