The Phi Phi Islands offer plenty of opportunities to explore the Andaman Sea, but different sites suit different levels of experience and interests. Some are better for easy snorkelling close to shore, while others offer deeper reefs, swim-throughs and opportunities to encounter larger marine species. Conditions can also affect visibility and access, so it is worth knowing what each location offers before heading out. To help narrow down the choices when it comes to snorkelling, island hopping and scuba diving around Phi Phi, here are expert picks covering a mix of dive sites and beginner-friendly snorkelling spots.
What the Experts Have to Say
Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
“They can then take a dive into the waters of Hat Nappharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park to observe nursery habitats for small fish, see newly-grown coral, and maybe even spot blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks, green turtles, hawksbill turtles and even whale sharks further offshore.” (TTG Asia)
Source: https://www.ttgasia.com/2022/07/29/take-a-dive-with-saii-phi-phi-island-villages-marine-conservation-experiences/
As featured in TTG Asia, the waters around Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park offer divers opportunities to explore developing coral habitats and nursery areas for young fish. Depending on conditions and location, sightings can include blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks and turtles, while larger species such as whale sharks may be encountered further offshore.
TTG Asia also revealed that guests staying at SAii Phi Phi Island Village can look to explore this site while also enjoying access to the Gold Palm Dive Centre and Marine Discovery Centre (MDC); the MDC was additionally highlighted for its conservation efforts through coral propagation and breeding and release programmes for species including bamboo sharks and clownfish.
Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok
“At the Southern end of the Phi Phi Islands chain lie two small rocky islands, Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok. Both of which provide excellent and varied diving suitable for beginners and experienced divers. There are shallow reefs and steep walls, with depths from 8-28m. Leopard sharks are often seen on these sites, usually resting in the sand, but sometimes swimming – a beautiful sight. Colourful soft corals are mixed with hard coral reefs where moray eels and scorpionfish hide.” (PADI official website)
Source: https://www.padi.com/dive-site/thailand/phi-phi-islands/
As featured on the PADI website, Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok offer varied diving conditions ideal for both beginners and those with more experience. Depths range from around 8 to 28 metres, combining shallow reefs with steeper walls. Leopard sharks are among the species commonly associated with these sites, while colourful soft and hard corals shelter moray eels and scorpionfish.
Koh Bida Nai also features an archway home to baitfish and a shallow coral garden, while Bida Nok offers several swim-throughs and large boulder formations as well as a chance to sometimes see turtles too.
Monkey Bay
“If watching vibrant marine life up close is what you have been wishing for, snorkelling at Monkey Bay is the thing for you. A coral reef lies close to the beach, so even novice snorkelers can catch a glimpse of the gorgeous underwater world. Some of the marine life you can expect to see here include huge schools of parrot fish, giant clams, clownfish, angelfish, lobsters, groupers, and baby sharks.” (Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau)
Source: https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/sea/trips/beaches-and-islands/best-things-to-do-on-phi-phi-islands/
As highlighted by Esha Dasgupta on Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau, Monkey Bay is a practical choice for snorkellers who want to see marine life without venturing far from shore. A coral reef can be found near the beach, making it accessible for those with limited snorkelling experience.
The relatively shallow setting can provide opportunities to observe schools of colourful fish and other reef species. Depending on conditions, snorkellers may encounter parrotfish, clownfish, lobsters, giant clams, angelfish, groupers and even baby sharks.
Bamboo Island
“… you can still spot a great diversity of fish species, such as Moorish Idol, wrasse, pufferfish, and phosphorescent giant clams. The flagship fish of Bamboo Island is however the ocellaris clownfish. You will find it in the sea anemones that are found on the reef, some 6 to 12 ft (2 to 4 meters) deep.” (Snorkeling Report)
Source: https://www.snorkeling-report.com/spot/snorkeling-bamboo-island-thailand/
According to Snorkeling Report, Bamboo Island remains a worthwhile snorkelling location despite some areas experiencing coral damage. The reef continues to support a range of marine life, including Moorish idols, pufferfish, wrasse and giant clams. One of the island’s notable sightings is the ocellaris clownfish, which can be found living among sea anemones on sections of the reef at depths of roughly 2 to 4 metres.
It can be said that because the depth is not too great, the area is easily accessible to snorkellers who are comfortable in the water.
Conclusion
From the deeper walls and swim-throughs around Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok to shallow reefs at Monkey Bay and Bamboo Island, the Phi Phi Islands offer different experiences for different types of divers and snorkellers. Of course, the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park also adds a conservation dimension to underwater exploration. Checking sea conditions, choosing a site suited to your experience and following responsible marine practices can help make these encounters more enjoyable while reducing pressure on the reef environment.
