When it comes to scuba diving paradises, Phi Phi dive sites stand out among the best. While Bida Nai and Bida Nok are the most famous, there’s more to a great diving experience than just the site itself. At Blacktip Scuba, we believe it’s the combination of the day, conditions, and the number of divers that truly makes a dive exceptional.
Bida Islands: A Haven for Marine Marvels
Bida Nok and Bida Nai, despite being the most well-known Phi Phi dive sites, offer a vibrant underwater world teeming with life. You can encounter blacktip reef sharks, possibly spot leopard sharks, and see the largest schools of snappers. Surprises await, including eagle rays, giant trevally, tuna, nudibranchs, ornate ghost pipefish, and harlequin shrimp.
However, the popularity of these sites often leads to a high volume of divers and snorkelers, turning Bida Nok into a bubble bath in the morning. Additionally, Bida Nai’s smaller size may result in stronger currents, making it less suitable for novice divers.
Palong: A Serene Underwater Sanctuary
Palong is a calm dive site perfect for blacktip reef shark enthusiasts. Here, you can marvel at beautiful soft and hard corals on the deep pinnacles. You might also spot turtles and find a nursery for juvenile fish. The abundant cleaning stations and occasional leopard shark sightings add to Palong’s allure.
Despite offering less marine life compared to the Bida Islands, Palong’s stunning sections are deeper, limiting visibility for those with poor air consumption. While the shallow side is great for shark sightings, it lacks the beauty of coral and marine life.
Viking: A Dive for Every Explorer’s Heart
Ideal for beginners, Viking boasts abundant sharks, turtles, and schools of fish. Varied marine life, both macro and megafauna, thrive alongside an artificial reef for buoyancy exercises. Diverse critters on the sand add a unique touch to this dive site.
However, some divers find an excess of sand at the beginning of the dive. During the high season, Viking can be vulnerable to wind and waves, and during the low season, it may become crowded due to its popularity as a snorkeling spot.
Malong: Discover the Underwater Turtle Kingdom
Considered the best site for turtles, Malong offers a rich macro variety, including harlequin shrimp, ornate ghost pipefish, and nudibranchs. Suitable for both snorkeling and diving, Malong is great for beginners.
However, during the second dive at Malong, it can get busy with boats and divers, potentially resembling a lively underwater scene. The currents might lead towards Maya Corner, where increased boat traffic is observed. The coral quality, while not at its peak, could be influenced by the frequent visits from various dive operators on the island.
Maya Corner: Unveiling Hidden Swim Throughs & Vibrant Macro
Infrequently dived, Maya Corner provides a wealth of sea life, including larger schools of fish, sharks, and fantastic macro. Enjoy one of the most beautiful swim-throughs in the marine park, potentially ending at the Malong platform for a safety stop or to look for hawksbill turtles.
However, challenging currents and the need for competent certified divers are factors to consider. Surfacing without proper knowledge of currents can be dangerous due to boat traffic.
Mushroom Rock: Dive into the Depths of a Soft Coral Paradise
Mushroom Rock is known for its abundant turtles and blacktip reef sharks, beautiful soft corals, and schools of snappers and sweetlips. It is a less crowded dive site, best accessed with a speedboat.
However, strong currents, challenging visibility, and the need for good air consumption are factors to consider. The best part of the reef is not shallow.
Phi Leh Wall: Drift Dive Delight
Embark on an exhilarating drift dive adventure at Phi Leh Wall, where currents gently guide you through a mesmerizing underwater wonderland. Marvel at the breathtaking coral formations and vibrant marine life that adorn the reef walls. Keep an eye out for majestic sharks and graceful turtles gliding effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters.
Don’t forget to explore the sandy patches where unique creatures like flounders, pipefish, cuttlefish, and stingrays often hide, adding an extra layer of excitement to your dive experience.
Garen Heng: Navigating the Mysteries of an Underwater Pinnacle
Embark on a captivating underwater journey at Gareng Heng, an intriguing dive site where an underwater pinnacle holds the key to fascinating marine encounters. While its exact location may pose a challenge on certain days, the thrill of the hunt adds an element of excitement to the dive.
Exposed to currents and occasionally featuring varying visibility, Gareng Heng provides a unique backdrop for encountering leopard sharks, eagle rays, and an impressive variety of fish schools. Dive into the mysteries of Gareng Heng for an unforgettable experience, especially recommended for those seeking the allure of leopard shark sightings.
Hin Bida: Exploring the Beauty of a Hidden Underwater Gem
Discover the allure of Hin Bida, a hidden underwater gem that reveals its beauty under optimal conditions. This captivating dive site features an underwater pinnacle, providing a stunning backdrop for marine exploration.
With exposure to currents and potential variations in visibility, Hin Bida promises an exciting dive experience for enthusiasts. Leopard sharks, eagle rays, and an array of vibrant fish schools await those who venture into its depths. Ideal for all divers when conditions are favorable, Hin Bida offers a chance to witness the captivating marine life that thrives beneath the surface.
At Blacktip Scuba, we understand that every dive site offers a unique experience. For this reason, we choose our dive sites carefully to avoid the crowds and search for the best sea conditions for divers’ experiences and client preferences. Want to do a private dive trip? Book a private guide along with a longtail boat for a unique VIP experience. Join us as we explore the vibrant underwater world of Phi Phi dive sites, where each dive promises an adventure beyond compare.
