Turtle Rock Phi Phi Lay

Turtle Rock, situated on the uninhabited Phi Phi Ley Island, is a popular dive site known for its calm conditions and abundant marine life, particularly sea turtles. The dive site offers an easy and enjoyable experience, making it perfect for both divers and snorkelers. Snorkelers often have close encounters with turtles when they come to the surface to breathe, while divers can enjoy observing these gentle creatures as they rummage in the rugged rocks south of Palong Wall towards Maya Bay.

The underwater landscape of Turtle Rock is captivating, featuring large overhangs and swim-throughs that provide a mystical experience as sunlight filters through the rocks. The 80 to 180-meter-high cliffs of Phi Phi Ley Island descend to depths of around 4-12 meters, followed by a terraced reef that reaches depths of 18-22 meters. At the end of the bay, divers can explore sections of beautiful soft corals and rock formations that attract giant snapper schools. The reef’s shallow shelves, where turtles often feed on bubble corals, are easily accessible to snorkelers, making it common to observe these creatures during safety stops.

Despite its ease, Turtle Rock offers plenty of excitement and variety. The northern end of the site features interesting swim-throughs and coral bommies, which attract schools of glassfish accompanied by hungry lionfish. Ornate ghost pipefish, seahorses hiding in bush corals, and sometimes even harlequin shrimp in rocky crevices add to the site’s allure. The dive site has a straightforward plan: divers either keep the wall on their left or right, descending from a shallow ledge that drops to 15 meters before reaching a sandy bottom. The sandy areas are home to bent stick pipefish, Kuhl’s stingrays, mantis shrimp, and the occasional leopard shark.

While diving at Turtle Rock, it’s crucial to stay close to your guide to ensure surfacing in a safe zone, as speedboat traffic entering nearby Maya Bay can pose a hazard. Despite this, the dive site is typically safe, with minimal currents. Turtle Rock is a favourite among divers visiting Phi Phi, virtually guaranteeing turtle sightings and offering delightful surprises such as leopard sharks. Though not always on the itinerary, it is a preferred option for day trips to Phi Phi from Phuket, providing a memorable experience for both novice and experienced divers.

Getting There

Dive boats go to Phi Phi & Shark Point every day of the week (weather permitting) as a part of the Phi Phi & Shark Point, 3 dive day trip from Phuket.

All scuba diving sites are chosen at the discretion of the tour leader on the day of the dive. The selection of dive sites depends on weather conditions, currents, safety considerations, and the suitability for the majority of divers on the boat. Therefore, we cannot guarantee specific dive sites before the boat departs.