Krabi Province dive sites

Leopard shark sightings at Hin Bida are common during the diving season from November through April, with early morning dives offering the best chances. The sharks rest on the sandy patches around the base of the pinnacle at around 20 to 28 metres, sometimes in groups of two or three. They are generally docile and will remain on the bottom if approached slowly and calmly. Late in the season from March to April, sightings become slightly less frequent as water temperatures rise.

Hin Bida is best suited for divers with at least Advanced Open Water certification or significant Open Water experience. The pinnacle drops to 28 metres and currents can be moderate, particularly around the exposed sides. There is no shallow reef to retreat to if conditions pick up. Most operators classify it as an intermediate site, and it is commonly offered as part of a Phi Phi diving day trip that includes a shallower site for less experienced divers.

Early morning dives tend to be the most productive. Leopard sharks are more likely to be resting on the sand before the water warms up, blacktip reef sharks are more active at dawn, and the site is less busy with other dive boats. Afternoon dives can be excellent for soft coral photography when the sun angle illuminates the west-facing slopes of the pinnacle. Night dives, offered by some operators, reveal bamboo sharks, hunting octopus, and a completely different cast of nocturnal critters.

Hin Daeng is located approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Koh Lanta in the open Andaman Sea. Day trips depart from Koh Lanta at around 6 AM, with the boat journey taking roughly two and a half to three hours each way depending on sea conditions. The crossing can be rough during transitional weather. Some operators also offer trips from Koh Phi Phi or Trang. Liveaboard vessels visiting the southern Andaman sites include Hin Daeng on their itineraries.

Hin Daeng is an exposed oceanic pinnacle subject to strong and unpredictable currents, significant depth dropping beyond 60 metres on the walls, and limited surface support due to the remote location. Down-currents can occur without warning, pulling divers deeper along the wall. Dive operators require a minimum of Advanced Open Water certification with substantial logged dives, typically 50 or more. Experience with current diving is essential.