Scuba Diving in Krabi

Krabi is an adventure seekers paradise! Scuba Diving sites around the twin islands of Phi Phi are among the most famous dive locations anywhere in the world! Dive operators are dotted all over the province and can help you take you first leap into discovering the underwater beauty of Krabi!

The remarkable variety of dive sites that are concentrated in such a small area, particularly off Phi Phi Don Island, is what makes this area unique, as do the amazing limestone cliffs that rise dramatically out of the sea and plunge equally dramatically straight down underwater. The opportunity to relax on exquisite beaches, explore the numerous coves and bays, whilst enjoying some colorful and enticing scuba diving or snorkeling in this marine park environment, is one not to be missed.

Learn to Dive in Krabi

Krabi is a great place to learn to dive as there are a number of first-rate dive shops offering affordable scuba accreditation (usually with PADI) all the way from absolute beginner up to master instructor.

In many hotels you can 'try a dive' in your pool, or dive shops offer 1 day 'try a dive' trips. Many people go on to take the PADI Open Water Diver course which is a 4 day course that combines some theory with practical experience (around 6 dives). Once complete you can join a dive under the supervision of a Dive master.

Dive Trips

Day trips and overnight excursions can easily be arranged through the multitude of dive shops around Krabi year-round, with late October to mid May being peak season. Snorkeling and diving equipment is easily acquired at most places.

Dive Areas

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are pinnacles that rise up 70m from the sea bed and barely break the surface, sightings of whale sharks and manta rays are common (not suitable for beginners).

Koh Rok Nok is quite close to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, these two stunning islands are in a protected marine park. There are multiple sites around the islands that offer excellent visibility and rich marine life.

The Phi Phi Islands are home to so many sites you could dive there every day for 2 weeks at a different site each dive. You can rent equipment and dive from the beach in some places or even just snorkel.

Bamboo Island is part of the Phi Phi group. Many snorkeling tours visit daily to experience the beautiful coral gardens. Sites tend to be quite shallow which is great for inexperienced divers.

Koh Dam is two islands joined together by a reef. Very close to Railey and Ao Nang, this is a good spot if you don't want to go very far.

Getting Around in Krabi Thailand

Renting cars, bus, taxi, motorbike or boat

Rent a Car

Krabi has a good road network, especially around the national parks and local attractions, so hiring a car and driving yourself is easy. Car Hire is available at most hotel desks or travel agents.

Taxis & Local Busses

Open-air buses, (Songtaews) converted trucks and motorcycle taxis provide a cheap and efficient public transport service throughout the province. Fares vary according to the destination - whether you're running around town, or traveling from Krabi Town to one of the beach resorts. Services are efficient and regular with buses stopping wherever you want to get on or off.

Better still, rent a Songtaew (taxi truck) to drive you round for the day.

Longtail Boats & Ferries

From Krabi Town
Krabi Town, as well as being the provincial capital, is also the main harbor for local boat services.

Ferries operate to the Phi Phi Islands, Jum Island and Lanta Island, catch the boats from Chao Fah Pier (Krabi Town).


Note:
Some services stop during the monsoon season (May-October) and are substituted by a combined bus and long-tail boat system which operates from small harbors along the coast.

If you don't want to use this system, a private transfer is the only choice for certain islands like Lanta Island. The 2 car ferries, which connect the island to the mainland operate from 07:00 to 19:00. Transfer time from Krabi about 2 hours.

Longtail Boats

From Ao Nang/Railay
The coast is also well served by local "longtail" taxi boats. Fast, reliable and inexpensive, these boats depart from Ao Nang Beach (just go to the seafront) to Railay, Phra Nang and Krabi town.

Fares average around 50 - 80 Baht depending on your destination and the time of day (more expensive after sunset) The boats operate regularly between Ao Nang and Railey (they leave when there are enough passengers) and operate year round (subject to weather conditions.)

NOTE: Prices of local long tail boats are fixed so don't bother bargaining unless you are hiring the whole boat. Good Luck!!!