In Thailand, Koh Phi Phi is among the most cherished holiday resort destinations. This is not only because of the magnificent islands, beaches and bays made famous by ‘The Beach’ and other such movies, but because of the excellent Koh Phi Phi diving as well.
The islands are positioned in a national marine park and the dive sites on the Phi Phi islands considerably differ from the other destinations that are offered in Thailand. On these islands are spectacular limestone walls adorned with wholesome soft corals, dives culminating in shallow coral gardens and gorgonians branching out from the countless colorful walls. All manner of marine life romp among the sponges and soft corals. Green turtles are extremely common at the diving sites of the Phi Phi islands.
Koh Phi Phi diving escapades promise sightings of wonderful small creatures like seahorses, pipefish and razorfish and their larger cousins such as reef sharks, leopard sharks, turtles and crocodile long-toms. The mixture of accessible sites which is suitable of all skill levels, its delightful movie-set beaches and the easy-going charm of the destination make Koh Phi Phi a wonderful spot for divers and non-diving individuals as well.
Incredible Koh Phi Phi Diving Sites
Bida Nok
Bida Nok is deemed by many to be the finest location site in Phi Phi. This is a small cliff islet with walls that dramatically plunge into the ocean where they are decorated with sponges and soft corals creating a hodgepodge of green, yellow and purple. The reef is extraordinarily healthy and provides a home to various moray eels, bearded scorpionfish and bird wrasse, just to name a few. Frequent sightings of bigger fish are common with grey reef sharks and leopard sharks.
This area is known for its abundance of leopard sharks, particularly on the eastern end of the isle. Whitetip reef sharks and blacktip reef sharks are known to make appearances in the region. In addition, you should ensure that you do not startle bamboo sharks that might be concealing themselves in cracks or under rocks.
• Bida Nai
This is another gorgeous dive site that is full of fascinating underwater topography and creatures. As soon as you make your way into the water, you will be going into a swim-through crammed with thousands of small glassfish. There will be the opportunity to cruise over pastures of staghorn coral, keeping an eye out for leopard sharks and black tip sharks as well as hunting trevallies relishing the wealth of baitfish. You can end your dive in a lovely shallow reef where you will be entertained by crocodile long-toms, cuttlefish and squid throughout the safety stop.
• Loh Samah Bay
Positioned on the east side of Koh Phi Phi Le, Loh Samah Bay is a remarkable shallow dive, frequently used for night diving. The bay features an extensive hard coral garden that features loads of anemones at depths between 2 and 12m, which is perfect for snorkeling as well. Typically, the dive follows a small limestone island inside of the bay.