Krabi

While Krabi has local sites, the most popular day trips are to the Phi Phi Islands. The sites Bida Nok and Bida Nai are exceptionally famous, offering stunning walls, diverse coral, and a high chance of seeing turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and sea snakes. Their rich biodiversity and dramatic underwater landscapes make them a must-do for any diver visiting Krabi, Thailand.

Well-known sites accessible from Krabi, Thailand include the Phi Phi Islands, King Cruiser Wreck, and Shark Point. For a less crowded experience, the local islands directly off Ao Nang are excellent. Sites like Koh Si, Koh Ha, and Koh Poda offer great macro photography opportunities, fun swim-throughs, and are perfect for relaxed dives without the long boat journeys.

The water temperature in Krabi, Thailand is consistently warm and tropical year-round. You can expect temperatures to range from 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F). There is very little fluctuation between seasons, making it an ideal destination for comfortable diving at any time of the year without the need for a thick wetsuit.

The best time for diving in Krabi, Thailand is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This period offers the best conditions with calm seas, excellent visibility, and sunny weather. The monsoon season is from May to October, which can bring rain and rougher seas, occasionally impacting boat schedules. However, diving is still possible during these months.

During the peak dive season (November-April), underwater visibility in Krabi, Thailand is generally very good. At offshore sites like the Phi Phi Islands, it can range from 15 to 30 meters (50-100 feet). Visibility at local sites closer to the mainland can be lower, typically between 5 and 15 meters, but they offer fantastic macro life. Conditions can be reduced during the rainy season.

While not guaranteed, whale sharks are most frequently sighted from February to May. They are typically seen at deeper, offshore pinnacles like Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, which are accessible from Krabi via special long day trips or liveaboards. Manta rays are occasionally seen at these sites as well. Leopard sharks are a common, non-migratory resident at Shark Point.

In Krabi, Thailand, you can expect to see a wide array of marine life. Common sightings include leopard sharks, blacktip reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, moray eels, and large schools of snapper and fusilier. The reefs are also rich with smaller creatures like clownfish, lionfish, scorpionfish, and various nudibranchs. Cuttlefish and octopus are also frequently spotted by observant divers.

Given the warm water temperatures of 28-31°C (82-88°F), a wetsuit is often optional. Many divers are comfortable in a rash guard and shorts. However, for thermal protection on multiple dives, a 3mm shorty or a 3mm full wetsuit is recommended. This provides enough warmth without causing overheating when diving in Krabi, Thailand.

The easiest way to reach Krabi, Thailand is to fly into Krabi International Airport (KBV), which serves domestic flights from Bangkok and some international routes. From the airport, it is a 30-45 minute taxi or shuttle bus ride to Ao Nang, the main hub for dive operators. You can also arrive by ferry from Phuket or Koh Phi Phi.

Krabi, Thailand is primarily a destination for shore-based diving. Staying in a hotel in areas like Ao Nang allows you to take daily boat trips to all the popular local sites, including the Phi Phi Islands. While some liveaboards depart from the region, they typically travel to more distant locations like the Similan Islands. For diving around Krabi, staying on shore is the most practical choice.