Dive Site: Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nok

About Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nok

Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nok is a small, dramatic limestone island approximately two kilometres south of the main Phi Phi island group, offering some of the most visually stunning diving in Southern Thailand. Its sheer underwater cliffs descend from the surface to 28 meters, where they transition into sandy slopes dotted with coral bommies. This site is celebrated for its diverse topography, ranging from intricate wall dives to vibrant shallow reef flats, making it a favorite for many divers. The island's western wall is a spectacle of color, adorned with massive purple and red sea fans that unfurl like living parasols, complemented by dense clusters of soft corals in shades of yellow, pink, and white. Numerous swim-throughs carve through the limestone at various depths, housing shimmering glassfish within their interiors. The site is particularly well-known for frequent leopard shark encounters, often found resting on sandy ledges along the southern and eastern faces between 18 and 24 meters, especially during the high season. Beyond the leopard sharks, blacktip reef sharks patrol deeper sections, while banded sea kraits actively hunt through reef crevices. Moray eels peer from rock formations, and octopuses adeptly change color against the rocky surfaces. The shallow northern reef provides an ideal location for safety stops and extended bottom time, boasting impressive hard coral coverage including table corals, staghorn thickets, and brain corals, teeming with anthias and damselfish. Hawksbill turtles graze on the reef flat, and keen-eyed divers can discover nudibranchs, porcelain crabs, and ornate ghost pipefish among the coral nooks. Most dive operators conduct a circuit around the island, typically commencing from the sheltered eastern mooring. Divers descend along the wall, proceed south to observe leopard sharks on sandy patches, then navigate around the southern tip where nutrient-rich currents foster luxuriant soft coral growth. The exploration usually conclu

Dive site facts: Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nok

Depth

3–28 m

Typical dive

10–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

28–31°C

Entry

Live boat / giant stride

Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Dive type

Wall, reef, macro, pelagic

Region / port

Koh Phi Phi, Krabi

Coordinates

7.6234, 98.7567

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Bida Nok are generally gentle, making it suitable for a wide range of diver experience levels throughout the year. However, conditions can vary depending on moon phases, with half-moon periods typically offering milder currents, which makes for more relaxed diving and is ideal for beginners. Dive operators regularly assess daily conditions and plan routes accordingly to ensure safe and comfortable dives. Visibility averages around 10–30 meters, with the clearest conditions typically observed from January to April. While currents are generally mild, divers should always maintain good buoyancy control, particularly near walls and within swim-throughs, to avoid contact with delicate corals.

Marine life & sighting chances

Leopard shark

November-April · common

Blacktip reef shark

occasional

Hawksbill turtle

common

Moray eel

common

Octopus

occasional

Banded sea krait

occasional

Lionfish

common

Glassfish

common

Nudibranch

common

Porcelain crab

occasional

Ornate ghost pipefish

rare

Whale shark

February-May · rare

Mantis shrimp

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Most dives at Bida Nok begin from the sheltered mooring on the eastern side of the island. Divers typically descend along the wall, heading south, often encountering leopard sharks resting on sandy slopes between 18 to 24 meters. The route then continues around the southern tip, where nutrient-rich currents support vibrant soft coral growth, and blacktip reef sharks might be observed in deeper areas. The western wall is a highlight, featuring spectacular sea fans and swim-throughs filled with glassfish. The dive generally concludes on the shallow reef flat on the northern side, ranging from 5 to 8 meters, which serves as an excellent location for safety stops, exploring hard corals, and spotting macro life like nudibranchs and ornate ghost pipefish.

Underwater photography

Bida Nok offers diverse photographic opportunities, from wide-angle shots of stunning soft coral walls and dramatic limestone formations to macro subjects hidden within the vibrant reefs. For wide-angle, a rectilinear lens is ideal for capturing the expansive sea fan gardens on the western wall and the bustling schools of fish against the reef. Consider using strobes to bring out the true colors of the soft corals and sea fans, especially in deeper sections or inside swim-throughs. For macro, a dedicated macro lens will excel at documenting the nudibranchs, porcelain crabs, and ornate ghost pipefish found in the shallow northern reef. A powerful focus light is beneficial for spotting cryptic creatures and illuminating swim-throughs. Always maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid stirring up sand or damaging delicate corals, particularly when focusing on macro subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nai

  Often paired with Bida Nok for a day trip.

• Shark Point

  Known for leopard sharks and anemone fields.

• King Cruiser Wreck

  A popular shipwreck dive for advanced divers.

• Hin Bida

  Features shallow reefs and zebra shark sightings.

• Koh Haa — The Chimney

  Offers cavern diving and diverse reef life.

Getting there & logistics

To reach Koh Phi Phi, international travelers typically fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) or Krabi International Airport. From either airport, a taxi transfers you to a pier (such as Rassada Pier in Phuket or Klong Jilard Pier in Krabi), followed by a ferry to Koh Phi Phi. The combined travel time from Phuket Airport is about three hours, and from Krabi Airport, approximately two hours, though ferry schedules may necessitate an overnight stay. Day trips to Bida Nok commonly depart from Koh Phi Phi itself, or as longer day trips from Phuket or Koh Lanta. There are no specific permits required for diving at Bida Nok beyond standard dive operator arrangements, but national park fees may apply for the Phi Phi archipelago.

Safety & environment

Bida Nok is generally a safe dive site due to its usually mild currents and year-round accessibility. However, divers should always adhere to standard safety protocols, including buddy system, dive plan adherence, and conservative no-decompression limits. The nearest recompression chambers are located in Phuket, necessitating an evacuation plan in case of a dive emergency, which can involve significant time for transportation by boat and road. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Divers are encouraged to maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the fragile marine environment and avoid touching any marine life. Listen carefully to your dive guide's briefing regarding current conditions and planned routes.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nok FAQ

Liveaboards diving Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nok

These liveaboards may visit Koh Phi Phi — Bida Nok 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