Snorkeling in Phuket, along with its breathtaking neighboring islands such as the Similan and Phi Phi Islands, offers a unique experience for ocean enthusiasts. This adventure allows you to explore the beauty of the underwater world rich with a diversity of marine life. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the vibrant coral reefs, home to a myriad of fish species in different beautiful colors. Throughout this article, we’ll guide you through the best snorkeling spots in and around Phuket. These locations are not just renowned for their stunning underwater scenery, but also for their accessibility and safety for snorkelers of all skill levels, including children. From the hidden coves nestled along Phuket’s picturesque beaches to the more secluded spots in the surrounding islands, each offers a unique glimpse into the aquatic wonders of this tropical paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or trying it for the first time, these spots promise an unforgettable experience, blending the thrill of exploration with the serene beauty of nature.
Best Beaches in Phuket for Snorkeling
Phuket is not only renowned for its stunning offshore islands that offer exceptional snorkeling opportunities, but it’s also home to a number of beautiful beaches providing a unique snorkeling experience. Alongside the famous island spots, tourists can immerse themselves in the underwater wonders directly from the shores of Phuket’s beautiful beaches. Among the most captivating for snorkeling are Laem Singh Beach, Laem Ka – Rawai, Ya Nui Beach, and Paradise Beach. Each of these beaches showcases the diverse beauty and marine life of Phuket, making them not just stunning for swimming and relaxing, but also among the best for snorkeling. Below are the best beaches in Phuket for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Laem Singh Beach
Laem Singh Beach is located on the west coast of Phuket, between Kamala and Surin beaches. The beach is accessible via a steep path from the main road. This beach is less popular compared to the main beaches in Phuket such as Patong, Kamala or Karon beaches, making it a peaceful snorkeling destination.
The waters around Laem Singh Beach are known for their rich marine biodiversity. Snorkelers can expect to see a variety of fish species, colorful coral reefs, and occasionally sea turtles. The beach features rocky areas on both ends, which are excellent for snorkeling. The middle part of the beach is sandy and suitable for swimming and relaxing.
Snorkeling at this beach is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced. The clear waters near the shore make it a perfect destination for beach snorkeling.
It;s always advisable to arrive at the beach as early as possible to be able to enjoy your experience away from the crowds. Despite being less known, the beach can get crowded during peak season
Laem Ka – Rawai
Laem Ka Beach is located near Rawai on the southeast coast of Phuket. This beach is a less known but fantastic spot for snorkeling enthusiasts. This beach is ideal for Families and beginners looking for a calm beach to enjoy snorkeling. The gentle sea conditions allow for easy and safe snorkeling, especially for those who are not strong swimmers.
The beach can be accessed via a small road and there is no need to take a boat to reach it. As it’s a less commercial beach, renting snorkeling gear on the spot might be challenging. It’s recommended to bring your own gear or rent it from a nearby location before reaching the Laem Ka Beach.
Ya Nui Beach
Ya Nui Beach is situated in the southern part of Phuke, near Promthep Cape, is another great destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.
This small beautiful beach is known for its stunning natural scenery, crystal-clear waters, and sandy shores. It’s surrounded by hills on either side, adding to its secluded and intimate charm
Ya Nui is popular among locals and tourists for snorkeling, relaxing and enjoying other beach activities such as Sea Kayaking. During your visit to this beach, you will find basic facilities such as sun loungers, umbrellas for rent, and a few food stalls and restaurants nearby. You will also have opportunities to rent snorkeling equipment from local sellers in case you did not bring your own one.
Paradise Beach
This beach is amazing, however, it may become very crowded during High and peak seasons. Every year, Paradise beach becomes more and more popular among tourists looking for a beautiful sandy beach where they can relax and enjoy snorkeling as well.
The beach is surrounded by plenty of rocks, rich with diverse marine life. You can reach paradise beach by 2 ways. The first way is by taking a longtail boat from Patong beach which is around only 5 minutes away. It can also be reached by car.
Best Islands for snorkeling around Phuket
In addition to the beautiful beaches, Phuket is also surrounded by a number of magnificent islands. Each island has its own distinctive charm and ecological diversity, making them ideal for those seeking to delve into the wonders of the sea.
From hidden underwater caves to sprawling coral gardens, these islands provide a diverse range of snorkeling environments. They are not only a testament to the natural beauty of Thailand but are also among the top snorkeling destinations in the region and the world. Below are the Best islands for Snorkeling trips around Phuket that are highly recommended to visit.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are located in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phuket. These islands are renowned for offering some of the best snorkeling experiences, not only in Thailand, but in the world. It’s an archipelago consisting of nine stunning islands, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and diverse marine life.
Snorkelers at the Similan Islands will have the opportunity to discover an underwater spectacle of vibrant coral reefs, home to a multitude of fish species, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. The water clarity is exceptional, often allowing visibility up to 30 meters, making it a paradise for underwater photography. These islands are part of a protected national park, which has helped preserve their unspoiled beauty and the delicate balance of their marine ecosystems.
The Similan Islands are not just a snorkeling destination but a natural wonder, offering a unique opportunity to witness the splendor of aquatic life in its most pristine and vibrant form.
Maithon island
Maithon Island, also known as Honeymoon Island, is a hidden snorkeling gem located about 9 kilometers off the southeast coast of Phuket. This private island is renowned for its serene beauty and vibrant underwater world, making it and ideal destination for day trips for snorklers and tourists looking in underwater explorations.
The waters around Maithon Island are rich with corals, including staghorn, brain, and table corals, which provide a habitat for a diverse range of marine life. Snorkelers are often delighted by sightings of colorful fish species like clownfish, parrotfish, and lionfish, as well as larger marine animals such as dolphins, which are frequently spotted in the surrounding waters.
The island’s crystal-clear water offers excellent visibility, enhancing the snorkeling experience. Maithon Island is accessible via a short boat ride from Phuket, making it a convenient day trip destination. Visiting the island is usually combined in a full day program including other nearby islands too such as Racha, coral or Phi Phi islands.
Coral island
This island is one of the closest islands to Phuket. It’s locally known as Koh Hae, and is a popular snorkeling destination for both tourists and locals living in Phuket. This island is famed for its vibrant underwater ecosystems and the abundance of coral formations from which it gets its name.
The island’s proximity to Phuket makes it an ideal destination for day trips, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its underwater wonders without venturing too far from the mainland. Coral Island not only offers excellent snorkeling opportunities but also provides amenities like beachside restaurants and water sports facilities. One of the most popular ways to visit Coral island is by renting a private longtail boat from Rawai beach for a half day to enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear waters around the island.
Racha island
Racha Island, also known as Raya Island, is another great island near Phuket that is perfect for snorkeling. This island is usually combined with Coral island in one full day trip due to their proximity to each others. Racha island is located about 12 kilometers south of Phuket and is famed for its crystal-clear azure waters and pristine white sandy beaches, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike.
The waters around Racha Island are home to a diverse range of corals, including vibrant soft corals and impressive hard coral formations. These coral reefs provide a habitat for an array of marine life, creating a bustling underwater ecosystem.
Phi Phi islands
Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea. They are part of the Krabi Province and are situated not far from Phuket. This destination became a popular for day tours operating from Phuket and Krabi. It’s also home to many amazing resorts for tourists looking for island stay with amazing crystal clear beaches and Snorkeling opportunities.
The waters around the Phi Phi Islands are known for their exceptional clarity, with visibility, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Snorkelers can expect to see a rich variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, various species of fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. For the adventurous, Shark Point is a popular spot where it’s possible to snorkel with reef sharks.
Khai Island
Khai Island comprises three small islands: Khai Nok, Khai Nai, and Khai Nui, located off the east coast of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. These amazing islands are located around 6 Kilometers away from Phuket and became a popular spot for half day tours, or included in day tours combined with other beautiful islands such as james bond island or Phi Phi islands.
The island is surrounded by shallow coral reefs that are home to a diverse range of marine species, including colorful fish, sea urchins, and starfish. The calm and shallow waters around Khai Island make it a perfect spot for beginner snorkelers.
Best Time for Phuket Snorkeling
The best period for snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea around Phuket is from November to April, when the sea is calm and visibility is at its peak.
In addition, Some of the national Parks are closed during the shoulder and low seasons (Usually between May and October each year, and the exact closure dates are confirmed every year by the Thai National Parks’ authority). Some of these National Parks include Similan and Surin National Parks, considered as 2 of the best snorkeling and diving destinations around Thailand.
The Closure of these national parks is primarily for ecological recovery. These parks are home to fragile marine ecosystems, and the break allows coral reefs and marine life to regenerate and thrive without human interference.
