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Diving at Hin Dot Underwater Pinnacles

Most scuba divers enjoy underwater photography, and this location is the ideal spot to see hard and soft corals and leopard sharks.

This dive guide contains tips and information for scuba diving at Hin Dot Chimney Rock close to Ton Sai Bay at the famous Phi Phi Islands in southern Thailand.

What is the Best Season to Dive in 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 Hin Dot (Chimney Rock)

A combination of huge rock formations and various types of soft corals create a stunning backdrop for underwater photographers.

So, if you're wondering where to see leopard sharks and nurse sharks near Phi Phi, Hin Dot (Chimney Rock) is one of the better destinations.

You should also catch sighting of some rare and awe-inspiring sea creatures, 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.

Tips for Divers at Hin Dot Pinnacles

This is one of the most popular Thailand diving destinations with three rocky pinnacles and a mass of colourful soft corals.

Hin Dot diving site is situated outside Ton Sai Bay, which means it's easily accessible by boat from Koh Phi Phi Don.

As a consequence of that, scuba divers need to be aware that passenger ferries also depart (and arrive) at Ton Sai Pier close to these submerged pinnacles.

Maximum Depths and Visibility

Even though some of the other Phi Phi islands offer better conditions for snorkeling activities, the diving depths at Hin Dot range from five (5) metres to almost thirty (30) metres at the sandy seabed.

In other words...

This is an ideal destination for local scuba schools to conduct the Advanced Open Water course and the Multilevel Diver Specialty certification.

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 best to study a dive site guide and map before you dive or snorkel at any of the famous Bida dive sites (Koh Bida Nai, Koh Bida Nok, and Hin Bida Reef).

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