From Phi Phi: Half-Day Trip for Certified Divers (2 Dives)

Traveling to Koh Phi Phi and eager to explore its underwater treasures? This half-day trip for certified divers offers a streamlined, yet rewarding way to experience some of the best marine life and scenery the region has to offer. While it’s only five hours long, it packs in two carefully chosen dives, delicious Thai lunch, and plenty of time to soak in the breathtaking views outside the water.

What we love most about this experience is the personalized small-group approach, the expert guidance from local PADI professionals, and the chance to see iconic species like hawksbill turtles and black-tip reef sharks. That said, it’s best suited for divers with recent experience within the past year, so beginners or rusty divers might need to consider a refresher course first. Overall, if you want a professional, eco-conscious, and scenic diving experience around Phi Phi, this is a solid pick.

Key Points

• Small group sizes ensure personalized attention and safety.
• Eco-conscious approach follows Green Fins and National Park rules, respecting marine environments.
• Two dives around famous sites like Bida Islands and Phi Phi Leh, with chances to spot turtles and sharks.
• Includes Thai lunch, fresh fruit, and equipment rental—all at an accessible price point.
• Flexible departure times suit morning or afternoon plans.
• Professional multilingual guides enhance the experience with local marine knowledge.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Marine World Around Phi Phi

This half-day trip is designed for certified divers who want to get straight into the water without a full-day commitment. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy quality diving in a protected marine park. The experience runs approximately five hours, which includes safety briefings, boat transfers, the two dives, and a delicious Thai lunch.

Starting from Phi Phi Pier, the tour kicks off with a safety briefing, ensuring everyone is prepared and confident before hitting the water. The guides, who are PADI professionals fluent in several languages (English, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian), make sure you’ll feel comfortable from start to finish. The small group size enhances safety and allows guides to give tailored advice, especially if you’re newer to the region.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First stop: Ko Bida Nok
This is where you’ll kick off your first dive, roughly 20 minutes from the pier, in waters renowned for shark sightings. The site features walls and sloping reefs, perfect for exploring a variety of marine creatures. We loved the chance to spot harmless black-tip reef sharks and huge schools of snappers, which make the underwater scenery feel lively and vibrant. The reef’s structure offers many nooks to explore macro life, and guides are attentive to spotting hidden treasures like seahorses or ghost pipefish, which are a treat for macro enthusiasts.

Lunch and break: Phi Phi Leh
After the first dive, everyone gathers on the boat to enjoy a well-earned Thai meal with fresh fruit and water. During this break, you’ll get a chance to relax, chat with fellow divers, and soak in the stunning views of Phi Phi Leh’s limestone cliffs. This part of the day helps to reset your energy for the second dive, often around the same island, but exploring new sites or sections.

Second stop: Ko Phi Phi Le
The second dive takes you to different areas of Phi Phi Leh, with sites like ‘Pileh Walls’ or ‘Viking Gardens’ offering different landscapes and marine life encounters. This is often where turtles are spotted, and our reviewer from Mexico mentioned that “everything was great,” praising the guides’ ability to spot and point out various creatures. The diversity in underwater topography—walls, swim-throughs, pinnacles—keeps the experience fresh and engaging.

Return: Phi Phi Pier
After the second dive and a safety stop, the boat cruises back to the pier, giving you time to relax and log your dives. Morning trips arrive back in time for onward travel, while afternoon trips are perfect for enjoying a sunset view with a cold drink onboard.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Expert, eco-conscious guidance
The local guides from Blue View Divers are known for their extensive marine knowledge and commitment to sustainable diving practices. They navigate according to Green Fins guidelines and National Park regulations, which means you’re enjoying the ocean responsibly.

High-quality equipment and food
All necessary diving gear is included, and the boat is newly refurbished, providing a comfortable platform. The Thai lunch, often praised for its authenticity and flavor, adds a nice touch, making the day more than just underwater sightseeing.

Flexible scheduling
You can choose between morning or afternoon departures, depending on your plans. This flexibility makes it easier to fit into your overall travel itinerary, whether you’re heading to Phuket or Krabi afterward.

Small groups for a personal touch
With limited participants, guides can tailor their advice, help with gear, and point out marine life more effectively. Alessandro from Italy noted that the guide was “very patient and attentive,” which adds to the overall comfort.

Practical Details and Value

While the tour is priced quite reasonably, the value lies in the professional guidance, quality equipment, and eco-minded approach. The inclusion of lunch, fresh fruit, and transportation makes it a convenience-packed offer. Plus, the quick boat rides mean you spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the underwater spectacle.

The tour is ideal for certified divers who have recent experience—if your last dive was over a year ago, you’ll need to opt for a refresher. The guides will also inform you about Thailand’s underwater photography laws, ensuring you stay compliant while capturing memories.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Dive Sites and Why They Matter

Sites like ‘Finger Reef,’ ‘Bida Nok Wall,’ and ‘Malong Shelf’ are chosen based on weather and sightings, which means the guides prioritize safety and the best chances for marine encounters. Sites around Bida Islands are known for shark sightings, making them exciting for those eager to see these creatures in the wild. Phi Phi Leh’s reefs are famous for turtles, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness their graceful movements amidst the coral gardens.

Each site has its unique features—some with steep walls covered in soft corals, others with large pinnacles perfect for macro life. The variety keeps the experience fresh whether you’re a seasoned diver or a confident certification holder.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

One diver from Italy called the experience “bellissimo,” highlighting that it was her first time underwater, and she appreciated the patience and attentiveness of her guide. That personal touch can make a big difference, especially for first-timers or less confident divers.

Meanwhile, Adriana from Mexico simply said, “everything was great,” emphasizing how well-organized and enjoyable the trip was, from the boat to the dive sites and the guides’ local expertise.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This half-day trip hits a sweet spot for anyone with scuba certification looking for a quality, eco-conscious experience close to Phi Phi. It’s especially suitable if you want to maximize your underwater encounters without dedicating a full day. The small groups, expert guides, and carefully selected sites all contribute to a memorable, safe adventure.

If you’re after marine life sightings like turtles and sharks, want to support sustainable diving practices, and prefer a flexible schedule, this tour offers excellent value. It’s also a good choice if you’re staying on Koh Phi Phi and want a hassle-free, well-organized trip with all essentials covered.

However, if you’re a beginner diver or haven’t been diving in the past year, you should consider doing a refresher course before booking. And, as always, remember to bring biodegradable sunscreen (to protect the reef!), a waterproof camera, and a good sense of adventure.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes, this tour is for certified divers with recent experience within the past year. If you haven’t dived recently, you might need a refresher.

What is included in the price?
The price covers two dives, full equipment rental, lunch, fresh fruit, water, and guided instruction.

How long does the trip last?
Approximately five hours, including safety briefing, boat transfers, two dives, lunch, and return.

Can I choose between morning and afternoon departures?
Yes. You can pick a schedule that best suits your plans, whether you want to start your day or enjoy a sunset after your dives.

What marine species might I see?
Expect to encounter hawksbill turtles, black-tip reef sharks, snappers, and macro life like seahorses or ghost pipefish.

Where do the dives take place?
Main sites include Bida Islands and Phi Phi Leh, both within the protected marine park, renowned for their vibrant reefs and marine diversity.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
Absolutely. The guides follow Green Fins and National Park regulations to minimize environmental impact.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), water, hat, comfortable clothes, and insect repellent.

Can non-swimmers join?
No, this is strictly for certified divers. Non-divers should look for snorkeling tours instead.

In summary, this half-day certified diver trip around Phi Phi offers a balanced mix of adventure, safety, and responsibility. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to explore the region’s underwater marvels with knowledgeable guides who genuinely care about marine conservation. Whether spotting turtles, sharks, or macro critters, you’ll leave with memorable stories and possibly a new appreciation for Thailand’s underwater beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: