Koh Phi Phi is characterized by rugged limestone walls, vivid soft coral and gorgonian fans. Stunning rock formations continue underwater creating great wall diving with plenty of nooks and crevices for critters to hide in. With sloping coral gardens ripe for exploring on your safety stop, diving in Koh Phi Phi offers richness for all.
Keep a keen eye on the sand for resting leopard sharks. Look carefully for mantis shrimp and seahorses whilst triggerfish dart around you. Barracuda and octopus hang out with blacktip reef sharks , turtles, bluespotted stingrays, and banded sea snakes in the blue. Whalesharks have been known to pass by Koh Phi Phi to follow the plankton trail from Malaysia to Myanmar. Sometime 10 meters long, these gentle giants are awesome overhead.
Scuba diving in Phi Phi runs year-round with the best conditions from February-May. The waters are at their calmest, warmest 84-86ºF/29-30°C and clearest during this time.
In June-September the waters are cooler but never drop below 82°F/28°C. Visibility ranges from 30m (at its best between January and April) to 10-15m in low season. The benefit of more plankton in the water means manta rays and whale sharks are more likely to make an appearance. Currents are gentle all year.
There is no bad time for diving in Koh Phi Phi. With 15 fascinating dive sites scattered around the island it's an all-round perfect place for divers of any experience.
The Phi Phi Islands are located in the Andaman Sea, 46km from Phuket and Krabi on the mainland of Thailand. International travelers fly into the huge airport in Bangkok, then take a connecting flight to Krabi (1h 25m) or Phuket (1h 15m).
From Krabi or Phuket airport, take a taxi to the nearest pier and catch a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. Expect a combined travel time of three hours from Phuket Airport or two hours from Krabi. You might need to stay overnight and catch a ferry the next day so it is worth checking the ferry schedules to the island.
This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Zeavola, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, The Adventure Club. Disclaimer