I always wanted to try scuba diving, but for some reason, I kept putting it off. Either I didn’t have the time or just wasn’t in the right mood. Last week, I finally told myself: it’s time to go for it.
And honestly, I had no excuse not to. I live on Phi Phi Island, one of the best scuba diving spots in Thailand, and my husband is a diving instructor! People often say you’ll either love scuba diving or hate it—and I was ready to find out which camp I belong to.
Can You Dive Without a Scuba Diving License?
Yes, you can!
If you’re trying scuba diving for the first time, you can either begin an Open Water Course, which takes a minimum of three days and certifies you to dive anywhere in the world with a buddy, or opt for something shorter.
If you’re short on time or unsure whether diving is for you, try the DSD Discover Scuba Diving program. That’s what I did. It includes two dives in a national park under close supervision, along with a short video and some basic underwater skills training. In the evening before, we got fitted with wetsuits and fins so we were all set for the next day.
How to Choose Your Instructor
When picking a dive shop, talk to a few instructors first. You need to feel comfortable and safe with whoever you choose—this is especially important as a beginner.
Ask questions about their experience and local knowledge. Once you feel a connection and trust them, you’ve likely found the right one!
First Dive at Bida Nok
We met at the dive shop around 7:30 a.m., had a bit of a prep chat and coffee, then set off by 8:00. I chose the morning trip because I’m a morning person and the visibility is usually better.
Our first dive site was Koh Bida Nok, about 30 minutes from Tonsai Pier.
I love the ocean and wasn’t nervous, though I was slightly concerned about kicking corals accidentally. Luckily, the instructor stays very close, even holding onto you if needed. My husband knows I’m a bit clumsy, so he literally had me on a short leash, which I appreciated!
Within the first minute underwater, we saw a blacktip reef shark swimming just a few meters away. We also spotted clownfish, barracudas, cuttlefish, and an array of vibrant coral. It was magical. The underwater world is so enchanting that you forget your worries instantly.
Breathing underwater felt surprisingly natural. With each minute, I became more aware of my breathing—switching from short, nervous breaths to slow, controlled ones. That alone helped me relax and enjoy the dive even more.
After surfacing, I felt quite cold, so I was glad to relax on the top deck and warm up in the sun. We docked near Maya Bay for lunch—a truly stunning location to recharge.
Second Dive at Malong Bay
After lunch, we jumped in for our second dive at Malong Bay, just around the corner from Maya Bay.
Three minutes into the dive, we saw a sea turtle! It was completely unbothered by our presence and let us get quite close.
The coral here was spectacular—walls of colorful sea fans. I even made a friend: a remora fish (cleaning fish) that decided to attach itself to me for the entire dive! At first it felt weird having a fish nibbling on me, but by the end, I was sad to say goodbye to my new buddy.
Scuba Diving in Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi isn’t the cheapest place to dive in Thailand, but it’s still a bargain compared to places like the Mediterranean or Mexico.
The real perk? Small group sizes. Most dives are very private—often just one or two students per instructor—which means you get quality one-on-one attention.
So… Did I Love It or Hate It?
I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to go again.
I had just two minor issues:
A cramp in my toe—caused by kicking too hard and being slightly dehydrated. Lesson learned: drink plenty of water before your dive. And feeling cold—which can easily be solved by using a thicker wetsuit.
Scuba diving gives you access to a hidden, peaceful world that most people never get to see. The only downside? You’ll probably fall in love with it—and want to keep going back for more. 🤿
