Thailand is a country with a rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and Thai cuisine in South-East Asia. The country has tropical rainforests in the North and stunning islands and beaches in the South. Thailand is home to world-class snorkel locations, with diverse coral reefs, and marine life.
In this comprehensive snorkel guide, we will run through our top 10 snorkel spot picks for Thailand. We have first-hand snorkeled these snorkel spots as well as other locations.
Thailand
Snorkel Snaps
Where is the Thailand?
1.
Surin Islands
The Surin Islands was a wonderful snorkel trip, in my opinion, the best trip from Phuket/Khoa Lak and Thailand. Very healthy, diverse coral reefs with fish and other marine life. The crystal clear waters and stunning islands are a fantastic experience. There also aren’t too many tourists and worth the boat ride there and back. I saw Clownfish, Starfish, and many fish amongst healthy coral reef.
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2.
Koh Lipe & Islands
A fantastic full day trip around the islands of Koh Lipe, including the popular pink corals of Jabang and pristine corals of Koh Hing Ngam. Each snorkel was a different experience and great fun. Overall the trip was very good value for money.
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5.
Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island is a remote, uninhabited island located North of the Phi Phi Islands. There was a wonderful coral reef and marine diversity, not very touristy, but this snorkel spot is suited to a more advanced snorkeler, as there is a current and the snorkel area isn’t marked out. You also have the opportunity to go onto the sandy beach for a small fee.
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6.
Pileh Lagoon
Pileh Bay is an incredible lagoon with turquoise waters located in the heart of the Phi Phi Islands. The snorkel spot is on the right hand side of the entrance, before the turquoise water shown above. Crystal clear waters, and a healthy coral reef. Very touristy, many boats, but worth a stop to see the lagoon and stop off for a snorkel.
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7.
Loh Lana Bay
Loh Lana Bay is located off the North of the Phi Phi Islands and a relatively quiet snorkel spot. The coral reef is in the middle of the bay, it is incredibly diverse, this area isn’t very touristy, but not always accessible due to sea conditions.
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8.
Koh Haa
Koh Haa had an abundance of coral and marine diversity, not very touristy, but this snorkel spot is suited to a more advanced snorkeler, as there is a current and the snorkel area isn’t marked out. A fantastic trip from the neighbouring Koh Lanta, when paired with a snorkel at the neighbouring Koh Rok.
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9.
Similan Islands
Snorkeling at the Similan Islands was pretty good, with large patches of coral and marine life. However I think the trip is more focussed on the turquoise blue waters and beaches. I saw many fish, Moray Eel, Triggerfish, Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, and more.
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10.
Koh Kra
Koh Kra was a great spot for a quick kayak and snorkel to see healthy coral and Clownfish. In my opinion this is the best beach snorkel at Koh Lipe, and accessible by kayak from Sunrise Beach. Be careful with passing boats, currents, and Sea Urchins.
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Locations
Popular Marine Life
Parrotfish
Moorish Idol
Clownfish
Butterflyfish
Nosestriped Anemonefish
Golden Gregory
Blue Sea Star
Sergeant Major Damselfish
Rare Marine Life
Giant Moray Eel
Pufferfish
Titan Triggerfish
Powder-Blue Surgeonfish
Unicornfish
Leopard Shark
Coral Reef
Table Coral
Massive Coral
Brain Coral
Acroporidae
Blue Ridged Coral
Boulder Star Coral
Folded Coral
Slipper Coral
Branch Coral
Lettuce Coral
Fan Coral
Mushroom Coral
Frequently Asked Questions
The local currency is Thailand Baht THB. 100 THB equals approximately 2.81 USD.
If you are visiting, Thailand’s dry season will give you the best weather for snorkeling which runs October-May.
In my opinion, the best snorkel spot when visiting Thailand are in the South in either the Andaman Sea, or Indian Ocean. My favourite snorkel location was the Surin Islands which was located off the West of Khoa Lak and Phuket. The National Park was home to crystal clear waters, stunning islands, and a healthy, diverse coral reef. I also really liked the island of Koh Lipe in the very South of Thailand, only a short boat trip from Langkawi, Malaysia.
The island is referred to as the Maldives of Thailand, and for good reason. The stunning sandy beaches and surrounding islands have some unique corals and marine life, including Jabang which has vibrant pink, candyfloss soft coral. I went on a full day snorkel trip to the surrounding islands and it was spectacular. Finally another highlight was Pileh Lagoon in the Phi Phi Islands, although very touristy, an absolutely stunning lagoon and turquoise waters, and a decent snorkel in the entrance.
There are a number of Turtle species in the Indian Ocean and Andaman Sea, including the Green and Hawksbill turtle. From my experience I think it is unlikely to see Sea Turtles in Thailand and its surrounding islands, but not to say you can’t. If you’re going to see turtles, the Similan Islands or Surin Islands I think would be the most likely.
Luke
FOUNDER
Luke is a passionate snorkeler who started Snorkelverse to live his dream of combining his passions for snorkeling, marine life, protecting marine ecosystems, and helping others.
Thailand Snorkel Reviews
