Krabi dive sites

Leopard shark sightings at Bida Nok are remarkably consistent during high season between November and April. Multiple individuals are often found resting on sandy patches at depths of 18 to 24 metres along the southern side of the island. They are docile bottom-dwelling sharks that allow careful divers to approach within a few metres for photographs. During low season sightings become less frequent due to reduced visibility and shifting currents, though they do not disappear entirely from the area.

Most dive operators run a circuit around the island starting from the mooring on the sheltered eastern side. Divers descend along the wall heading south to find leopard sharks on the sandy slopes, then round the southern tip where currents bring nutrient-rich water supporting dense soft coral growth. The western wall features the best sea fan coverage and several swim-throughs. The dive typically finishes on the shallow reef flat on the north side at five to eight metres depth, an excellent area for safety stops with abundant hard corals and macro life including nudibranchs and mantis shrimps.

Koh Haa Lagoon is one of the best sites in the Andaman Sea for beginner and recently certified divers. The lagoon itself is shallow, calm, and sheltered by the surrounding limestone islands, creating pool-like conditions on many days. The sandy bottom at 12 to 14 metres provides a reassuring depth limit. Several Koh Lanta dive shops use the lagoon for Discover Scuba Diving experiences and Open Water certification dives. More advanced sections including the deeper walls and caverns outside the lagoon require intermediate skills and good buoyancy control.

The caverns at Koh Haa are technically caverns rather than caves, meaning natural light is always visible. The largest is a chamber inside one of the limestone islands accessible through a wide entrance at around 14 metres. Inside, the cavern opens into an air-filled chamber where you can surface and remove your regulator. Light enters through the underwater entrance creating dramatic blue effects. No cave or cavern certification is required, but good buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing silt on the floor. Experienced dive guides always accompany groups into the caverns.

Koh Haa is located approximately 25 kilometres west of Koh Lanta in the open Andaman Sea. Dive boats from Koh Lanta reach the site in about one hour. Most Koh Lanta dive operators offer day trips visiting two or three of the five Koh Haa islets. The islands are uninhabited and have no facilities, so all equipment and refreshments come from the boat. During the high season from November to April, conditions are typically excellent with calm seas and visibility often exceeding 25 metres.