Updated: June 2025
Sharks in Koh Phi Phi: What You Need to Know
If you’re curious about sharks around Koh Phi Phi, rest assured — there are a few species you might spot while snorkeling or diving, but none are dangerous to humans. The sharks here tend to be very shy and keep their distance.
In fact, there has never been a reported case of a shark attack or bite around the Phi Phi Islands, so there’s no reason to worry. For marine life lovers, encountering these gentle sharks adds a thrilling yet safe dimension to your underwater adventure in one of Thailand’s most beautiful spots.
There is no other place in Thailand where you can spot reef-sharks just from off beach snorkeling.
Black-Tip Reef Sharks in Koh Phi Phi
The easiest shark species to spot around Koh Phi Phi is the Black-tip Reef Shark. Since June 2018, when Maya Bay was closed to visitors, the population of these sharks has grown rapidly.
Phi Phi National Park closed off Maya Bay—creating a protected area about 300 meters from the beach. This safe haven, surrounded by rocks and coral, provides ideal conditions for the reef sharks to feed and breed. As a result, their numbers have increased significantly within just a few months.
Within a year of the bay’s closure, the black-tip reef shark population around Koh Phi Phi had quadrupled.
Most sightings are of juvenile sharks, less than a meter long, but adult black-tip reef sharks can grow up to 1.5 to 2 meters. These sharks are often seen in shallow waters near cliffs and coral reefs, hunting for mullet, squid, and other small fish.
Best Places to Spot Reef Sharks in Koh Phi Phi
There are several great spots around Koh Phi Phi Lay and Phi Phi Don where black-tip reef sharks are frequently seen. Lately, you can spot these sharks almost anywhere around Phi Phi Lay Island.
Monkey Beach (off Loh Dalum Bay) is one of the top snorkeling spots for reef shark sightings. The sharks usually swim near the bottom of the mountain wall on the left side of the bay.
Another popular location is Palong Bay and the area around the left side of the famous Viking Cave, where sharks often patrol.
If you’re not planning to take a boat, you can also snorkel off the beach at Long Beach on Phi Phi Don. At the far end of the beach near The Beach Resort, there’s a rocky formation known as Shark Point. During low tide, the snorkeling area is about 200 meters from the shore.
Safety tip: Watch out for passing boats and be cautious of strong currents, especially in the low season. If you’re not a confident swimmer, it’s best to join a boat tour for snorkeling at Shark Point.
Lastly, one of the smaller islands, Bida Nok, is a great dive spot where you have a very high chance of seeing reef sharks along with other marine species. Bida Nok is usually visited on scuba diving trips around Phi Phi.
When Is the Best Time to Spot Reef Sharks in Koh Phi Phi?
The best time to see black-tip reef sharks is usually early in the morning when fewer people are around, giving you a better chance of spotting these shy creatures. However, sharks can be spotted at any time of the day—even during busy snorkeling trips.
How to See Reef Sharks in Koh Phi Phi
Hire a Private Longtail Boat: Book a 3–4 hour private boat tour and visit several top snorkeling spots like Loh Samah Bay, Palong Bay, and Shark Point. This gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, including early morning departures. INFO HERE
Join a Scuba Diving Trip: Dive in some of the best spots around Koh Phi Phi, with a good chance of seeing reef sharks. No prior scuba diving experience is necessary. INFO HERE
Off-Beach Snorkeling at Shark Point: For confident snorkelers, you can swim about 200 meters from Long Beach to Shark Point. Be cautious of currents and boats.
How to Behave When You Spot a Reef Shark
To keep the shark nearby and get the best chance for underwater photos, stay calm and still. Control your breathing and avoid sudden movements.
Do: Float on the surface and relax. Sharks feel safe when you are calm and won’t see you as a threat.
Don’t: Splash, kick wildly, or breathe heavily, as this can scare the shark away.
Remember, reef sharks are generally timid and more interested in their own business than in you. Observing them quietly allows for a truly unforgettable experience!
Other Shark Species Around Koh Phi Phi Islands
Besides the commonly spotted black-tip reef sharks, Koh Phi Phi is home to a few other fascinating shark species.
Whale Shark
Whale sharks occasionally pass by Koh Phi Phi, following the plankton-rich waters along their migratory route from Malaysia to Myanmar. These gentle giants can grow up to 14 meters (over 45 feet) long, with most sightings around 10 meters.
While whale shark sightings are rare—typically a few times a month—they are a breathtaking experience for divers. Importantly, the Koh Phi Phi National Park strictly prohibits artificial feeding of whale sharks to protect their natural behavior. This conservation approach contrasts with other parts of Thailand and Asia, where feeding sharks has unfortunately become a tourist attraction.
Whale sharks can be spotted year-round around Koh Phi Phi, but it’s always a matter of luck and timing. You’d be very lucky to spot one.
Leopard Sharks Around Koh Phi Phi
Leopard sharks, easily recognized by their distinctive spotted patterns, are frequently spotted around the Phi Phi Islands. These sharks prefer the sandy bottoms near coral reefs, where they relax and hunt for food. With their long tails, they can grow up to 2 meters in length.
Leopard sharks are generally more timid than other shark species, so it’s best to observe them from a respectful distance to avoid startling them. The prime time to spot leopard sharks around Koh Phi Phi is during the high season, from November to May.
One of the most popular locations to see leopard sharks is the Gareng Heng dive site, but they can be encountered at various diving and snorkeling spots around the islands.
Bamboo Sharks Around Koh Phi Phi
Bamboo sharks are another species you can occasionally spot around the Phi Phi Islands. These sharks prefer the deeper waters surrounding the islands and are usually less visible from popular snorkeling spots.
If you want to learn more about sharks in Koh Phi Phi or need advice about the island, feel free to send us a message. We’re happy to provide additional information or help you organize an unforgettable snorkeling trip.
