Koh Bida Nok, the larger of the two Bida Islands, seems like a versatile and appealing dive destination. Its popularity among divers is attributed to the diversity of marine life and the opportunity to explore three different dives in the area.
The shallow bay serves as an ideal starting point for divers, providing shelter both above and below the surface. It’s mentioned that this area is particularly suitable for first-time divers, those taking courses, or those in need of a refresher. The calm and sheltered conditions in the bay make it conducive for practicing skills and gaining confidence underwater.
Maya Corner, located along the North wall of the bay near the entrance to Maya Bay, seems to be a versatile and captivating dive site suitable for divers of all levels. The diversity of landscapes and marine life offers a rich underwater experience.
For more advanced divers, exploring the swim-throughs near Maya Beach adds an extra layer of excitement to the dive. These underwater passages can provide a thrilling experience as divers navigate through them, discovering hidden corners of the reef. Heading deeper to the bottom of the reef reveals dramatic rock formations, creating a visually stunning underwater environment. The presence of tiny glass fish and beautiful soft corals enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.
Malong, a dive site near Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh. The addition of a buoy line by the national park team has made it safer for both divers and snorkelers. The underwater shelf, ranging from 3 to 6 meters, is a popular starting point for divers, offering the opportunity to explore and encounter marine life.
One highlight mentioned is the chance to spot Hawksbill Turtles in the area. These turtles are known for their distinctive beak and colorful shell patterns. Spending time near the underwater shelf increases the likelihood of encountering these fascinating creatures.
Palong is another fascinating dive site, and it seems like a great spot for those interested in encountering Blacktip Reef Sharks. While these sharks are generally not aggressive towards humans, they have a tendency to keep their distance. The mention of the eagle-eyed guides who are familiar with the sharks’ preferred locations adds to the excitement of the diving experience.
Garang Heng sounds like another fantastic dive site near Koh Phi Phi Don, offering a diverse underwater landscape for divers to explore. The location, about 30 minutes by boat from Koh Phi Phi Don and a couple of kilometers east of the Bidas, places it within a convenient reach for diving enthusiasts.
Starting at a depth of 5 meters and gradually descending deeper, the reef at Garang Heng provides a varied diving experience. The shallower parts of the reef boast vibrant marine life, including colorful soft corals, anemones, and sea fans. The abundance of schools of fish, ranging from Barracuda to tiny Glass Fish, as well as colorful Snappers and Fusiliers, creates a visually stunning underwater scene.
For those seeking a bit more depth and excitement, the opportunity to spot Leopard Sharks in the sandy areas adds a thrilling aspect to the dive. The fact that Garang Heng is known as a favorite spot for Leopard Shark sightings makes it an attractive destination for divers interested in encountering these fascinating creatures.
The Kled Gaeow sounds like an exciting and unique dive site around Phi Phi, especially for advanced divers or those undergoing advanced courses or deep specialty training. The fact that it is a retired navy ship intentionally sunk in 2014 adds an interesting historical and artificial reef aspect to the dive.
The depth of the wreck, starting from around 14 meters and sitting at 27 meters, makes it suitable for divers with advanced certifications. The surrounding marine life, including schools of fish such as snappers, fusiliers, and jacks, enhances the underwater experience. The presence of Scorpionfish, Lionfish, and Porcupine fish adds to the allure of exploring the wreck, but caution is advised to maintain a safe distance from these potentially venomous species.
