Best snorkeling in Phuket
The best snorkeling in Phuket island is at Ya Nui beach, Ao Sane beach, Freedom beach, Kata Noi beach, and Banana beach. Beginner snorkelers are guaranteed crystal clear water, healthy corals off the beach, and general safety. You will also get to enjoy snorkeling from these Phuket beaches because there are no noisy jet skis, water boats, and parasailers around.
But as it befits Thailand’s largest island, there are more beaches ready to match the best snorkeling in Phuket. Some of them will boast an equally terrific snorkeling session, depending on the month of the year you visit. However, the perfect blend of tide and depth for snorkeling off the beach in Phuket – are the options mentioned above.
Phuket snorkeling tours
Phuket nearby islands promise even more incredible snorkeling that you can experience by taking a snorkeling tour by boat with Islander. You cannot go all the way to this magical island and not spend some time underwater snorkeling with turtles, whale sharks, and a myriad of colorful fish. Don’t you think?
Islander offers Phuket snorkeling tours on private boats. Below we introduce the most popular destinations for snorkeling day trips and custom overnight trips to some of the most spectacular islands in Thailand. But be sure to plan your Phuket snorkeling activities during the high season (November – April) as the waters are incredibly calm then, and visibility is just excellent.
Phi Phi islands
Phi Phi islands guarantee a variety of world-class snorkeling spots, including the clear waters around Koh Phi Phi Leh, Pileh Lagoon, famous Maya Bay, and Bamboo Island. Jump on the Islander speedboat that will transfer you from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi in about an hour. Phi Phi islands are known for shallow waters and abundant marine life around its plentiful coral reefs.
Racha islands
Two beautiful twins, close to Phuket in proximity but miles away in atmosphere, the Racha Islands offer ideal snorkeling in its pristine bays surrounded by flourishing reefs, stunning coral, and hidden wrecks. The place you want to be with your snorkeling gear the most is on Koh Racha Yai. Consider Racha islands as the easiest way to enjoy the best snorkeling near Phuket.
Similan islands
Turquoise waters around Koh Similan, Koh Miang, Koh Payu, and Koh Ha are maintained in top shape to suit diverse snorkelers. Similan Islands feature untapped and secluded nature, massive underwater rocks, stunning coral reefs, and the abundance of marine life, including whale sharks. Since it’s a protected area, tourism exposure is minimal, which gives you a unique snorkeling experience around different snorkeling spots.
Maiton island
Koh Maiton is a tiny island only 30 minutes by private boat from Phuket. It welcomes with a soft-sand beach full of stunning washed-up corals, seashells, and a verdant, natural forest. With only a handful of boats around, this fantastic getaway could be your best option to snorkel with turtles in Phuket islands.
Best diving near Phuket
If you would snorkel, you might get rid of your fear of depths and pull some amazing dives! Fortunately, Phuket has just the locations to make that happen for you.
Racha islands
Best diving on Racha Islands is on Koh Racha Noi, located about 2 hours south of Phuket by boat. People usually compare Racha diving spots to the Similan Islands, which means you can expect excellent visibility with the abundance of marine life and various coral species. The waters around the main diving spots won’t exceed 25 m, which is ideal for beginner and intermediate divers. Even snorkelers can meet wandering barracudas, stingrays, and giant manta rays gliding above from deeper waters.
Similan islands
Diving in Similan Islands is otherworldly. Koh Bangu, Koh Bon, and Koh Tachai are arguably the best diving spots around Similan Islands. Waters around Koh Bangu feature stunning rocks reaching 20 m in width that serves as a home to an abundant marine life. You can enjoy epic swim-throughs alongside butterflyfish, massive moray eels, resident turtles, mantas, and gentle whale sharks when the season is right. No wonder, the Similans are famed among snorkelers and divers alike.
Phi Phi islands
For world-class diving spots, exploring famous shipwrecks or diving with stunning leopard sharks and massive mantas – head over to Phi Phi Islands. When on Koh Phi Phi, make sure to try out what it feels like to dive from all of Hin Klang, Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and King Cruiser. Phi Phi islands guarantee both the best diving and the best snorkeling tours near Phuket.
