Koh Phi Phi

Journey time: 35 minutes. Depth: 5-30 meters. Visibility: 10-25m
Variety of fish: 3/5 (some very rare species). Quality of corals: 3/5
Level of diving required: Suitable for all levels



The dive sites of Koh Phi Phi, once voted the most beautiful island in the world, have been a long-time favorite among divers. The variety of hard and soft corals and the variety of the marine life, even at shallow depths, make koh Phi Phi a perfect dive and snorkeling destination.

This group of six islands is located west of koh Lanta, only 35 minutes away on our custom built power boat.

The beauty of these islands is the ever changing scenery, the white sandy beaches between stunning limestone cliffs, the turquoise clear waters and lagoons. In addition there are a few small jungles which can be enjoyed or explored between the dives.

Underwater koh Phi Phi is even more fascinating, with a choice of 20 dive sites such as; Palong Wall, Shark point Phi Phi, Phi Ley wall, Loh Samah, Maya Bay and of course the two spectacular Bida islands in the south. All these dive sites are suitable for divers of all levels. It does not matter if you want to stick to 5m or if you decide to descent to 30m, your dive will be an unforgettable one.


The underwater scenery is spectacular with overhangs, swim troughs, canyons, caves and gorges hosting some very large gorgonians. There are amazingly colorful soft and hard coral gardens with spectacular formations. Pinnacles covered with anemones create a breathtaking playground for trigger fish, trumpet fish, turtles and of course the clownfish Nemo. It is also common to see the elegant lionfish, well camouflaged bearded scorpion fish, colourful angel fish, butterfly fish, and barracudas. The main attraction of the Bida islands is the leopard sharks which are often just snoozing around. The leopard shark is the most docile of all sharks, but it is also very curious and it is common that they come within close distance of divers. For the macro divers among us, there are all kind of sponges, tube corals as well as nudibranches, cleaning shrimps and crabs. You might even come across a sea horse or a rare ghost pipe fish and black tip reef sharks may be seen swimming along the shallow reefs. Sometimes manta rays and whale sharks are spotted here also.

Hin Daeng, Hin Muang

Journey time: 1 hour. Depth: 8-70 meters. Visibility: 10-35m
Variety of fish: 5/5 (some very rare species). Quality of corals: 5/5
Level of diving required: PADI Advanced or Experienced Open Water.


Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are the two most famous dive sites in Thailand and are often listed in the top 10 dive sites in the world. These two pinnacles have steep drop offs to 70m with inter connecting rock shelves, covered in colourful soft corals and anemones. Located 70km off shore in the deep open sea, the visibility often reaches 30m and is a popular feeding site for many large pelagics. These sites have one of the highest incidences of whale sharks sightings in the world and is home to manta rays and leopard sharks. In our powerful two engine speed boat (see link to our boat) it only takes 1 hour to arrive at the sites and the two dive sites are only 500 meters apart so you can dive both sites in one day. Photographers will be in heaven here as these sites are perfect for Macro and wide angle photography. Someone with a sharp eye may also spot a ghost pipe fish, seahorse or frog fish. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are not suitable dive sites for beginners or snorkellers due to the deep drop offs and being so far offshore makes them more susceptible to strong currents and waves.

Hin Daeng (Red Rock) is a rock formation that can be spotted from the boat as the top couple of metres breaks the surface of the water. This pinnacle slopes gently down to 60m deep and is a perfect location for a multi level dive. The steep walls and inter-connecting rock shelves are covered with red and purple soft corals and anemones (the reason for its name "Red Rock") between which the smaller varieties reside. The diversity of marine life is incredible; leopard sharks, schools of rainbow runners, giant moray eels, octopus, trigger fish, rare nudibranches, pipe fish and boxer shrimps. And you will not be the first diver to experience manta rays circling around during your entire dive.


Hin Muang (Purple Rock) can not been seen from the surface. The top of this large pinnacle starts at 8m and slopes down to 70m deep. The pinnacle is approximately 200 metres long, running from east to west. The reef walls are covered with a forest of purple soft corals (hence the name "Purple Rock") and the top is amass with anemones feeding in the current. Small reef fish attract the bigger fish. Curious gray reef sharks, large schools of tuna, barracudas and jacks circle in the deep blue. When the plankton begins to bloom in November it is followed by the manta rays and whales sharks that have plankton highly recommended on their menu. These friendly giants are often surrounded by many impressive cobias, with whom they have a close relationship. Even though the corals are breath taking, keep an eye out in the blue, you might find yourself looking into the eyes of the largest fish of the ocean, the ever so impressive whale shark. Take your time on these two sites to look around and you will be amazed by all these different species you might spot. If a paradise on earth existed we would say it is called Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Definitely a MUST for the more experienced diver, because these two sites are about as good as it gets!

King Cruiser Wreck & Shark point/Anemone reef

Journey time: 1 hour. Depth: 5-30 meters. Visibility: 8-20m
Variety of fish: 3/5. Quality of corals: 3/5
Level of diving required: Experienced divers


On the 4th of May, 1997, the 85m passenger ferry "King Cruiser" on a routine run to the Phi Phi islands, made history by straying several kilometers off course and hitting the Anemone Reef. When a huge hole ripped through her belly, the ship went down in less than 1 hour! Today, the wreck is teeming with marine life and its proximity to "Shark Point and Anemone Reef," both declared a marine sanctuary in 1992, offer some of the most colourful diving in Thailand. Dive this location and you can find large schools of Barracuda, Lion Fish, Emperors, Reef and Leopard Sharks, as well as a great variety of soft and hard corals and vibrant Sea Fans. A great adventure for all divers!

Within King Cruiser's proximity there are two magnificent reefs; Shark point and Anemone reef. These reefs were both declared marine sanctuaries in 1992 and offer some of the most colourful diving in Thailand. AquaScuba offers one dive on King Cruiser and one dive at either Shark point or Anemone reef in a one day trip.


Shark Point ("Hin Musang" which means shark rock) is a popular site to spot leopard sharks peacefully lazing around on the seabed. Shark point is a rock formation breaking the surface and sloping gently down to 20 metres deep. Strong currents are not uncommon in this area and the water is very rich with food. The rocks here are covered with spectacular purple and pink soft corals, large gorgonian sea fans and sponges. The water rich in nutrients also attracts a big variety of marine life; various species of moray eels have made their home between the rocks and large schools of barracudas, jacks, snappers and fusiliers can been seen hunting here. Have a good look around and you will find well camouflaged scorpion fish, different kinds of nudibranches, lion fish and colorful emperor anglefish. Shark point is considered one of the best dive sites in the area and is definitely worth a visit.

Anemone Reef is a pinnacle that starts at 6 metres deep as the name reveals, it is covered with anemones. The pinnacle slopes down to 25 metres where the sandy area begins and commonly leopard sharks are laying on the seabed. Have a closer look at the anemones and you will see that they provide shelter for anemone crabs, anemone shrimps and anemone fish including the famous clown fish "Nemo". Swimming through the different rock formations will give you a good overlook of all the different marine species and corals the Andaman Sea is so proud of. Yellow headed morays are spotted here as well as devil scorpion fishes and even the strange looking Indian walker. Anemone reef as well as Shark Point in combination with the King Cruiser wreck will be an experience you will not lightly forget, so be prepared.

Koh Haa
Journey time: 30-40 min. Depth Range: 5-50m. Visibility: 15-30m
Variety of Fish :3/5( some very rare species) Quality of Corals: 3/5
Level of Diving required: All Levels



This group of stunning and remote islands is situated about half an hour boat trip from AquaScuba’s Dive Center in koh Lanta. (Haa means 5 in the local dialect and since Koh Haa is actually made up of six small islands someone must have miscalculated!).

This is one of our favorite destinations. Five (?) beautiful limestone islands with a shallow lagoon and white powder beach above the surface, and a magical diving experience both for beginners as well as experienced divers. The islands are separated by deep water channels, and are famous for the exceptional visibility. With a choice of at least six dive sites, provide excellent diving for all levels of diver. Here you will find colorful coral gardens and fringing reefs, impressive walls, strange pinnacle formations, and huge cathedral like caves.

The marine life that can be found at Koh Haa varies from rare Ghost Pipefish measuring only a few centimeters, to an abundance of Porcupine fish, lionfish and Octopus hiding amongst the rocks and crevices. A Hawksbill Turtle is often seen swimming amongst the pristine coral. You can also find banded sea snakes, lionfish, crustaceans and beautiful cowries. Huge schools of silverside fish, glassfish, and barracudas abound. While Manta Rays, Eagle Rays and even Whale Sharks are spotted here occasionally. You can’t predict exactly what you’ll see, but it’s always a pleasant and rewarding surprise!

One of Koh Haa’s highlights is the series of caverns and swim-throughs. The largest cavern has three chambers. The first two chambers are connected by a shallow swim through at about 9 meters. There are also various chimneys and other systems for the more experienced divers to explore.

Our favorite is a cave with two entrances one at a depth of 5 meters and the other at 16 meters. The light finds its way in and creates a magical atmosphere by reflecting on the resident glass fish. When you are inside this cave you always have open water above (i.e. you can surface at any time) so all certified divers can safely dive here.

The clear waters and consistent visibility of 25m+ make Koh Haa an un-forgettable diving and snorkeling destination.

We have these and other dive trips, from beginner to PADI Advance Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver courses. Contact us so we can talk about your specific diving adventure to come.