From Phi Phi: Half-Day Trip for Certified Divers (2 Dives)

Exploring the Underwater World of Phi Phi with Blue View Divers

If you’re a certified diver staying on Koh Phi Phi, a half-day dive trip around the islands’ stunning reefs promises a rewarding experience. We’ve reviewed this tour, and what stands out are the knowledgeable guides, the chance to see a variety of marine life, and the flexibility of departure times.

It’s a well-organized, eco-conscious adventure that balances adventure with responsible diving practices. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is best suited for divers with recent experience — if you’re out of practice, a refresher dive might be necessary. This trip is perfect for those wanting a concise yet enriching underwater experience, with the convenience of being close to home on Phi Phi Island.

Good To Know

• Expert Guides: Dive with knowledgeable local professionals who prioritize eco-friendly practices.
• Variety of Marine Life: Expect encounters with hawksbill turtles, harmless reef sharks, colorful coral gardens, and macro species.
• Flexible Options: Choose between morning or afternoon departures to fit your schedule.
• Convenient Itinerary: Two dives, a delicious Thai lunch, and minimal travel time from Phi Phi Pier.
• Eco-Conscious: The tour adheres to Green Fins and National Park regulations, ensuring sustainable diving.
• All-Inclusive Value: Full equipment rental, lunch, fresh fruit, water, and personalized service included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Half-Day Certified Diver Trip

This tour is designed for certified divers who want to maximize their underwater time without spending a full day at sea. Starting from Phi Phi Pier, you’ll meet a small, eco-minded group led by professional PADI guides, fluent in several languages — including English, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.

The trip typically lasts about 5 hours, with morning and afternoon options. You’ll depart from the shore near the pier, taking a quick boat ride to the dive sites—most are only around 20 minutes away, which means less time on transport and more underwater.

The Itinerary in Detail

Safety Briefing & Gear Up
Your adventure kicks off with a 20-minute safety briefing. The team, including dive instructors like Pu (who gets high praise for patience and attentiveness), makes sure everyone’s comfortable with the plan. You’ll then get fitted with full equipment, which is included in the price, so no last-minute worries about sourcing gear.

First Dive at Bida Islands
The first stop is Bida Nok, known for shark spotting and vibrant coral walls. Expect to float along sloping reefs, swim through pinnacles, and keep an eye out for black-tip reef sharks—harmless but exciting enough for a thrill. Reviewers note the guides are attentive, ensuring safety and sharing insights about marine species, which enhances the experience.

Lunch Break & Relaxation
After the initial descent, everyone gathers for a delicious Thai lunch onboard. Fresh fruit and water are provided, adding a refreshing touch between dives. This is a prime chance to chat with fellow divers or simply soak in the scenery.

Second Dive at Phi Phi Leh
The second site is Phi Phi Leh, famous for its dramatic rock formations, coral gardens, and the chance to see hawksbill turtles. Reviewers like Adriana from Mexico called the experience “amazing,” highlighting the friendly guidance and the diversity of species observed, including macro life such as seahorses and ghost pipefish.

Return & Log
After the second safety stop, the boat heads back to Phi Phi Pier. The entire trip wraps up within roughly five hours, making it a perfect option for those with limited time but still craving a meaningful underwater adventure.

The Dive Sites and Marine Encounters

Bida Islands are prized for their shark sightings and wall dives. It’s an ideal spot for those wanting a chance to see reef sharks in a safe environment, and the sites feature walls, bays, and swim-throughs that keep the experience varied and interesting.

Phi Phi Leh offers pristine coral gardens, big schools of snappers, and the possibility of glimpsing hawksbill turtles. The macro life here is also notable, with rare creatures like seahorses and ghost pipefish sometimes spotted by attentive guides.

The guides follow eco-conscious practices, such as adhering to Green Fins and National Park regulations, which means minimizing environmental impact while maximizing your experience. Dive sites are selected based on weather, sightings, and the time of year, ensuring the best possible conditions.

Why the Experience Excels

Based on reviews, the guides like Pu are praised for their patience and extensive marine knowledge. Visitors mention how the guides help make the experience more engaging and safe, regardless of whether it’s their first time or they’re seasoned divers. The small group setting offers a personalized touch, allowing for more direct interaction and tailored assistance.

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Practical Details and What You Need to Know

Transport & Timing
The boat departs from Phi Phi Pier, near the Siam Commercial Bank, with a short 30-minute boat ride to the dive sites. Morning trips typically return in time for onward travel, while afternoon departures are timed for sunset views and drinks.

Group Size & Guides
Small groups mean more personal attention. The guides speak multiple languages and are committed to eco-friendly diving, making the experience both enjoyable and responsible.

Pricing & Inclusions
The tour offers full equipment rental, lunch, fresh fruit, and water, which adds great value considering the overall experience. It’s designed for certified divers with recent experience, but if your last dive was over a year ago, a refresher might be required.

What to Bring
Pack essentials like a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen (biodegradable preferred), and insect repellent. The underwater environment is protected, so touching marine life is strictly prohibited.

Important Mentions
Booking isn’t complete until you contact the dive center directly via WhatsApp, and you’ll need to check in the day before by 5 pm. The guides are well-versed in safety and environmental policies, including recent laws about underwater photography.

Reviews and Authentic Insights

Alessandro from Italy shared, “Bellissimo! La mia prima immersione in mare! Pu è stato molto bravo… paziente e attento durante l’immersione! Consiglio!!” (“Beautiful! My first sea immersion! Pu was very good… patient and attentive during the dive! I recommend!”) This highlights the supportive guidance and the positive atmosphere created by the team.

Another guest, Adriana from Mexico, noted, “Everything great, Pu was amazing,” emphasizing how the guides’ professionalism and friendly attitude truly enhance the experience.

These comments confirm that the guides not only know their stuff but also make divers feel safe and welcomed, which is crucial especially for those new to certain sites or diving in unfamiliar waters.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for certified divers who want quick access to diverse underwater landscapes close to Phi Phi Island. It’s perfect if you appreciate small groups, expert guidance, and eco-friendly practices. Those with limited time will find the half-day format very efficient, leaving you plenty of time for other activities or relaxation afterward.

If you’re passionate about marine life, eager to see turtles and sharks, or enjoy macro photography, this tour hits the right notes. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience, away from crowded boat tours.

Who Might Not Be the Best Fit?

Due to the nature of the tour, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those who suffer from seasickness or back problems. The focus on certified divers means beginners or rusty divers should consider a refresher course before booking.

Final Thoughts

This half-day trip with Blue View Divers offers a compelling blend of professionalism, ecological responsibility, and underwater adventure. Expect to encounter impressive marine species in clear, warm waters, all with the comfort of knowledgeable guides and a friendly atmosphere.

The convenience of a short boat ride, combined with the quality of the marine encounters, makes this a valuable experience for anyone with diving certification on Phi Phi. The inclusion of lunch, equipment, and small group settings add to the overall appeal, ensuring you get a personalized and memorable outing.

Whether you’re chasing turtles, sharks, or macro wonders, this tour delivers a balanced mix of excitement and responsible diving. It’s an excellent choice for divers who want a taste of Phi Phi’s underwater magic without committing to a full-day expedition.

FAQ

Do I need to be a professional diver?
No, you need to be a certified diver with recent experience (within the last year). If your last dive was over a year ago, you’ll need a refresher course before joining.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes full diving equipment rental, a Thai lunch, fresh fruit, water, and the services of a professional PADI guide.

Are the dive sites suitable for all experience levels?
Yes, the sites are chosen to suit certified divers, with options to see sharks, turtles, and macro species depending on conditions and sightings.

How long is the boat ride from Phi Phi Pier?
Most dive sites are about 20 minutes from the pier, allowing more time underwater and less time on the boat.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), water, waterproof camera, insect repellent, and comfortable clothes.

Is the tour eco-conscious?
Absolutely, the guides follow Green Fins and National Park rules to protect the marine environment while providing an unforgettable experience.

This dive trip offers a fantastic blend of marine encounters, expert guidance, and responsible practices. For certified divers wanting a quick but impactful exploration of Phi Phi’s underwater treasures, it’s tough to beat.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby