Diving atThe Bida´s (Thailand)
The Bida´s, a collection of three distinct dive sites, serves as a cornerstone of the dive routes extending from Koh Lanta and the Phi Phi Islands. Comprising Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai, and the submerged pinnacle Hin Bida, these locations collectively offer a comprehensive exploration of the Andaman Sea's vibrant underwater ecosystem. Divers navigating this area encounter dramatic wall dives, extensive reef formations, and a high likelihood of pelagic encounters, making it a pivotal stop for many itineraries.
As evening covers The Bida´s, the local air temperature is measured at 29.4°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.12m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
7.6550, 98.7666
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Historically, The Bida's have been recognized as prime diving real estate within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, a protected marine area crucial for preserving its rich biodiversity. These sites, located just south of Phi Phi, are readily accessible from Koh Lanta via speedboat, typically returning by early afternoon.
Diving here means navigating through dynamic underwater landscapes, ranging from shallow, sheltered bays suitable for training, to deeper walls and pinnacles reaching a maximum depth of 35 m (115 ft) at Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai. Hin Bida, a separate pinnacle, presents a maximum depth of 22 m (72 ft). Visibility at The Bida's generally spans 15-30 m (50-100 ft), depending on current and plankton blooms, while Hin Bida often maintains around 20 m (66 ft).
The protected status underpins a focus on sustainable tourism, with guidelines in place to ensure minimal environmental impact from dive activities.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a trip to The Bida's means choosing a period where conditions typically align for optimal underwater experiences. Operators from Koh Lanta generally schedule trips between mid-October and mid-May, aligning with the peak dive season. The months of March and December consistently show 'Excellent' dive scores, benefiting from lower wave heights, averaging 0.43 m and 0.48 m respectively, and minimal rainfall. Air temperatures during these periods remain comfortably warm, typically hovering around 27.5-28.6°C (81-83°F). While diving is possible year-round, the months with 'Good' dive scores, such as January, February, April, and November, still offer pleasant conditions with average air temperatures from 27.4-29.0°C (81-84°F). Divers should anticipate slightly higher rainfall and wave activity during the monsoon season from May through October, though 'Good' dive conditions are still frequently reported.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Descending into The Bida's, divers are often struck by the sheer volume of fish life, sometimes so dense it momentarily obscures the reef wall itself. These sites are characterized by dynamic environments where predatory fish are frequently observed hunting, seemingly unperturbed by divers' presence. Koh Bida Nok features a small, sheltered bay that bottoms out around 7-8 m (23-26 ft), offering ideal conditions for dive courses. Meanwhile, Koh Bida Nai is often sought out for its blacktip reef shark populations. Leopard sharks are a common sight across all three Bida sites, often resting on the sandy bottom alongside various stingrays. The topography at these sites includes impressive reef structures and walls, with occasional drift conditions providing exhilarating rides along the current. Depths can extend to 35 m (115 ft) at Bida Nok and Nai, while Hin Bida offers shallower exploration.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
To ensure a safe and responsible dive at The Bida's, divers must hold a minimum certification such as SSI/PADI Open Water Diver, CMAS 1 Star Diver, or BSAC Ocean Diver, or an equivalent. Good buoyancy control is paramount here, preventing accidental contact with delicate coral formations and marine life. Adherence to park regulations means never touching or disturbing marine organisms, avoiding the collection of any souvenirs, and properly disposing of all waste; throwing food or rubbish into the sea is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, using reef-safe sunscreen helps protect the fragile ecosystem. Divers exploring the deeper sections of Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai (max depth 35 m) will find advanced training beneficial, while Hin Bida's shallower profile (max depth 22 m) is accessible to Open Water certified divers. A Marine Park Diving Fee of ฿600 for foreigners is required per day.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Short-term weather patterns suggest stable conditions for divers visiting the area.
Thermal protection such as dive skin or rash guard is commonly used in similar temperatures. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds.
Recent environmental data from The Bida´s indicates water temperatures near 32°C (89°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 29°C (85°F).
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
THB
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at The Bida´s
The Bida's sites present a substantial population of marine life, evident in its vibrant ecosystems. Divers frequently encounter vast schools of fish, which often create living curtains against the reef walls. Predator activity is a regular feature, with various species observed hunting throughout the reef. Blacktip reef sharks patrol the waters around Koh Bida Nai. Leopard sharks are commonly spotted resting on the seafloor at all three Bida sites, often alongside numerous stingrays. Beyond these larger species, the reefs host an array of corals, anemones, crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Slugs, snails, and various echinoderms like sea stars and sea cucumbers also contribute to the site's rich biodiversity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are The Bida's?
The Bida's refers to three distinct dive sites: Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai, and the submerged pinnacle Hin Bida. They are located in the Andaman Sea, just south of the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, forming part of a national marine park.
What is the required diver certification?
Divers need to be certified as a minimum SSI/PADI Open Water Diver, CMAS 1 Star Diver, BSAC Ocean Diver, or an equivalent. For deeper sections, advanced training is beneficial.
What depths can divers expect?
Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai offer depths up to a maximum of 35 m (115 ft). Hin Bida is shallower, reaching a maximum depth of 22 m (72 ft).
What is the typical visibility at The Bida's?
Visibility at Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai typically ranges from 15-30 m (50-100 ft). Hin Bida often has visibility around 20 m (66 ft).
Are there marine park fees to dive here?
Yes, as The Bida's are part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, a daily Marine Park Diving Fee applies. For foreigners, this fee is ฿600 per day.
What notable marine life can I expect to see?
Divers frequently encounter blacktip reef sharks at Bida Nai, and leopard sharks are a common sight across all Bida sites. Stingrays, predatory fish, and vast schools of reef fish are also regularly observed, alongside diverse corals and invertebrates.
Are there suitable areas for beginner divers?
Yes, Koh Bida Nok features a small, sheltered bay with a bottom at around 7-8 m (23-26 ft), which is ideal for dive courses and less experienced divers. Hin Bida's maximum depth of 22 m is also suitable for Open Water certified divers.
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