🏝️ Phi Phi Diving – A Complete Guide
Phi Phi Island, located east of Phuket, actually belongs to Krabi Province, not Phuket.
As a designated national park, divers are required to pay a 600 THB entrance fee.
To learn more about the national park, visit the [official Thailand National Parks page](https://www.thainationalparks.com/phi-phi-islands).
Because Phi Phi is farther than other dive sites, the boat ride in the morning takes a bit longer—around 2 hours. But don’t worry! You can relax, enjoy your breakfast, and even get some rest along the way. 😊
📍Check the map above to see the location of Phi Phi Island relative to Phuket.
1. Diving Route
On a typical Phi Phi day trip, we head directly to Phi Phi first and do two dives there. After that, we return toward Phuket, with the third dive usually at Shark Point or Koh Dok Mai.
🌊 If the sea conditions are rough in the morning, we may reverse the order—starting with Shark Point or Koh Dok Mai, then heading to Phi Phi afterward.
2. What Makes Phi Phi Diving Special?
During my dive briefings, I always describe Phi Phi diving as a “treasure chest of surprises.”
This amazing dive site features:
🌺 Vibrant coral reefs
🌊 Dramatic underwater landscapes
🐠 An abundance of tropical fish
🦈 Occasional encounters with big marine life like sharks
On clear days, the visibility at Phi Phi is fantastic—you can enjoy a wide-open view filled with fish and coral beautifully lit by sunlight streaming through the water. It’s one of those dive spots where you never know what magical moment might happen!
3. Phi Phi Dive Sites
(1) Bida Nok – Shark Encounters & Snapper Swarms
Bida Nok is one of the most exciting dive sites in Phi Phi! On calm days, we usually begin the dive in the bay shown on the map. In shallow waters, it’s common to spot blacktip reef sharks—sometimes even multiple at once if you’re lucky.
As you explore the reef looking for sharks, you’ll encounter schools of yellow snappers. These are the most famous sight in Phi Phi diving, and the view is absolutely mesmerizing. Every diver is left in awe, surrounded by fish on all sides—an experience you can’t truly describe without diving into it.
Let me give you an idea of what it’s like—completely immersed in this underwater world. 😊
You might even spot a leopard shark or, if you’re really lucky, a whale shark! 😊
One unforgettable moment was encountering a whale shark at Bida Nok. A diver who had just finished their Open Water course and was starting Advanced training had the chance to see it. Such great memories!
Trivia Question: How many blacktip reef sharks can you spot here? The answer is four! 😊
(2) Bida Nai – Swim-Thrus & Sandy Surprises
Located right next to Bida Nok, Bida Nai is often called “Boot Island” due to its shape resembling a boot. It has a slightly different underwater landscape, with a wider sandy bottom that gives it a unique charm—though the overall vibe is quite similar to Bida Nok.
At this site, divers can enjoy exciting swim-thrus—navigating through gaps between the rocks adds a playful and adventurous twist to the dive! 🪨🌊
The sandy bottom is a perfect resting place for leopard sharks, so keep an eye out as you glide over the area. With a bit of luck, you might spot one lying peacefully on the sand!
📍 Check out the dive site map above to get a feel for the layout before you go under.vv
(3) Maya Bay & Turtle Rock – Breathtaking Views & Magical Light
🏝️ 1) Maya Bay
To the right of Phi Phi Leh Island lies Maya Bay, world-famous for being the filming location of The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
In the past, this iconic bay was often packed with speedboats and snorkelers, but it’s been closed to the public in recent years for environmental restoration 🌱.
Thanks to this, the water clarity has improved dramatically, and the area has become a haven for marine life—including sharks! 🦈
🐢 2) Turtle Rock
To the left of Maya Bay stretches Turtle Rock, one of my favorite dive sites in Phi Phi. The depth here is around 15 meters, with a mix of sandy and rocky areas, making it a fantastic spot for stingray sightings and underwater photography. 📸
One of the highlights?
The sunlight filtering through rock formations, creating magical beams of light—almost like diving through an underwater cathedral. 😍
You’ll also encounter schools of yellow snappers weaving through the coral. No matter how many times you visit Turtle Rock, the scenery is always breathtaking!
4. Phi Phi Day 3-Dive Trip Schedule
Phi Phi & Shark Point/Koh Dok Mai
07:30 Hotel pick-up
08:30 Meet your instructor at Chalong Pier, board the boat, and enjoy breakfast onboard
11:50 First dive (Phi Phi)
12:50–13:50 Lunch served on board
13:50 Second dive (Phi Phi)
14:50–15:50 Fresh fruit served
15:50 Third dive (Shark Point or Koh Dok Mai)
16:50–17:50 Snack time
18:00–18:30 Disembark and return to your hotel
🏝 Dive Sites around Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi offers some of the most dramatic underwater landscapes in the area—home to vibrant coral reefs, swim-throughs, and exciting marine life.
Whether you’re diving at Bida Nok, Bida Nai, or exploring hidden gems like Turtle Rock, there’s something for every diver—no matter your certification level.
We choose the dive site each day based on:
Weather and sea conditions
Water current and visibility
Diver certification level and experience
👉 For more information on our daily fun diving trips, check our Fun Diving page 😊
💬 Ready to dive in?
Now that you’ve learned how the Phi Phi diving trip works, you can plan your adventure with confidence!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Phuket offers something for everyone—from wrecks and walls to colorful reefs and swim-throughs.
📱 Message us on WhatsApp — we’re happy to answer your questions anytime!
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We’ll help you make the most of your diving adventure in Phuket! 😊