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Scuba Diving in Phi Phi Island

Want to enjoy some of Thailand's best diving experiences? Phi Phi Islands are where it's at. The waters are clear, the marine life is everywhere, and there’s always something new to see. Year-round warm temperatures and excellent visibility make it perfect for diving, with dozens of sites to choose from. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or have been diving for years, there’s a spot for you! While diving might not be included in your Phi Phi tour, don't worry – there are plenty of dive shops on the islands where you can easily book a session or even get certified.

Read on to learn about top dive sites, best seasons, marine species, diving tips, and more!

Where to go scuba diving in Phi Phi Island

Bida Nok

One of Phi Phi’s best dive sites, it features steep limestone walls, soft corals, and abundant marine life like leopard sharks, barracudas, and clownfish.

Depth: 5m to 30m

Bida Nai

A smaller dive site near Bida Nok, it is known for its caves and coral formations. You’ll find blacktip reef sharks, moray eels, and octopuses here.

Depth: 5m to 30m

Shark Point

Named for its frequent leopard shark sightings, this site has three pinnacles covered in sea fans and soft corals. It is perfect for divers of all levels.

Depth: Up to 25m

Palong Wall

A shallow dive near Maya Bay with rocky formations and a high chance of spotting blacktip reef sharks. It's great for beginners.

Depth: Up to 18m

King Cruiser Wreck

A sunken ferry between Phi Phi and Phuket, it is now an artificial reef teeming with fish, lionfish, and scorpionfish. It is ideal for advanced divers.

Depth: 12m to 32m

Plan your scuba diving trip to Phi Phi Island

Best time of the day to dive in Phi Phi Island: Morning dives are usually the best in Phi Phi Island. The water is calmer, visibility is higher, and marine life is more active. Early dives also mean fewer boats and divers around, giving you a more peaceful experience. Afternoon dives can still be great, but currents may be stronger, and visibility can sometimes drop.

Best time of the year to dive in Phi Phi Island: The best diving conditions are from November to April when the seas are calmer, visibility is clearer, and the weather is dry. This is also peak tourist season, so expect more divers. May to October brings monsoon season, which can mean rougher waters and occasional storms, but fewer crowds and lower prices.

  • From Phuket or Krabi: Take a ferry (2 hours) or speedboat (45 min).
  • From Bangkok: Fly to Phuket/Krabi, then take a ferry or speedboat.

Scuba diving tours usually provide all the necessary equipment, including the wetsuit, BCD, regulator, fins, mask, and tank. But beyond that, here’s what you should bring to make your trip more comfortable:

  • Swimwear: Wear it under your wetsuit for easy changing.
  • Towel & change of clothes: A towel to dry off and fresh clothes for after the dive.
  • Dry bag: Keeps your phone, wallet, and valuables safe from water.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses & hat: Protect yourself from the sun, especially on the boat.
  • Dive Certification Card (If Certified): Required if you're doing a fun dive.
  • Check your gear: Even if the dive shop provides equipment, do a quick check on your mask, regulator, and BCD before diving.
  • Follow your guide’s instructions: Local dive guides know the currents, marine life, and conditions, so always listen carefully.
  • Monitor your air supply: Keep track of your air levels and inform your guide when it reaches the halfway mark.
  • Maintain buoyancy control: Avoid touching corals or disturbing marine life by staying neutrally buoyant.
  • Respect marine life: Look, but don’t touch. Some creatures can be fragile or even dangerous if provoked.

Scuba diving in Phi Phi Island: Marine life you can see

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Blacktip Reef Sharks

Often seen around Bida Nok and Bida Nai, especially in the shallower reef areas. These mostly harmless sharks are a common and exciting sight for many divers.

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Frequently asked questions about scuba diving in Phi Phi Island

The best time for scuba diving in Phi Phi is between November and April, when the water is calm, and visibility is at its peak. The monsoon season (May to October) can bring rougher seas but still offers good diving conditions.