While diving on Koh Tao Island has its advantages, stunning dive sites and extremely cost-effective to learn while getting adjusted to spending prolonged amounts of time underwater. However, it was Phi Phi’s dive sites that took the top place for quality of diving in my mind. As diving in Phi Phi diving is an incredibly popular activity, the number of dive companies is staggering. Choosing the best Phi Phi Diving company can be difficult. My two friends and I did some research and eventually decided on the company Princess Diving. They are the only diving company on Phi Phi Island affiliated with Sea Shepard and are vocal about conservation of the ocean and waterways – I learned a lot from them in just a few days!
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Costing 2500 Baht ($82 USD) for two dives, it sure was little more pricey than Koh Tao! But the price tag was well worth the experience. We planned to just visit Phi Phi Island for sightseeing, but one dive trip quickly turned into three, making my Phi Phi Diving tally reach six while my wallet was happily drained a little. An extra 600 Baht ($20 USD) is collected at the Phi Phi Island dock as you depart, this is a National Park entrance fee – you are allowed to enter the national park for the next two days for a reduced fee of 200 Baht, each day ($6.50 USD), making the second and third dives even more enticing.
Phi Phi diving actually takes place on the uninhabited island of Phi Phi Leh. Both Phi Phi dive sites Bido Nok and Bida Lei absolutely amazed me. The marine life at Phi Phi dive sites was incredible. Marine diversity thrives in this uninhabited marine park – Black Tip Reef Sharks, Scorpion Fish, Octopus, Sting Rays, Sea Snakes, Lobsters, Lionfish, Moray Eel, Mantis Shrimp and a whole lot of fish! With visibility of 30+ meters on multiple dives, it was easy to appreciate something so beautiful.
A lot of the beautiful creatures are however extremely poisonous, and potentially fatal. I was surprised to learn about the Mantis Shrimp – they’re capable of “punching” harder than a bullet! Photographing divers have been known to have their equipment destroyed by one of the fastest and extremely unsuspecting animals on the planet. Whale Sharks and Leopard Sharks are both spotted around Phi Phi dive sites, but unfortunately, they eluded me during my six Phi Phi dives there.
As amazing and stunning as Phi Phi diving is, such a dangerous activity shouldn’t be taken lightly. Keep in mind that things do go wrong. On my 6th dive in Koh Tao, a low-pressure hose on my inflatable BCD (buoyancy vest) blew. Millions of bubbles were suddenly obscuring my vision. My air drained extremely fast and at 21meters deep this was not the best situation. Keeping my cool and allowing my divemaster to assist with his secondary regulator made the whole situation manageable. It was an experience though! So remember in many situations you might encounter diving, don’t panic, relax, and breathe calmly.
All up, diving Phi Phi Leh is an incredible experience and I can’t recommend it enough! To tag onto that recommendation, Princess Diving have extremely professional and knowledgeable divemasters. Well maintained equipment and a really fun atmosphere. Plus they actively care about the water and all it’s creatures, making them, in my mind, the only option.
Phi Phi Diving Tips
Diving can be an intimidating, potentially fatal activity. However, by paying attention to all material and instructions, issues will rarely happen. My main advice is to breathe, relax and enjoy this underwater world, miles apart from our own!
As you become more adept at diving, reducing weight is a great way to prolong oxygen usage. Less resistance means you work less as well!
There are plenty of diving companies on Phi Phi Island, I would suggest talking to a few and seeing which feels like the best fit for you. Princess Divers were the only company I dived with, and highly recommend diving with them. Extremely professional and knowledgeable guides, all round great experience.
A much cheaper alternative, for both fun dives and certification courses is the nearby Koh Tao Island. Check out my detailed post on recommendations and information about the island! I feel if I completed my Open Water courses on Phi Phi Island that I would’ve been focused on developing skills, rather than taking in as much of the beauty around me.
Amazing diving in Thailand isn’t confined to just Phi Phi and Koh Tao. If you’re heading even further south, the Similan Island is a place I’ve always wanted to visit, or check out an extensive guide to diving destinations in Thailand here!
Phi Phi Diving Highlights
Bida Nok and Bida Lei were my two favorite Phi Phi dive sites I have visited, both I can’t recommend highly enough!
Marine life is a lot more at ease with you while scuba diving, compared to snorkeling. Most will swim by as a curious soul as you dive deeper into their world.
You can book a wide range of Phi Phi Island tours online, and check out the best accommodation on Phi Phi Island – hostels and hotels.
If you’re interested in finding out what there is to do on Phi Phi Don island itself, check out my post about the best sights to visit!
