Diving in Krabi - 7 Best Sites & Operators for Scuba Diving in Krabi

One of the oldest provinces in Thailand, Krabi is home to the traditional yet the modern, the touristy, and the local flavor. Sample what you like and see what the other side of the coin has to offer too in Krabi. So if you are you planning a vacation to this Thai province on the west coast, get ready to come across some of the best sites for diving in Krabi! With over a hundred offshore islands and numerous beaches, you will find unique spots for engaging in thrilling dive experiences.

So get your suit out, and head to one of the following destinations.

1. Ao Nang Islands

Located close to Krabi shore, Ao Nang Islands is 40 minutes away from the place if you go by boat. The area offers a wide variety of diving options for divers in terms of both sites and operators. The Dive Ao Nang, Sea Gypsy Divers, Railay Dive, and Sawasdee Divers are some of the standard diving operators here. The rock islets provide numerous and diverse sites for divers with their slopes, walls, taverns, swim-throughs, drops, etc. The divers will find themselves among various marine life: seahorses, neon nudibranchs, pipefish, leopard sharks, barracudas, groupers, reef fish, and lazy hawksbill turtles.   

2. Koh Haa Yai

A 2.5 hours boat trip from Krabi, divers come to Koh Haa Yai to visit the three vast caverns here. Two are interconnected, and the third one is called Cathedral. You might find yourself swimming around with leopard sharks, hawksbill turtles, and groupers here at this beautiful diving place in Krabi. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a whale shark. The Dive Ao Nang and Railay Beach Dive Centre are the two operators that work here.

Location: 223 Moo 2, Saladan, Koh Lanta, Krabi

3. Hin Daeng Hin Muang

Hin Daeng known as the Red Rock and Hin Muang is known as the Purple Rock are famous sites for divers who have an excellent time on these two isolated rocks in the open water. Providing a tremendous marine experience, you are likely to encounter grey reef sharks and leopard sharks here along with soft corals.

Price: 2 dives- starting from 3150 THB
Address: Na Rai Luang, Song Khwae District, Nan

4. Bida Nok

The southernmost island in the Phi Phi group, this place for diving in Krabi is a favourite among divers due to its wide variety of marine life. You can find barracuda, turtles, giant moray eels, lionfish, jackfish, sea snakes, etc. on the eastern side of Koh Bida  Nok. The west wall of the island is home to nurse sharks, bamboo sharks, manta rays and whale sharks.

Price: online booking for 2 dives- starting from 3150 THB
Address: Ko Bida NokAo Nang, Mueang Krabi District

5. Bida Nai

Located 1km south of the Phi Phi Islands, the reef here ranges from shallow, slope, to coral garden and steep wall.  It is home to both hard and soft corals, moray eels, shrimps, parrotfish, wrasse, Moorish idols, butterflyfish, angelfish, and other reef fish. There are caves and lagoons, which are a highlight for many divers.

Address: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District

6. Anemone Reef

Located around 1 mile from Shark Point, the site for diving in Krabi suits both beginner and intermediate divers. The colorful aquatic life that exists here consists of soft corals, seahorses, anemone crabs, yellow-headed morays, lionfish, scorpionfish, snappers, trumpet fish, sweetlips, triggerfish, and a range of critters.

7. Shark Point

Located midway between Koh Phi Phi and Phuket, Shark Point is made up of three pinnacles running north to south. Zebra sharks, sea fans, sponges, soft corals, fusiliers, snappers, barracuda, trevallies and other reef fish can be easily seen here. This site is more suitable for experienced divers due to its variable conditions.

Address: Unnamed Road, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District

Best Diving Operators in Krabi

1. The Dive Ao Nang: A well-known operator for diving in Krabi, they organise scuba diving and snorkelling trips to islands, reefs, pinnacles and wrecks. They provide courses for beginners who are first-time scuba divers, advanced recreation for those who want to become certified divers and pro scuba training for moving up to professional certifications.

Location: 249/2 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi, 81180
Timings: 11:00AM-8:00PM

2. Railay Dive Centre:  Operating all year round, they go to diving sites on Phi Phi Islands and the Similan Islands, along with the local areas of Krabi and Ao Nang. Check out their official website for the course prices and diving opportunities they offer.

Location: 354/6 Moo 2 Railay West, Railay, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Timings: 11:00AM-9:00PM

3. Sawasdee Divers: Offering dive trips and PADI diving courses, Sawasdee Divers are supervised by Yann, who has over 20 years of work experience. Their classes are customized for beginners, professional divers, and the PADI specialties and Nitrox. Their dive trips go to local sites like Phi Phi Islands. The Phi Phi Marine Park dive trip lasts for a day, while the Shark Point can be covered another day. With trips organized almost daily, they provide various opportunities for you to choose your package.

Location:  259 Moo 4 Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
Timings: Monday-Saturday: 11:30AM-6:00PM; Sunday: 3:00PM-6:00PM

4. Poseidon Dive Centre: This center for diving in Krabi is under German management by Daniel Sasse, who has more than 18 years of experience in diving. They differ slightly from other operators because of their various Marine life Protection Projects. Multilingual professional trainers teach Their diving courses.

Location: 123/7 Soi 13, Ao Nang, Muang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
Timings: 10:00AM-6:00PM

5. Aqua Vision 5-star IDC Dive Centre: They offer guided diving and PADI dive courses for participants. Their team consists of highly qualified and experienced trainers. They take only ten divers per tour to avoid crowded situations, letting the visitors have a wonderful time.  

Location: 76/12-13, Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Timings: 9:00AM-6:00PM

6. Raya Divers: A 5-star scuba diving and snorkelling company, Raya Divers offers dive trips and PADI courses. They have classes for both the beginner and advanced divers. They have a maximum customer number, which is strictly followed to ensure a hassle-free experience for everyone. With evacuation plans in place, supervised trips, and monthly safety checks, Raya Divers can provide you with an enthralling diving experience in Krabi.

Location: 153/7-8, Moo 5, Ao Nang A. Muang, Krabi, 81000, Thailand; 69, Moo 1, T. Saladan A. Koh Lanta, Krabi, 81150, Thailand

With these operators and sites for diving in Krabi on your mind, head out to this beautiful and exotic location to engage in some exciting diving experiences! Booking your trips in advance can easily be done through online portals. If your next travel destination is Krabi, put diving on top of your do-to list!