Things to do
Diving
Phi Phi is one of Thailand's most popular places to learn to dive. Short boat rides take you to limestone walls, soft-coral pinnacles and wrecks, with leopard sharks, turtles and huge schools of fish.
Best dive sites
| Site | Depth | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Bida Nok | 5–30 m | Walls and boulders, leopard sharks, turtles, schools of snapper |
| Bida Nai | 5–25 m | Soft corals, seahorses, ghost pipefish |
| Maya Wall & Phi Phi Leh walls | 5–20 m | Coral walls, moray eels, turtles |
| Shark Point (Phi Phi) | 3–15 m | Blacktip reef sharks, easy dives |
| Kled Kaeo wreck | 10–28 m | Former Thai navy vessel, scuttled as an artificial reef |
| Anemone Reef & King Cruiser wreck | 5–32 m | Between Phuket and Phi Phi, anemones and a large ferry wreck |
Learning to dive
The PADI or SSI Open Water course usually takes three to four days: theory, pool or shallow-water sessions and four open-water dives. Phi Phi's calm, warm water makes it a great place to learn. Many dive centres are in Tonsai village and offer courses in several languages.
Book Diving Courses & Fun Dives on Phi Phi
Experience world-class diving at Bida Nok and the Kled Gaeow wreck. Book PADI Discover Scuba diving for beginners or certified two-tank fun dives.
- PADI certified instructors & divemasters
- Includes full scuba equipment rental
- Beginner try-dives & multi-day courses
Choosing a dive centre
- Check PADI or SSI certification and the condition of the equipment.
- Ask whether the boat has oxygen and a first-aid kit.
- Make sure your travel insurance covers scuba diving to the depth you plan.
- Do not fly for at least 18 to 24 hours after diving; plan your last dive accordingly.
Diving seasons
The best conditions are from December to April, with visibility often 15 to 25 metres and calm seas. Diving continues through the monsoon, but some sites are inaccessible on rough days and visibility drops.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phi Phi good for beginner divers?
Yes. Warm water, calm conditions in the dry season and sheltered sites make it one of the best places in Thailand to learn.
Can you see sharks diving on Phi Phi?
Blacktip reef sharks are common, and leopard sharks are regularly seen at Bida Nok. Whale sharks are rare visitors to sites further south.