3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point

REVIEW · PHI PHI ISLANDS

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point

  • 4.98 reviews
  • From $167
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Operated by PDP · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Three stops, one smooth Phuket day. This certified scuba boat trip turns the Phi Phi Islands into a full day on the water, with Shark Point on the plan. I love the small-group feel, and I love getting three different underwater sessions in one outing. One catch to plan for: the Phi Phi National Marine Park fee is not included and is usually paid in cash when the boat arrives.

I also like how the day is run with calm structure. With instructor Arju (as one example I saw noted), you get a real safety briefing, a full set of gear, and then each underwater session is held to a clear limit of up to 50 minutes or until your cylinder reaches 50 bars.

Key things that make this Phi Phi package work

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - Key things that make this Phi Phi package work

  • Small groups (max 4 per session) so you’re not lost in a crowd when conditions change
  • Two sessions around Phi Phi Islands plus a third site chosen by conditions (Shark Point, Anemone Reef, or Koh Doc Mai)
  • Up to 50 minutes per underwater session or until 50 bars, whichever comes first
  • Meals on the boat: breakfast, lunch, snacks, fresh fruit, and drinks
  • Transfers included from select Phuket areas, with add-on options if you’re farther out

Why Phi Phi feels worth the day when the group stays small

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - Why Phi Phi feels worth the day when the group stays small
Phi Phi is famous, but the real difference is how you experience it. This package is designed for certified scuba divers, and the operation keeps groups very tight—up to 3 to 4 participants per underwater session. That matters because it affects more than comfort. In choppy conditions, with currents, or during entry and exit, smaller groups help the instructor manage spacing and safety without turning the day into a stressed scramble.

I like that the plan doesn’t act like speed is the goal. The day includes built-in time for food and resets between underwater sessions. You’re on a boat that’s set up for scuba gear, and you’re not expected to rush across the deck like you’re late for a theme-park ride. For me, that pacing is the difference between a “check the box” outing and one that feels like you actually got time to enjoy being out there.

Also, the third site isn’t locked in blindly. Your leaders choose between Shark Point, Anemone Reef, or Koh Doc Mai based on conditions. That’s a practical way to keep the day safe and still make it interesting.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Phi Phi Islands.

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for at $167

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for at $167
At $167 per person for a roughly 10-hour day, this is priced like an all-in-one operation: boat time, instructors, scuba gear, and meals are bundled. The value piece is that you’re not piecing together separate transfers, equipment rentals, and lunch. You’re also not stuck with a huge group where you’re just another body on the roster.

What’s not included is important. You’ll need to budget for the Phi Phi National Marine Park fee of 600 Thai Baht per diver, paid in cash to marine park police who usually (90% of the time) board when the boat arrives at Phi Phi. That isn’t a small detail—if you don’t bring cash, you’ll be standing there while everyone waits.

Transfers can also affect your cost and convenience. The package includes complimentary return transfers from Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata, plus select parts of Rawai, Nai Harn, and Chalong. If you’re outside those areas, additional charges may apply, but private transfers can be arranged at cost.

So here’s the honest take: the base price looks fair because the day is structured and supported. Just don’t forget the Marine Park fee that shows up at the island.

Getting to Phi Phi: the van ride, the long boat morning, and the safety setup

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - Getting to Phi Phi: the van ride, the long boat morning, and the safety setup
Your day typically starts with a pickup in Phuket, then a short van ride—about 30 minutes—to the departure area. After that, you head toward Phi Phi and settle in.

A big part of why this feels well-run happens before you ever go underwater. There’s a stretch of boat time for breakfast, plus free time and a safety briefing that sets expectations clearly. The instruction time matters because you’re not just being told what to do—you’re getting the kind of briefing that helps you relax so your first descent doesn’t feel like a test.

You’ll then get your first underwater session at Phi Phi. The schedule keeps breaks realistic: after each session, you have time to recover, get back warm, and eat.

Practical note: because the plan is built around conditions, you should assume some timing may shift slightly. The good news is that the day already has “breathing room” built in, so a small change doesn’t wreck your whole schedule.

The first two underwater sessions: what Phi Phi Islands gives you

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - The first two underwater sessions: what Phi Phi Islands gives you
This is the core of the trip: two underwater sessions around the Phi Phi Islands. What you’ll see depends on conditions and the specific dive sites available that day, but the key is that you’re not just doing one look at the island—you’re returning for a second session, which gives you more time to enjoy what the area offers.

Each session is capped at up to 50 minutes underwater or until your cylinder pressure hits 50 bars. That limit is there for a reason. It helps you manage how deep you go, how long you stay, and how much reserve you keep for safe exits. For certified scuba participants, it usually means you’re not out there wandering endlessly, and you’re not cutting things short too early either.

Between session one and session two, you get a break time and lunch onboard. That lunch isn’t just filler. It’s fuel for the second session, especially if you get cold between goes under. Sun and boat wind can be sneaky, so having a proper meal and time to warm up helps you enjoy the water more.

What I like most here is the balance: two sessions at Phi Phi Islands gives you variety without turning the day into a multi-stop marathon.

Shark Point and the third-site options: how your leaders make the call

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - Shark Point and the third-site options: how your leaders make the call
The third underwater session is where the day can feel extra special. The plan includes Shark Point, and it also offers other possible sites depending on what the day allows: Anemone Reef or Koh Doc Mai.

Why that flexibility matters: in real coastal conditions, visibility, currents, and boat positioning can change fast. Instead of forcing a single option, your leaders choose the third site based on what works best. For you, that means the day stays more likely to deliver a good experience rather than a frustrating one.

This third stop also includes more “sit and reset” time than the first two. After the second session back on the boat, there’s a longer break that includes coffee, tea, local snacks, and another meal onboard—then the boat heads into the third site.

That extra onboard time is part of the flow. It helps you get calm and ready for the last session, and it gives you a chance to compare notes with your small group without feeling rushed.

If Shark Point is the one you’re hoping for, it’s included in the plan. Just remember it can shift to the other named options based on conditions.

On the boat: comfort, meals, and why it feels less chaotic

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - On the boat: comfort, meals, and why it feels less chaotic
This is a “real day on a boat” setup, not a bare-bones scatter. The boat is described as spacious and fully equipped for scuba, and they serve breakfast, lunch, fresh fruits, and refreshing beverages. You also get snacks during the day.

That sounds like a lot of food, but on a hot island day with two or three underwater sessions, it actually helps. You’re working, moving, and staying in full sun between water time. Hunger and dehydration can quietly ruin the experience, even when the water is great.

Gear-wise, you’re not dealing with rentals at the last second. The package includes a full set of scuba equipment. For you, that’s practical: you avoid the hassle of renting, matching sizes, or realizing the wrong tank/gear gets assigned when you’re already stressed and damp.

Instructors also play a big role in how the day feels. The operation emphasizes patient, adaptable instruction. And based on feedback I’ve seen tied to this trip, Arju comes up as a standout guide-companion type. That’s a useful signal: you want someone who can help you feel confident, not just someone who marks your air gauge and moves on.

The time limits that keep the day safe (and less rushed)

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - The time limits that keep the day safe (and less rushed)
Each underwater session is described with a clear structure: up to 50 minutes underwater or until your tank reaches 50 bars. That’s a big deal for planning your energy.

If you’re a confident certified diver, those limits are usually comfortable because you know you’ll have a meaningful chunk of time but not unlimited duration. For newer certified participants, it helps prevent the common problem of overspending air early because you got excited.

You also get a sense of how the day is paced. After each session, there’s time to reset before the next. That’s ideal for buoyancy control and overall comfort. You’re not just going again immediately—you have recovery time, snacks, and meals queued up.

What to bring: small checklist, big payoff

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - What to bring: small checklist, big payoff
Here’s what you should bring so you’re not stuck hunting for essentials mid-day. The package guidance includes:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Scuba certification
  • Scuba logbook

I’d also suggest you treat sun protection seriously. Even when the water is the main event, you’ll be on the boat for a long day. Sunglasses and sunscreen are the two that most people underestimate until they feel it.

If you’re hoping for photos, there’s an optional photo/video service offered by staff on the boat, but it’s not described as a guaranteed included add-on.

Flying after your last session: the 1 PM rule you should respect

3 Fun Dives for Certified Diver Phi Phi islands &Shark Point - Flying after your last session: the 1 PM rule you should respect
One of the most important pieces of practical safety info is the flight restriction: you should not fly by airplane until 1 PM the next day (about 18 hours). This matters even if you feel totally fine, because gas dynamics and safety guidelines are about timing, not vibes.

So if you’re coming from elsewhere in Thailand or planning onward travel, make sure your schedule lets that 1 PM buffer happen. It’s easy to mess up when you think you’ll take an evening flight home. Don’t.

Health and age limits: who this is for

This package is only for certified scuba participants. It’s also listed as suitable for ages 10 and above, but it’s not suitable for:

  • pregnant women
  • people with back problems
  • people with heart problems

If you fall into any of those categories, you should skip this exact package. The day involves underwater sessions and physical activity on a moving boat, which isn’t a place to test your limits.

The little costs that can surprise you

Two things can affect your final out-the-door cost.

First: Phi Phi Marine Park fees of 600 Thai Baht per diver, paid in cash to marine park police when they board the boat at Phi Phi (usually 90% of the time).

Second: transfers beyond included areas. The package covers return transfers from certain Phuket locations, and you may pay extra if you’re outside those pickup zones.

The rest is built in: scuba gear, instructor support, and meals on the boat.

What the rating tells you about the experience quality

This package shows a 4.9 rating from 8 reviews, which is strong for a highly structured day like this. The specific comment about Arju being a great companion also points to a theme you want: calm, helpful instruction that keeps you feeling comfortable through the whole schedule.

Should you book this Phi Phi package?

I’d book it if you want a full Phi Phi day with structure, meals, and small-group attention, and you’re a certified scuba participant who likes clear time limits and safety-led instruction. If you’re specifically chasing the Shark Point idea, the plan includes it as the third site option, though it can switch to Anemone Reef or Koh Doc Mai based on conditions.

I’d think twice if you:

  • don’t want to deal with the cash Marine Park fee
  • need a very flexible day with minimal travel time (this is a 10-hour outing)
  • have any listed health constraints (pregnancy, back issues, heart issues)

If you match the target (certified, comfortable on a boat, ready for three structured underwater sessions), this is one of those trips where the logistics support the fun instead of competing with it.

FAQ

Is this only for certified scuba participants?

Yes. The package is only for certified scuba participants.

How many underwater sessions are included?

You get three underwater sessions in total. Usually two are around the Phi Phi Islands, and the third is at either Shark Point, Anemone Reef, or Koh Doc Mai, depending on conditions.

Where does the third site happen?

The third session is at Shark Point, Koh Phi Phi, or it can be at Anemone Reef or Koh Doc Mai, depending on the best conditions chosen by tour leaders.

How long is each underwater session?

Each session offers up to 50 minutes underwater or until your cylinder reaches 50 bars, whichever comes first.

Is scuba gear included?

Yes. A full set of scuba equipment is included.

Do I have to pay Phi Phi National Marine Park fees?

Yes. Phi Phi National Marine Park fees are 600 Thai Baht for all divers, paid in cash directly to the marine park police when they board the boat at Phi Phi.

Are transfers included?

Return transfers are included from Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata, and select parts of Rawai, Nai Harn, and Chalong. Other locations may require additional charges, and private transfers can be arranged at cost.

What’s the group size?

It’s a small-group experience with a maximum of 4 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, your scuba certification, and your logbook.

Is there a flight restriction after the tour?

Yes. You are not allowed to fly by airplane until 1 PM the next day, which is about 18 hours after your last session.

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