Best snorkeling in Koh Phangan
Haad Yao and Haad Salad are arguably the most attractive snorkeling spots in Koh Phangan. They feature a long stretch of coral reef starting at 80 m from the beach. The water is extremely shallow and clear around Haad Yao, and you’ll have to walk to reach deeper waters during the low tides.
Haad Chao Pao is another paradise-like beach worth exploring. It features a long strip of white sand, easy snorkeling off the beach, and an abundance of colorful reefs that serve as a home to diverse fish species. Koh Phangan west coast offers some attractive snorkeling opportunities, which are seasonal and not recommended during November-January.
Koh Phangan snorkeling tours
The best snorkeling tour in Koh Phangan by far would require a boat trip to Koh Tao. Here, you can snorkel around a small island chain of Koh Nang Yuan, especially in the Japanese Garden site. You can also get equally great snorkeling experiences at either of three locations found in Koh Tao – Mango Bay, Ao Leuk, and Tanote Bay.
Another popular snorkeling site near Koh Phangan is usually busy with tourists. It is a tiny island of Koh Ma that you can reach from Mae Haad beach on Koh Phangan’s northwest. The maximum depth reaches up to 20 meters, which makes these diving spots ideal for beginners.
Best diving near Koh Phangan
Sail Rock is just a short boat ride away from Koh Phangan, offering arguably one of the best diving sites of the Gulf of Thailand. Sail Rock is famous for whale sharks and giant manta rays. The rocky underwater serves as a high feeding ground for reef sharks, sea turtles, and barracudas.
If you go further north to Koh Tao island, you will not be disappointed at Hin Wong Bay and Shark Bay. At the Japanese Garden of Koh Nang Yuan – a neighbor island of Koh Tao – is a perfect location for beginner divers.
Further away, a renowned Angthong National Marine Park is 40 minutes away from Koh Phangan by private boat. Featuring an abundance of underwater caves, soft corals, and massive overhangs – Ang Thong Marine Park is worth exploring for divers and snorkelers alike.
