Scuba Diving in Krabi and the Koh Phi Phi Islands

The stunning scenery of the Krabi and Koh Phi Phiattracted by the large amount of nutrients swept up
regions of Thailand have long ensured that the areafrom the nearby deep waters.
is a firm favourite on Thailand's well trodden travelerContinuing further south are the stunning islands at
and backpacker trails. Dramatic limestone cliffs,Koh Phi Phi, an area characterized by the dramatic
beautiful beaches and the low cost of living in thelimestone cliffs and pinnacles which rise dramatically
area have ensured that large numbers of touristsabove the sea, before plunging down into the dark
flock to the region every year.depths below. Once a quiet Muslim fishing village, the
Recent years however have seen the region developregion now has a developed diving industry, and
a reputation amongst the scuba diving community,today there are at least ten dive centers operating
attracted by the stunning underwater topographyout of the Ton Sai area on Koh Phi Phi.
which easily rivals the dramatic cliffs and pinnaclesUnderwater, the islands of Koh Phi Phi are a mixture
found above the water. Today, the popular resortof coral gardens, steep walls and swim throughs, and
areas of Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi and Railee Beach arethe islands have a number of excellent dive sites in
as likely to be filled with scuba divers as theclose proximity. In particular, the dive sites at Ko
traditional 'horizon-gazers' of the 70's and 80's.Yung Pinnacle and Ko Bida nok consistently deliver
The scuba diving in Krabi and Koh Phi Phi seems toexcellent scuba diving and are widely acknowledged
be concentrated into four main regions. The localas being the best dive sites in Koh Phi Phi.
islands and reefs just south of Krabi, the various diveLast, but certainly not least are the two world class
sites at Shark Point Marine Sanctuary, the sitesdive sites south of Phi Phi at Hin Muang (Purple Rock)
surrounding the islands at Koh Phi Phi and the twoand Hin Daeng (Red Rock). These sites, a mixture of
world class dive sites at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.steep walls and pinnacles are both in close proximity
Just a few miles south of Krabi lie the small islands ofto deep water, and as such the larger marine life are
Ko Ha, Ko See and Ko Yaw Bon. The dive sites hereattracted to the large amounts of nutrients that can
are an interesting mix of tunnels, swim through's,be found here. The two sites at Hin Muang and Hin
coral heads and large boulder formations. With theDaeng represent the best opportunities for people
exception of the tunnel at Ko Yaw Bon, the diveswishing to see either whale sharks or manta rays,
here are accessible for novice divers and provide anand both are regularly sighted at these dive sites.
excellent opportunity to see marine life including BlackThe scuba diving throughout the Krabi and Koh Phi
Tip Sharks, Banded Sea Snakes and Leopard Sharks.Phi region is undoubtedly of the highest standards,
The dive sites of Shark Point Marine Sanctuary areand a number of the dive sites offer genuinely world
home to an incredible array of marine life, andclass diving. For divers looking to go scuba diving on
although the diving here tends to be dominated byKoh Phi Phi or in Krabi, the majority of the dive
the dive sites at Anenome Reef and Shark Point, thecenters in the region can be found in the resort of
King Cruiser Wreck provides an excellent dive and isAo Nang or on the beach area at Ton Sai in Koh Phi
now home to a good amount of coral and marine life.Phi.
Large barracuda and tuna are regularly spotted here,