FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Diving FAQ – Phi Phi Underwater

Are the dives conducted in English?

Yes. We provide full guidance in English/French/Spanish or Thai for courses, refresher dives, and introductory dives.
For certified divers joining fun dives/exploration, we always provide at least a briefing in English.
If needed, dives can also be conducted with instructors speaking English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Chinese.

I’ve never dived before. Can I dive during my stay in Thailand, especially at Koh Phi Phi?

Yes. You can join an introductory dive (Discover Scuba Diving) or take a course to become a certified Open Water Diver—in Koh Phi Phi, in Thailand, and anywhere in the world.

I’ve already dived but never taken a course. I’m not certified. What dives can I do?

You can join an introductory dive (Discover Scuba Diving) or take the Open Water Diver course to become certified.

I’m certified, but I’d like to dive with friends/family who are doing an introductory dive. Do we dive from the same boat?

Yes, except for the wreck dive at Kled Gaeow.
Sites around Koh Phi Phi are shallow, sheltered, and among the most fish‑rich in Thailand.
Most marine life is found between 5–20 meters, with the richest dives often around 10 meters.
So you can absolutely dive together with your friends or family.

When do I need a refresher dive (Scuba Review / Scuba Refresh)?

Required if you are certified with fewer than 30 logged dives and your last dive was over a year ago.
If you have more than 30 dives but haven’t dived in over a year, it depends case by case.
Most importantly, do a refresher whenever you feel the need.

Is there only one dive during a refresher session?

No. A refresher outing includes 2 dives:

The refresher dive.
A fun dive/exploration.

How many dives per outing?

Every outing includes 2 dives per person, on 2 different sites—whether it’s an introductory dive(DSD), fun dive, refresher, or training course.

What are the outing schedules?

Morning: Meet at 7:00 at the club, return at 12:00.
Afternoon: Meet at 12:30 at the club, return at 17:30.

Which sites do we dive on?

Sites are chosen daily depending on wind and waves.

If conditions allow: first dive at Bida Nok or Bida Nai, second dive around Koh Phi Phi Leh.
November–May: Mainly around Bida islands and west coast sites of Koh Phi Phi Leh (Malong, Palong, Mushroom Rock).
May–November: Mainly east coast sites (Viking, Pi Leh Wall) and Bida Nok when possible.

Is it true you shouldn’t fly or go to altitude after diving?

Yes. After 2 dives, wait at least 18 hours before flying or going above 1000 meters altitude.

Can I freedive or exercise after scuba diving?

Wait 3 hours before moderate exercise.
Wait 6 hours before intense exercise or freediving.
Most divers prefer to rest or nap after diving.

Are there medical contraindications to scuba diving?

Yes. Please consult the medical checklist. If any question applies to you, see a doctor to confirm your fitness for diving.

What’s the difference between a dive instructor and a dive master?

They are the same. Instructor is simply the English translation of moniteur.

How do I book my dives or training with Phi Phi Underwater?

Contact us by email or WhatsApp to arrange a meeting at the club, no later than the day before your dives or course.
Payment is made on site. The meeting serves as your reservation.

Contact:

Are dives expensive at Koh Phi Phi?

Prices increased slightly on May 1, 2024 (first increase since 2007, only 100–200 baht depending on the dive).
They remain among the cheapest in the world for diving.

Are dive prices fixed?

Yes. All Koh Phi Phi dive centers have agreed to charge the same prices.

Is equipment included in the price?

Yes. Equipment is included for all dives and courses. Only the Marine National Park fee is extra.

Are discounts available?

After an introductory dive: 300 baht discount on a second introductory dive within 2 days.
After completing a course: 10% discount on fun dives in the following days.
After 2 fun dive outings: 10% discount on subsequent outings.
10% discount if you use your own regulator and BCD.
Discounts are not cumulative.

Are there extra taxes for diving in the Marine National Park?

Yes. Rangers collect:

600 baht per person on the first day.
200 baht per person on subsequent days.
This is paid directly to rangers at the port.

What is this tax used for?

Funds rangers who protect the park and enforce rules.
Helped finance the wastewater treatment plant (operational since November 2024).
Also supports other National Parks in Thailand.

Is there a 20 baht tax when arriving at Koh Phi Phi?

Yes. When arriving from Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang/Railey, Koh Lanta, or elsewhere, you pay 20 baht at the port.
This funds the island’s waste collection service, which nearly collapsed a few years ago.

How to get to Koh Phi Phi?

Located in southern Thailand, at the exit of Phang Nga Bay:

~45 km from Phuket
~40 km from Krabi
~30 km from Koh Lanta

Transport options:

Ferry or speedboat from Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang/Railey, Koh Lanta, or Koh Yao.
Flights to Krabi or Phuket, then transfer to the port.
Krabi airport → Krabi port is shorter and less busy than Phuket airport → Phuket port.

Tip: Buy ferry tickets with minibus transfer included (from hotel, agency, or airport). It’s cheaper than taking a taxi to the port and buying tickets separately.

What is the best dive site in Thailand ?

The best scuba diving in Thailand is found mainly in the Andaman Sea (west coast), with world‑class sites like Richelieu Rock in the Similan/Surin Islands, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang near Koh Lanta, and the fish‑rich wreck of the Kled Gaeow at Koh Phi Phi. On the east coast (Gulf of Thailand), Koh Tao offers Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle, though these are more advanced sites.

Top Diving Regions in Thailand :

Andaman Sea (West Coast – most famous)

Similan & Surin Islands
- Richelieu Rock: regularly ranked among the top dive sites in the world. Famous for whale sharks, manta rays, and huge schools of fish.
- Best season: November–April (calm seas, clear visibility).
Hin Daeng & Hin Muang (near Koh Lanta/Phi Phi)
- Deep pinnacles with manta rays and occasional whale sharks.
- Advanced divers only (depths >30m).
Koh Phi Phi
- Kled Gaeow Wreck: extremely fish‑dense, with barracudas, trevallies, groupers, and reef sharks.
- Bida Nok & Bida Nai: protected sites, excellent biodiversity, suitable for fun dives and training.
Koh Lipe
- 8 Mile Rock: dramatic pinnacle, strong currents, pelagic species.

Gulf of Thailand (East Coast)

Koh Tao
- Sail Rock: vertical chimney swim‑through, schools of barracuda and trevally.
- Chumphon Pinnacle & Southwest Pinnacle: deeper sites with large fish, but not beginner‑friendly.
- Koh Tao is the cheapest place in Thailand to get certified (Open Water courses).

Comparison Table

RegionHighlight SitesLevel RequiredKey Species / FeaturesBest Season

Similan/SurinRichelieu RockAdvancedWhale sharks, mantas, huge schoolsNov–Apr

Koh Lanta/Phi PhiHin Daeng, Hin MuangAdvancedMantas, whale sharks, deep pinnaclesNov–Apr

Koh Phi PhiKled Gaeow Wreck, Bida NokAdvanced / All levelsDense fish life, reef sharksYear‑round

Koh Lipe8 Mile RockAdvancedPelagics, strong currentsNov–Apr

Koh TaoSail Rock, ChumphonAdvancedBarracuda, trevally, pinnaclesMay–Sep

Key Takeaways

Best biodiversity & “big stuff”: Richelieu Rock, Hin Daeng/Hin Muang.
Most fish density: Kled Gaeow wreck & Bida Nok (Phi Phi).
Budget training: Koh Tao (cheapest Open Water courses).
Scenic pinnacles: 8 Mile Rock (Koh Lipe).