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Koh Bida Nok Dive and Snorkel Sites Guide

There are countless reasons to discover Koh Bida Nok dive site. It's a top Phi Phi location with blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and shallow coral reefs that are ideal for snorkeling.

This help guide contains useful information about scuba diving and snorkeling at Koh Bida Nok in Thailand's Phi Phi Islands.

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:

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 Thailand diving destinations.

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 Koh Bida Nok

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 for top underwater photography spots near Phi Phi.

So, if you're wondering where to see reef sharks in Koh Bida Nok, the Phi Phi dive sites rank among the best areas to see some big fishes, including:

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.

Key Features of Koh Bida Nok for Divers

There are some beginner friendly dive sites around the Phi Phi Islands, and Koh Bida Nok Bay is a good location for all scuba certification levels.

One of the things that make it a special spot is the stunning underwater topography, including a nutrient-rich mix of pinnacles, swim-throughs, and steep drop-offs.

The main features of the terrain at the south side are the coral bommies and several distinctive rock formations, such as boulder pinnacles, located at the southern tip.

Here's the thing:

The best dive plan is to begin shallow in the south and slowly descend along the finger reef ridge. You should see a steep decorated wall with brain coral and bubble corals eclipsed by enormous purple sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina).

Shark fans are regularly rewarded with sightings of leopard sharks resting on the sand, blacktip reef sharks, tuna, jacks, and there's a good chance spotting whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), especially when the plankton blooms - from November through to end of April.

There are some unrestricted swim-throughs on the west side of the island with boulder formations and underwater rock structures that create stunning backdrops for the environment.

But wait - there's more:

Take a careful look inside the cracks and rock crevices and you should see nudibranch, white-eyed morays, fearful seahorses, pipefish, and other captivating macroscopic creatures.

Head over to the vertical drops at the north and west faces if you want to swim around whip-like gorgonians and various kinds of colourful sea fans.

Maximum Depths and Visibility

Snorkeling trips to Koh Bida Nok from Phi Phi are extremely popular due to the shallow reef gardens and the clear water.

In fact, snorkeling with turtles at Koh Bida Nok is one of the primary attractions for tourists based in the southern provinces of Thailand.

Depths range from five (5) metres in the shallowest areas, and you can dive down to thirty (30) metres at some of the drop-offs and vertical walls.

Even though the water currents can be strong at times, you could feel disappointed if you don't experience at least fifteen (15) metres of crystal clear visibility.

Pro Tip: It's always better to study a dive site guide and map before you go diving or snorkeling at an unfamiliar dive site.

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