Phi Phi diving

Phi Phi Islands Dive Sites

Phi Phi is made up of two main islands, Phi Phi Don which is inhabited and has all the resorts and dive centres on it plus Phi Phi Ley which is uninhabited and once acted as the film set for Leonardo DiCapro’s movie, The Beach. Together these islands are a stunning natural wonder. Phi Phi Islands are part of Krabi province and can be reached by ferry from Phuket or Krabi.

Phi Phi islands are protected by national marine park status. A dive trip to Phi Phi is worth it just to view the amazing karste limestone rocks, the fantastic diving is an added bonus. The stunning scenery above the water carries on below and Phi Phi dive sites, on their day, are as good as anywhere in Thailand.

Phi Phi was very badly affected by the December 2004 Asian tsunami above the water but the island has recovered well. Underwater damage was minimal.

The main tourist and Phi Phi Diving season is November to April although diving is possible all year round. Staying at a resort on Phi Phi Don means that divers are close to the dive sites by day trip dive boat..

There are many dive centres to choose from in the Ton Sai Bay area and they all charge the same prices. Diving daytrips to Phi Phi are also possible from Krabi and Phuket as are some overnight trips. Dive liveaboards from Phuket island include Phi Phi on their schedule when they dive Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

There are over 15 dive sites around the Phi Phi islands. There are walls, swim-throughs, caverns, caves, drift dives, and a wreck.

Phi Phi is probably the best dive destination in Thailand to see leopard sharks, black tip reef sharks, turtles and sea snakes. Whale sharks also visit Phi Phi each year with February to early May being the most likely months for an encounter with the gentle giants.

Visibility on Phi Phi dives can be fantastic at 30+ metres but it can also drop to just 10m during plankton blooms. Most dive sites are no deeper than 30m maximum and currents are mild. Phi Phi is a good place to learn to dive as it’s good value and there is a great social scene around the dive centres.