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.

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.

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!

(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.

(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!

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

https://bluedivecenter.com/fun-diving/

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!
✉️ Prefer email? Use our contact form below.

We’ll help you make the most of your diving adventure in Phuket! 

Continuing from our previous post about King Cruiser Wreck, today let’s explore another exciting dive site in Phuket — Shark Point!

? Shark Point – Leopard Sharks & Macro Paradise in Phuket

Shark Point is one of Phuket’s most famous dive sites—and it’s easy to see why!
It gets its name from the frequent sightings of various shark species, especially the leopard shark, a gentle bottom-dweller that’s found in only a few places around the world.

About 20 years ago, white-tip reef sharks were commonly spotted here as well. Although sightings became rare over time due to increased diver traffic, we’ve recently seen them return—possibly thanks to the quieter oceans during the COVID period.

If we’re lucky, we might even spot whale sharks, leopard sharks, white-tip reef sharks, or other exciting shark species during our dives! ?

? Dive Site Structure

As shown on the dive map, Shark Point has two main pinnacles (underwater rock towers):

• Pinnacle 1 (the smaller one at the top)

• Pinnacle 2 (the larger one below)
  There’s actually a third one (Pinnacle 3) located further out, but it’s deeper and rarely visited.

Currents can be strong here, especially around the pinnacles—but don’t worry! If you follow your guide and stay close to the reef, it’s possible to enjoy a calm and scenic dive.
For adventurous divers, reverse currents offer thrilling drift experiences—sometimes even alongside huge schools of yellowfin barracuda!

? Macro Life Galore

Aside from sharks, Shark Point is also a macro lover’s dream. You may encounter rare and adorable species such as:

• Tiger tail seahorses

• Ghost pipefish

• Harlequin shrimp

• Boxer crabs
  …and many other tiny underwater gems hiding in the cracks and soft corals!

If you’re a fan of both big pelagics and tiny critters, this site has it all.

? Check out the photos below—can you spot the tiger tail seahorse and the elusive leopard shark?

? Anemone Reef – Gentle Currents & Colorful Surprises

Anemone Reef is a beautiful pinnacle dive site located between Shark Point and King Cruiser Wreck.
It’s named after the vibrant carpet of anemones that completely covers its shallow areas—dancing in the current like hair in the wind!

This site has a relatively simple topography, making it easy to navigate and perfect for both new and experienced divers.

You’ll often spot:

• ? Leopard sharks

• ? Yellow snappers, trevallies, barracudas

• ? And even tiny gems like seahorses hiding among the soft corals!

? During your safety stop, don’t forget to look around—you might witness a mesmerizing parade of schooling fish!

? Check the map above to see the layout of this incredible site.

? Koh Dok Mai – Vertical Wall Diving & Hidden Caves

Koh Dok Mai means “Flower Island” in Thai—how beautiful is that? ?
This limestone island rises steeply from the sea, and beneath the surface lies a dramatic wall dive full of surprises.

The eastern wall is the highlight, with rich marine life and unique topography.
We often start the dive here depending on the current.

?️ You can explore:

• Big Cave and Small Cave, perfect for peeking inside with your torch ?

• Colorful cup corals and sea fans

• Tiny macro creatures like nudibranchs and shrimp

• And sometimes, even schools of barracuda swimming past you gracefully!

? Visibility can be limited here, so many divers stay close to the wall—but don’t forget to look up, down, and behind you. You’ll often find fish hiding in every direction.

? Check out the photos above—one from inside the Big Cave, and one showing the thriving marine life around the island!

?️ Dive Sites around King Cruiser

Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and Koh Dok Mai are some of the most exciting dive sites on Phuket’s east side.
Each one has its own unique charm—from vibrant soft corals to thrilling caves and pelagic encounters!

? For more information about our fun diving trips, check out our Fun Diving page ?

? Koh Dok Mai, Shark Point, and Anemone Reef are waiting for you in Phuket!

https://bluedivecenter.com/fun-diving/

? Ready to dive in?

Now that you’ve explored these dive sites, you can plan your trip with more confidence!
Whether you’re a beginner or certified diver, we’ll help you make the most of your underwater adventure.

? Message us on WhatsApp — we’re happy to answer your questions anytime!
? Prefer email? You can also use our contact form below.

We can’t wait to dive with you in Phuket! ?

In my previous post, I introduced how diving works in Phuket.
Today, let me take you on a diving day trip to one of the most popular destinations—Racha Island!

Racha Islands are located south of Phuket and are made up of two islands: Racha Yai and Racha Noi.
Racha Yai is the closer one to Chalong Pier, while Racha Noi lies farther south.
In Thai, racha means “emperor,” yai means “big,” and noi means “small”—so they’re known as the Big and Small Emperor Islands.

(1) Racha Noi Island + Racha Yai Island
Depending on the boat schedule, you might visit either Racha Noi or Racha Yai first.

From Chalong Pier, it takes about 2 hour to reach Racha Noi,
and about 1 hour 20mins to reach Racha Yai.

(2) Racha Yai Island Only
Some trips only go to Racha Yai, depending on the day’s schedule.

Racha is a sloping island where the seafloor gently deepens as you move away from shore.
The shallow waters are sandy, while coral and rocks become more common in deeper areas. Both Racha Noi and Racha Yai generally offer great visibility—especially on the east side—though the west can sometimes be slightly less clear. You’ll find vibrant coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life.

Dive sites are selected daily based on wind and wave conditions, and are usually located in sheltered areas for a calm, safe dive. Thanks to moderate currents and excellent visibility, Racha is a comfortable place to dive. It’s ideal for both scuba diving students and fun divers. You can start in shallow water, which helps beginners feel more relaxed, and it’s also a great location to check your buoyancy and gear on your first day out.

If I had to describe Racha diving in one word, it would be: peaceful.
In these calm waters, you might meet amazing creatures like hidden octopuses, nudibranchs, tiny damselfish, glassfish, barracudas—and even the occasional leopard shark or manta ray! As I write this, I can’t help but feel: it’s truly a perfect place to dive.

So why not come with the mindset:
“Phuket is the kind of place where I just might see it all if I’m lucky!” ?

Racha Noi is a surprisingly long island!
From Phuket, it might look small because only the northern part is visible—but don’t be fooled. It stretches far south and is much bigger than it first appears. ?

(1) Banana Bay

Banana Bay is one of the most iconic dive sites around Racha Noi.
It’s well known for its crystal-clear visibility, even better than Racha Yai in most conditions.
This spot offers great views all year round and a peaceful underwater scene.

The terrain here is similar to the rest of Racha’s dive sites, with soft sand and clusters of coral, home to adorable damselfish and shimmering schools of glassfish.

(2) Racha Noi Bay

Racha Noi Bay has a small island in the middle, connected by a sandy underwater path.
It’s absolutely beautiful—you can clearly see the shallow white-sand bottom and how the path stretches out between rocks. A perfect place to enjoy the unique seascape.

(3) South Tip

This site is for experienced divers only!
South Tip is famous for having the highest chance of manta ray encounters in Phuket.
To the south of the island lies a pinnacle—a small underwater peak—covered in soft and fan corals.

Because of the depth and strong currents, beginners aren’t allowed to dive here.
There are even occasional downward currents, so even advanced divers need to pay close attention to safety.

(4) Marina Bay

Located on the west side of Racha Noi, Marina Bay is a go-to when the east is too wavy or rough.
You’ll find huge rocks scattered underwater, starting from shallow depths and stretching into sandy flat bottoms from around 15 meters deep.
Beautiful fan corals and swim-throughs between the rocks make for an exciting dive!

Racha Yai is the main destination for most boat tours heading to Racha Island from Phuket.
Many boats—diving boats, snorkeling tours, and even private yachts—visit Racha Yai daily.

Even though it’s an island, the internet is excellent thanks to the resorts on the island ?

(1) Bay 1 (and Bays 2, 3, 4, 5)

Bay 1 is the most popular diving spot—nearly all dive boats go here first.
Along the east coast, you’ll find a series of bays named Bay 1 through Bay 5. Some boats start from Bay 1, others from Bay 3, depending on the plan.

The underwater terrain in Bays 1–5 is quite similar: shallow coral reefs, rocks, and gradually deepening sandy bottom.
There’s also a square-shaped artificial reef cube underwater, placed there to attract marine life.

When I first moved to Phuket, Bay 1 was pretty plain—just sand and not much else.
Now, thanks to the artificial reef, it has become a lively dive site filled with marine creatures.

In Bay 1, you can spot dragon moray eels and even schools of barracuda swimming around the reef!

The most exciting part of Bay 1 is the shipwreck!
An old fishing boat was deliberately sunk here to create a wreck diving site for certified divers.

Unfortunately, the depth here is around 20 meters, so it’s too deep for Discover Scuba Diving.
But if you’re a certified diver, it’s a great spot for wreck diving—definitely worth checking out!

If you’re planning to try Discover Scuba Diving, don’t worry—just get certified and come back later. This site will still be waiting for you ?

Another fun feature of Bay 1 is the underwater motorcycle photo zone!
Yes, really—a real scooter was placed on the sea floor by a resort, just for divers to take pictures. It first appeared around 2015, and I remember laughing when I saw it for the first time!

The motorcycle sits at a depth of about 8–9 meters, which means even Discover Scuba Diving participants can enjoy taking photos with it.
It’s a unique and fun memory that divers love!

(2) Home Run Reef

Located on the north side of Bay 1, Home Run Reef is a popular pick-up dive spot.
Since it’s shallower and rockier than Racha Yai’s typical sites, it actually feels more like Racha Noi.

It’s an exciting spot where you can often see octopuses hiding in crevices, turtles resting on rocks, and sometimes even large schools of two-spot snappers swimming by.
A great place for underwater photographers!

(3) Bungalow Bay

If you check the map, you’ll see Bungalow Bay is located deep inside the island.
That means no matter how big the waves are outside, the bay stays calm—a great choice when the weather isn’t ideal.

Visibility here isn’t always perfect, but it’s still a comfortable dive site with no waves.
There are also various artificial reefs in fun shapes, and you might even spot a turtle or two!

(4) Siam Bay

Siam Bay features white sandy bottoms and a gentle slope.
At the usual diving depth of 11 to 15 meters, you’ll find a beautiful coral field with plenty of staghorn corals.

Go just a bit deeper and you’ll see an underwater statue garden!
There are several sculptures down there—including a stone elephant—making this site extra special and a favorite among divers.

Points may change depending on the weather.

(1) 2 Fun Dives at Racha Yai

• 07:30 Hotel pick-up (exact time may vary depending on your location)

• 08:30 Meet the instructor at the pier, board the boat, and enjoy breakfast onboard

• 10:30 First dive (Racha Yai)

• 11:30–12:30 Lunch and fruit served on the boat

• 12:30 Second dive (Racha Yai)

• 15:00–15:30 Return to the pier and hotel transfer

(2) 3 Fun Dives – Racha Noi & Racha Yai

• 07:30 Hotel pick-up (pick-up time may vary depending on region)

• 08:30 Meet at the pier, board the boat, and enjoy breakfast onboard

• 11:00 First dive (Racha Noi)

• 12:00–13:00 Lunch on board

• 13:00 Second dive (Racha Noi)

• 14:00–15:00 Fruit and snacks provided

• 15:00–16:00 Third dive (Racha Yai)

• 16:00–17:00 Light snack service

• 17:00–17:30 Return to the pier and hotel transfer

subject to change depending on schedule

We usually use one of these two large daytrip boats for fun diving trips in Phuket.
The boat may vary depending on the day and the number of divers, but both are comfortable and well-equipped for a full day of diving!

?️ Dive Sites around Racha Island

Racha Island offers a great variety of dive sites with different underwater landscapes and marine life.
Whether you’re visiting Racha Noi or Racha Yai, there are dive points for all levels of divers.

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 ?

https://bluedivecenter.com/fun-diving/

? Ready to dive in?

Now that you know how the scuba diving system in Phuket works, you can plan your trip with more confidence!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Phuket offers something for everyone—from stable, comfortable boats to beautiful underwater scenery.

? Message us on WhatsApp — we’re happy to answer your questions anytime!

✉️ Prefer email? You can Use our contact form below 
We’ll help you make the most of your diving adventure in Phuket! ?

Phuket is well known for its scuba diving sites, but many travelers come here without knowing much about how diving works in Phuket. I’ve met quite a few people who didn’t even realize diving was possible here! So today, I’d like to explain the Phuket diving system—how it works, and what makes it a little different from other places. ?

In Phuket, all diving day trips depart from Chalong Pier, instead of directly from individual dive shops.
In some other countries, it’s common to board a boat right in front of the dive shop—but Phuket uses a centralized system.
Dive shops here take care of booking and arrangements, but all trips begin from the pier.

(1) Diving – Reservation

Most divers make a reservation with a dive shop before they arrive in Phuket, or after they arrive but before their diving day.
The shop helps arrange everything—your equipment, dive site plan, boat schedule, and even pickup if available.

(2) Hotel or Resort

You can book your accommodation through the dive shop if they offer packages, or you can simply choose a hotel that fits your preference.
Many divers prefer to stay near the Chalong area for convenience, but it’s totally up to you!

(3) Meals

Breakfast and lunch are usually freshly prepared and served on the boat.
After diving, most guests enjoy dinner on their own—there are plenty of great restaurants around Phuket, so you’ll have no trouble finding something that suits your taste.
You’re free to plan your meals and schedule however you like—just like independent travel.

So unlike in some places where diving, meals, and lodging are all handled at the same resort, diving in Phuket is more like a custom trip—you plan your experience the way you want it.
Still, dive shops here are always happy to help if you need guidance!

In Phuket, many dive shops—including ours—use large day-trip boats instead of smaller vessels.
These boats can usually accommodate up to 60 divers and staff, offering a stable and comfortable ride even when the sea gets a little rough.
It feels a bit like being on a mini liveaboard—just without sleeping onboard!

(1) Advantages of Phuket’s dive boats

1. Unless the waves are over 3 meters, the boat stays stable and easy to move around on.

2. There’s plenty of space to relax. Many people nap on the way to or from the dive site ?

3. Most boats have 2–3 toilets that also serve as changing rooms.

4. You can rinse off with fresh water after the dive (just no shampoo ?).

5. A cook on board prepares breakfast and lunch fresh on the boat.

6. There’s a warm, indoor area—so you won’t need a windbreaker, even on a windy day.

(2) Disadvantages

1. It takes time to reach the dive sites—about 1 hour and 20 minutes for the closest locations.

2. You won’t stop at islands or beaches—everything takes place on the boat.
   But don’t worry! We carry Thai motion sickness pills onboard, and if you take one in advance, you’ll be just fine.

Phuket offers a wide variety of dive sites, each with its own unique beauty and marine life.
We usually visit dive spots like Racha Islands, Phi Phi Islands, and local sites such as King Cruiser Wreck, Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and Koh Doc Mai.

The dive site is chosen each day based on several factors:

• Weather and sea conditions

• Water current and visibility

• Diver certification level and experience

You can find more detailed descriptions of each site on our Fun Diving page. ?

https://bluedivecenter.com/fun-diving/

? Ready to dive in?

Now that you know how the scuba diving system in Phuket works, you can plan your trip with more confidence!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Phuket offers something for everyone—from stable, comfortable boats to beautiful underwater scenery.

? Message us on WhatsApp — we’re happy to answer your questions anytime!

✉️ Prefer email? You can Use our contact form below 
We’ll help you make the most of your diving adventure in Phuket! ?