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Koh Phi Phi Islands
 
Situated 45 kilometers to the east of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are two of the most stunning islands you could find anywhere on earth. The islands comprise of Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh is the smaller of the two and lies only a few kilometers south of Phi Phi Don. Phi Phi is uninhabited and is home to some great dive sites, and one of the most famous beaches in the world, Maya bay, where the movie “ The Beach ” starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed. Phi Phi Don is where the islands accommodations, shops and restaurants are all based. Although completely devastated during the Asian Tsunami of December 2004, the island had recovered well, thanks largely to the people of the island.
Diving around the Phi Phi Islands has remained some of the best in all of Thailand, with sites such as Bida Nok and Bida Nai still drawing dives from all over the world. The Phi Phi islands are all made of soft limestone rocks, and the sheer rock faces visible above the water extend down under the surface. The underwater topography of these islands is fascinating, with a mixture of sloping reefs, walls and large boulders all within a single dive. The islands have always been famous for the abundance of marine life, and visitors to the islands can expect to see Hawksbill Turtles , docile Leopard Sharks , and stingrays. For those of you critter hunters out there, sea horses , ghost pipe fish and nudibranches can also be seen on various dive sites. Other common marine life includes black tip sharks, octopus, banded sea snakes , moray eels and lionfish to name just a few. The relatively shallow depth and mild currents make Phi Phi a great place for all divers from novice to advanced. And for those of you non-divers, the shallow reefs offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, or if not golden sandy beaches await you.
TRIP OPTIONS
From Phuket various dive boats make the 45km. journey out to Phi Phi, around four or five times per week. The trip takes around 3 hours and includes two dives, usually on the Bida Islands. Another popular option is a two day/one night trip which takes in the best sites around Phi Phi, as well as dives on the King Cruiser Wreck on the way home. The trip includes seven dives and overnight accommodation on Phi Phi Island.
The final option and in my opinion the best is a trip with a purpose built diving speedboat, with travel times of only 45 minutes to 1 hour, dives and snorkelers are given much more time to soak up the magical atmosphere of these islands both above and below the water. The trip includes two dives with a gourmet picnic lunch on the beach, the trip also features a guided tour of both islands and is a perfect day out for divers and non-divers alike.
Diving Season
Due to its situated, running north to south, Phi Phi is accessible for diving throughout the whole year. From late January to May offers the clearest water and warmest temperatures.
Even during the rainy season boats from Phuket make the journey out to the islands, and some of the Similan Liveaboard boats make trips around the islands for short two to three day cruises. For any more information on trip availability please feel free to contact us .
Phi Phi Facts
| Reef Type |
Sloping reefs, walls and deep boulders |
| Depth Range |
5 - 30 meters. |
| Visibility |
10- 40 meters |
| Currents |
Mild |
| Water Temperature |
26-30°C |
| No. of dive sites |
12+ |
| Distance from Phuket |
45 km. East |
| Experience level |
Beginner to Advanced |
| Trip Options |
Day Trip or Overnight Cruise |
| Diving Season |
Year round |
Useful Links
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