Phuket is Thailand’s third largest island, located in the South-West of the country. The island is renowned for its beautiful beaches, hotel resorts, street food, and culture. The tropical beaches are home to stunning coral reefs perfect for a snorkel adventure to explore the marine life. There are many snorkel trips advertised for tourists visiting Phuket, mainly to the surrounding Islands and National Parks. In this article, I’ll reveal our top picks for the 6 most breathtaking snorkel spots in Phuket with our first-hand snorkel experience to help you plan for your trip.
Phuket
Snorkel Snaps
Where is the Phuket?
1.
Surin Islands
The Surin Islands was a fantastic 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.
Khai Islands
The Khai Islands is a good snorkel trip if you go early and beat the crowds, go in the Afternoon and the beaches and waters are full! Great variety of fish and coral, makes for a pretty good day out for the cost. I saw Clownfish, many fish, and incredible coral reefs.
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3.
Similan Islands
The Mu Ko Similan National Park is located off the South West coast of Thailand, in the Andaman Sea. The Similan Islands are made up of eleven islands, the largest island is Koh Similan. The islands are very popular for its natural beauty, paradise sandy beaches, deep blue waters, and wildlife. Snorkeling and diving trips are popular, especially with tourists staying in Phuket. I saw Moray Eels, Triggerfish, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, and more. There is the chance of seeing a Turtle.
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4.
Racha Yai
Racha Island and Coral Island was a great day out for the price, however, you can only snorkel at Racha Island. The coral reef was in excellent condition and there were many Giant Clams and Starfish. Wouldn’t book specifically for the snorkeling and Coral Island’s name is deceiving as there was nothing to see off the main beach (Long Beach).
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5.
Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi Beach is not a bad place for a dip, but only if you’re staying in Kata. There was many fish and some coral on the rocks along the left-hand side of Kata Noi Beach. There was coral growing on the rocky shoreline, with many fish feeding on the algae off of the rocks. I did see a large school of Parrotfish swarming in a circle whist feeding.
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6.
Bon Island
Bon Island or Ko Bon was a great day out to visit a paradise island off the South coast of Phuket in Thailand. Incredible Honeymoon Beach with very few tourists and crystal waters. The snorkeling was ok, a lot of Branch coral, but not a lot of fish or anything big.
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Popular Marine Life
Parrotfish
Moorish Idol
Clownfish
Butterflyfish
Chromis
Grey Mullet
Freckled Goatfish
Blue Sea Star
Sergeant Major Damselfish
Rare Marine Life
Giant Moray Eel
Pufferfish
Titan Triggerfish
Powder-Blue Surgeonfish
Unicornfish
Indian Ocean Oriental Sweet Lips
Coral Reef
Table Coral
Massive Boulder Coral
Brain Coral
Acroporidae Stoney Coral
BLue Ridged Coral
Slipper Coral
Mushroom Coral
Lettuce Coral
Staghorn Branch Coral
Frequently Asked Questions
The local currency is Thailand Baht THB. 100 THB equals approximately 2.81 USD.
Phuket is located in the South-West of Thailand in the continent of Asia. There is an airport located in Phuket.
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 Phuket is the Surin Islands. I also really like the Similan Islands trip for the deep blue waters and beaches. The Khai Islands was very good for its snorkeling, there are three islands which all offer different snorkel experiences, but make sure you go in the morning due to the crowds.
There are a number of Turtle species in the Indian Ocean, including the Green and Hawksbill turtle. From my experience I think it is unlikely to see Sea Turtles off Phuket and surrounding islands, but not to say you can’t. If you’re going to see turtles, the Similan Islands or Surin I think would be the most likely.
Thailand Snorkel Reviews
