Dive Site: Hin Bida

About Hin Bida

Hin Bida is a celebrated submerged coral reef and pinnacle situated approximately 20 minutes east of Koh Bida Nai, entirely in the open sea. This site is distinguished by its oddly shaped reef structure, featuring a rounded main body and three finger-like protrusions extending to the south. The shallowest parts of the rock may break the surface during low tide, disappearing completely at high tide. The reef, predominantly composed of large _Porites_ hard corals, presents a vibrant and healthy ecosystem, offering a unique landscape compared to other Phi Phi Island dive sites. It sits on a flat sandy bottom, with maximum depths around 20 meters, making it an ideal location for less experienced divers or for the final dive of the day. The healthy coral structures and varied depths support a diverse array of marine life. Hin Bida is particularly famous for its high probability of leopard shark sightings, which are frequently observed resting in the shallower sand patches. Beyond the leopard sharks, divers can encounter schools of yellow and two-spot snappers, often-mating cuttlefish, various moray eel species, lionfish, and scorpionfish. Occasional whale shark sightings also occur, adding to the site's allure. Its remote location contributes to less frequent diving pressure, preserving the quality of its corals and marine inhabitants. Accessibility is primarily by boat from Phuket or Koh Lanta, often as part of liveaboard itineraries or day trips combining multiple Phi Phi sites. While generally suitable for beginners to intermediate divers, caution is advised during periods of stronger currents, particularly around full and new moons. The site's rich biodiversity and unique features make it a memorable diving experience in the Andaman Sea.

Dive site facts: Hin Bida

Depth

5–20 m

Typical dive

12–20 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to strong, variable

Visibility

5–28 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Beginner / Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, Macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Phi Phi Islands, Andaman Sea

Coordinates

7.578, 98.765

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Hin Bida can vary from mild to strong, particularly influenced by the lunar cycle, with stronger flows expected around full and new moons. While generally considered manageable for beginners and intermediate divers, it is crucial to consult local tide charts and guide briefings before each dive. Entry is typically a boat dive, requiring careful coordination with the dive crew for both entry and exit procedures. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 20+ meters, but can extend up to 28 meters during peak conditions. The site experiences consistently warm water temperatures between 27-30°C, meaning thermoclines are rare. Divers should be prepared for potential drift conditions and plan their gas accordingly, especially when currents are stronger, though the sandy bottom at 20 meters offers a clear depth limit.

Marine life & sighting chances

Leopard Shark

common

Yellow Snapper

common

Two-spot Snapper

common

Cuttlefish

common

Moray Eel

common

Lionfish

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Whale Shark

rare

Nudibranch

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Turtle

occasional

Harlequin Shrimp

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Hin Bida typically begin with a descent onto the main body of the submerged reef. You can navigate around the perimeter or explore the three distinct finger-like coral protrusions extending south. The average depth ranges from 12 to 20 meters, making it suitable for extended bottom times. Divers often progress from the deeper sandy patches where leopard sharks are frequently found resting, gradually ascending to the shallower reef crest. The turn point is flexible, usually dictated by air consumption and current conditions, often around the tip of one of the fingers. Safety stops are comfortably conducted in the 5-meter zone, amidst vibrant hard coral gardens teeming with reef fish, offering excellent opportunities for final marine life observations.

Underwater photography

Hin Bida offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, thanks to its diverse topography and abundant marine life. For wide-angle shots, consider a fisheye or wide-angle lens to capture the extensive hard coral formations and the sheer scale of the reef's finger-like extensions. Leopard sharks resting on the sand, schools of snappers, and potential whale shark encounters are prime wide-angle subjects. For macro enthusiasts, the healthy corals host a variety of smaller creatures, including nudibranchs, harlequin shrimp, and different moray eels; a macro lens will be invaluable here. Use strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and fish, especially at deeper sections. Given the variable currents, maintaining good buoyancy is crucial to avoid stirring up sediment and to safely compose your shots without damaging the delicate reef.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nai

  A neighboring island dive site with dramatic walls and swim-throughs, featuring glassfish and staghorn corals.

• Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nok

  Considered a top Phi Phi dive site, known for vibrant soft corals, sponges, and frequent sightings of leopard and grey reef sharks.

• Shark Point

  A celebrated dive site known for its submerged pinnacles and rich marine biodiversity, including resident leopard sharks.

• King Cruiser Wreck

  A popular ferry wreck dive, now an artificial reef teeming with fish life, suitable for experienced divers.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Hin Bida is typically arranged via liveaboard or day trip boats departing from Phuket or Koh Lanta. Phuket International Airport (HKT) serves as the main gateway, with domestic flights connecting from Bangkok (BKK). From Phuket, trips often involve a multi-day liveaboard cruise or a longer day trip to the Phi Phi Islands region. From Koh Lanta, it's about a 1 hour 45 minute boat trip, or 40 minutes by speedboat. Most dive operators will include Hin Bida as part of a Phi Phi Islands itinerary. National park fees of approximately 600 THB per diver are usually applicable and often included in tour prices. While Hin Bida can be dived as a standalone, it is frequently combined with other sites like Koh Bida Nok or Bida Nai on a single-day excursion or a 2D/2N to 2D/3N liveaboard trip during the summer schedule.

Safety & environment

For diving at Hin Bida, a comprehensive dive insurance policy, including coverage for evacuation and hyperbaric treatment, is highly recommended due to the site's remote location. The nearest recompression chamber is in Phuket, requiring potentially lengthy evacuation times by boat and then land transport. Divers should always plan conservatively, adhering to certification limits and guide instructions, especially concerning variable currents. It is crucial to perform thorough buddy checks and communicate any concerns to the dive guide. Adherence to national park rules, such as not touching marine life or corals, is mandatory to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Pay close attention to entry and exit briefings, as boat dives require specific procedures to ensure safety during potentially choppy surface conditions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Hin Bida FAQ

Liveaboards diving Hin Bida

These liveaboards may visit Hin Bida on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Mandarin Queen 9

Thailand

26 guests37.5 m

Manta Queen 8

Thailand

24 guests

$127/day

The Junk

Thailand

18 guests33 m

$163/day

Deep Andaman Queen

Thailand

23 guests30.5 m

$194/day

Explorer

Thailand

16 guests25 m

$150/day

Andaman

Thailand

20 guests26 m

$108/day

Stingray

Thailand

8 guests24 m

$245/day

Seatopia

Thailand

24 guests24 m