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Diving and Snorkeling at Ao Maya Beach
Maya Bay is a stunning lagoon surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. The idyllic beach on the south-west of Phi Phi Leh is best remembered as the paradise location chosen for the famous movie called "The Beach".
The region known as Ao Maya Beach is extremely popular for snorkeling trips, beginner scuba diver activities, and a range of other exciting watersports.
When is the Best Season to Dive at Phi Phi?
Koh Phi Phi is an archipelago of six islands in Krabi Province, southern Thailand. The top locations for scuba diving and snorkeling are:
- Koh Phi Phi Don (Thai: พีพีดอน)
- Koh Phi Phi Leh (Thai: พีพีเล)
- Koh Mai Phai (Bamboo Island)
- Koh Yung (Mosquito Island)
- Koh Bida Nok (Thai: เกาะบิดานอก)
- Koh Bida Nai (Thai: เกาะบิดาใน)
They are all first-rate destinations for divers. But, Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island in the group, and it has a total land mass of twelve (12) square kilometres.
A combination of stunning scenery, pristine white sand beaches, and cobalt blue water has transformed Koh Phi Phi Islands into one of the top landing places for diving holidays in Thailand.
Here's the thing:
Koh Phi Phi dive sites get around three hundred days of sunshine per year and the water temperature rarely drops below 29° Celsius (84° Fahrenheit).
As a consequence of that, it's fair to say diving in Phi Phi is an annual activity. But, divers need to be mindful that the southwest monsoons usually arrive towards the end of May and continue through to the end of October.
At certain times of the year, the Andaman Sea can produce thirty (30) metres of underwater visibility. So, the best months for divers to enjoy clear water dives are January, February, and March.
Pro Tip: Check out our sea life section for interesting facts about whale sharks and manta rays that often make an appearance around the islands during the plankton-rich months between June and October.
Marine Life at Ao Maya Bay
Imagine a topside characterised by breathtaking landscapes and rugged limestone walls. Then, the combination of huge rock formations and various types of soft corals create a stunning backdrop of underwater topography.
Phi Phi diving spots are great places to see big fishes (e.g. pelagics). Plus, divers should expect to catch sightings of macro marine life as well, including:
- Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae])
Blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus)- Barracudas (maybe even blackfin barracuda)
- Blue spotted stingray (Dasyatidae)
- Butterflyfish (e.g. schooling bannerfish)
- Clownfish (Amphiprioninae)
- Giant clam (Tridacna gigas)
- Hawkfish (family Cirrhitidae)
- Lionfish (genus Pterois)
- Parrotfishes (Scaridae)
- Pufferfishes (Tetraodontidae)
Some of the southern islands have become key breeding grounds for large marine reptiles (e.g. turtles). In fact, there are regular events to reintroduce juvenile turtles back into the vibrant ecosystems and help stimulate the growth of colourful coral reefs.
Dive Sites around Maya Beach
Maya Bay
Precipitous limestone cliffs create a stunning backdrop for anyone heading to the south western beaches of Phi Phi Leh.
Even though many parts of the diving and snorkeling coral reefs close to Maya Bay are shallow, divers with some experience can get down to eighteen (18) metres.
However, if you plan on doing some introductory scuba diving at Ao Maya Bay, it's best to swim out of the cove to dive at the wall and entrance to a nearby cave.
Maya Corner
It's one of the lesser-known spots for diving and snorkeling, but the dive site at Maya Corner is situated inside the northernmost entrance of the bay.
The northern coastline offers divers a steep shelved reef that gets relatively deep. In fact, this reef has a maximum depth of thirty (30) metres in some places.
As a consequence, having an advanced scuba diving certificate is recommended. Nonetheless, descending down to the bottom provides divers with a superb opportunity to swim with sea turtles, such as hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).
Maya Nui
Released in February of 2,000, the famous movie called "The Beach" was shot at Maya Bay in one of the southern Thailand provinces.
The diving spot at Maya Nui is very close to it, and better known by the Thai locals as the Palong Wall dive site.
Having good shelter from strong currents means that even beginners should enjoy a relaxing dive. As you head southwards, you could consider yourself unlucky if you didn't have some interaction with small reef sharks, especially blacktips (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata).