Lying in the Mu Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park, the Phi Phi Islands rank among Thailand's top 5 dive destinations. The Phi Phi Islands are most famous for their plunging limestone walls, blanketed with colorful soft corals. In many places, the islands are fringed with shallow coral gardens, where hard and soft corals thrive. Over a dozen exceptional dive sites among the Phi Phi Islands include walls, coral gardens, caves, caverns, and swim-throughs.
Scuba divers will surely be delighted by the wide range of diving adventures these islands offer. Glassfish, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, banded sea snakes, squid, angelfish, black-tip reef sharks, and leopard sharks are common visitors to the Phi Phi Islands. Scuba diving in the Phi Phi Islands is a year-round activity, with optimal conditions from February to May.
While there are numerous dive centers and resort on Phi Phi island, a dive liveaboard safari will bring you to the best dive sites ahead of the crowds to ensure the best marine life encounters. Our liveaboard trips combine diving in Phi Phi with Hin Daeng, Phuket, Koh Lanta, and Koh Haa for a true South Andaman Sea experience. Trips typically depart from Phuket or Pak Bara Pier.
Diving around Phi Phi Island: A Dive Destination Like No Other
Nestled amidst the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Island is a renowned dive destination that beckons diving enthusiasts from across the globe. Boasting crystal-clear waters with excellent visibility, this idyllic paradise offers an array of dive sites suitable for beginners and seasoned divers alike. From vibrant coral gardens to intriguing underwater caves, the underwater landscapes around Phi Phi Island promise endless excitement for all who venture beneath the surface.
When is the Best Time to Dive at Phi Phi Island?
The best time to indulge in liveaboard diving around Phi Phi Island is during the dry season, typically from November to April. These months boast calm seas and excellent visibility, providing divers unparalleled underwater experiences. The water temperature hovers between 27°C to 30°C, creating ideal conditions for exploring the rich marine diversity that thrives in this region.
What Type of Diving Can Be Done at Phi Phi Island?
Diving around Phi Phi Island caters to various interests, making it a versatile destination for all types of divers. For those seeking awe-inspiring walls and swim-throughs, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are world-class sites famous for their steep drop-offs and encounters with majestic manta rays and whale sharks. Shark Point, another popular site, is frequented by leopard sharks and offers fascinating macro life, including seahorses and ghost pipefish. Closer to Phi Phi Island, you'll find sites like Maya Bay and Viking Cave, which boast breathtaking coral gardens and vibrant marine ecosystems.
What Marine Life Can Be Seen at Phi Phi Island?
Phi Phi Island is teeming with a wide variety of marine life, delighting divers with encounters with captivating creatures. Lucky divers might spot the majestic whale sharks gliding gracefully through the waters while manta rays perform their elegant ballet-like dance. Reef sharks are also commonly sighted at various dive sites, adding to the thrill of the experience. Additionally, macro enthusiasts will be delighted by seahorses, nudibranchs, and other fascinating critters hiding among the corals.
Top 5 Dive Sites around Phi Phi Island
- Hin Daeng and Hin Muang: These two pinnacles offer thrilling deep dives, with opportunities to spot manta rays and whale sharks cruising by the drop-offs.
- Shark Point: As the name suggests, this site offers encounters with leopard sharks and diverse macro life amidst vibrant coral formations.
- King Cruiser Wreck: Explore the sunken King Cruiser ferry, which now serves as an artificial reef and is home to a diverse array of marine species.
- Maya Bay: Famous for its breathtaking beauty above the water, Maya Bay's underwater world also boasts stunning coral gardens and abundant marine life.
- Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai: These neighboring islands provide excellent wall diving opportunities, with chances to spot sharks, turtles, and barracuda.
In conclusion, Phi Phi Island, Thailand, is a diver's paradise that offers an unforgettable liveaboard diving experience. With its diverse marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and exciting dive sites, this enchanting destination in the Andaman Sea will leave divers in awe of the beauty beneath the waves. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, Phi Phi Island promises underwater adventures that will stay etched in your memory forever.
