Scuba Diving In Maya Bay, Thailand

Discover the magic of scuba diving in Maya Bay, Thailand - one of the most famous places in the Koh Phi Phi Islands! Explore the crystal-clear waters teeming with exciting marine life, and get ready for an underwater adventure of a lifetime with Giant Stride.

Diving into the Depths: The Allure of Maya Bay

Tucked away in the breathtaking Koh Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay is a world-famous destination with sun-kissed beaches, towering limestone cliffs and also an absolute dream diving site. Initially garnering fame for its starring role in The Beach movie, Maya Bay’s crystal-clear waters and thriving marine ecosystems make it an underwater paradise for divers and snorkelers. Beneath the waves is a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful coral gardens, playful reef fish, and the occasional blacktip reef shark gliding through the blue. The bay’s protected waters mean you can always enjoy fantastic visibility year-round, making it a must-visit destination for scuba divers. Additionally, May Bay is easily accessible and only a short boat ride from Phuket and Krabi, making it an effortless escape for day trips. Our guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your diving adventure at Maya Bay, from the best times to visit and marine life encounters to skill levels and must-have gear.

Timing Your Dive: The Best Seasons to ExploreMaya Bay

The Best Seasons To Explore Maya Bay The optimal time for exploring Maya Bay is from November to April, which is the dry season in the Andaman Sea. During these months, visitors can enjoy calm sea conditions and water temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). Visibility exceeds 20 meters - ideal for scuba diving. This season also offers the best chance for peaceful encounters with the bay's marine life without the monsoon winds and rains. Visiting during this period ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Maya Bay Diverse Marine Life

Blacktip reef shark

Blacktip reef shark

Anemone fish

Anemone fish

Box fish

Box fish

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

Octopus

Octopus

Shrimp

Shrimp

Sea anemone

Sea anemone

Soft Coral

Soft Coral

Hard Coral

Hard Coral

Turtle

Turtle

Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish

Lionfish

Lionfish

Napoleon fish

Napoleon fish

Parrot fish

Parrot fish

Maya Bay Marine Life Sighting Calendar

HHigh chance
MMedium chance
LLow chance
-No sighting
ANIMAL
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Blacktip reef shark

Blacktip reef shark

LLLLL-----LL
Octopus

Octopus

MMMMMMMMMMMM
Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Lionfish

Lionfish

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Shrimp

Shrimp

HHHHHHHHHHHH
Anemone fish

Anemone fish

HHHHHHHHHHHH

The Marine Marvels of Maya Bay: Animals and Seasons

Maya Bay’s Exciting Marine Life


Maya Bay is naturally sheltered from ocean winds thanks to the island’s unique geography making its waters a sanctuary for a rich variety of marine life. Snorkelers and divers can explore the colorful coral reefs teeming with many reef fish species, such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish and clownfish. The area is also popular for sighting larger marine species, such as black reef sharks and turtles, with lucky divers occasionally spotting a baby reef shark. The bay's biodiversity also extends to fascinating macro life. It offers keen-eyed visitors the chance to spot nudibranchs, seahorses, and other small marine creatures hidden among the corals.

Maya Bay Diving Conditions

Recommended scuba diving level
All level

Water temperature27°C - 30°C
Underwater visibility20M - 30M
Underwater currentGentle to Moderate
Depth5M - 30M
WeatherTemperature: 28°C - 35°C Monsoon season: Jun - Sep
Underwater hazardNone
Maya Bay offers excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving, making it a top destination for underwater enthusiasts.

Water Temperature: The bay’s waters stay warm year-round, ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F), ideal for extended snorkeling and diving sessions.

Underwater Visibility: Visibility often exceeds 20 meters (65 feet), allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant underwater scenery.

Currents: The currents are generally mild, making it a safe and enjoyable spot for both snorkelers and beginner divers.

Depth: With a maximum depth of around 15 meters, Maya Bay is shallow enough for both snorkelers and scuba divers to explore comfortably.

Weather: From November to April, the dry season brings calm seas and clear skies, ensuring ideal conditions with no rain or monsoons.

Hazards: As a popular site, Maya Bay can be busy. Divers should remain cautious of boat traffic when entering or surfacing from the water.

Maya Bay in Krabi is a true reflection of Thailand’s natural beauty and marine diversity. With its thriving coral gardens, abundant marine life, and breathtaking surroundings, it offers snorkelers and divers a peaceful yet rewarding experience in the heart of the Andaman Sea.



Explore Which Experience Is Best For You

Discover the perfect scuba diving adventure with Giant Stride! We offer a range of options to suit different budgets and diving preferences. Browse our selection of dive center vendors to find the experience that best fits your needs.

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Giant Stride is your one-stop platform for booking and comparing scuba diving adventures and prices in Maya Bay, Phuket, Krabi and more across Thailand. Explore our website to find the perfect experience for you, from beginner dives to advanced expeditions.