Not a bad place for a dip, but only if you’re staying in Kata. There are fish and some coral on the rocks along the left-hand side of Kata Noi Beach. Better snorkels on other Phuket trips including Surin Islands, Similan Islands, and Khai Islands.
Pros
Cons
Snorkel Video
Favourite Snorkel Snaps
Snorkel Review
Highlights
Patches of Coral present
3-5 Meters Average Depth
Ok to Good visibility
Medium difficulty
Cafe’s in town
Free to snorkel
Sea Urchins unlikely
Unlikely
When:
Who:
Tour Cost:
Star Rating:
Cost:
Kata is a town on the West Coast of Phuket, Thailand, home to two of the most popular sandy beaches in Phuket, Kata Beach, and Kata Beach Noi. The two beaches are separated by a headland.
I was staying in Kata, Phuket for a few days and had heard that there were snorkeling possibilities along the left-hand side of Kata Noi Beach. I made the walk across the headland to Kata Beach Noi where you’re greeted by a staircase to walk down to the beach. You can also access the beach if you are staying at one of the hotels running behind the beach.
I was staying in Kata for a few days and had heard that there were snorkeling possibilities along the left-hand side of Kata Noi Beach. I made the walk across the headland which splits the two beaches at Kata, where you’re greeted by a staircase to walk down to the beach. You can also access the beach if you are staying at one of the hotels running behind the beach.
The South end of the beach, or left-hand side if you’re looking out to the ocean was where there was the opportunity to snorkel along the rocky shoreline. As shown in the images below there is a rock formation that runs along the left shoreline. Be aware of the waves and weather conditions as it can be dangerous snorkeling on a rocky shoreline. The conditions were calm when I went snorkeling in the early Afternoon.
Snorkel Spot
As you enter the water you will see the rocks have an algae coating underneath the water, this is where you’ll see fish feeding on the algae. There are Bluetail Mullets, Moorish Idols, and other reef fish feeding. As I started my snorkel and moved further along the rocks you’ll start to see small patches of coral attached to the rock. These vary from Stoney (Acroporidae) coral, to other encrusting corals.
Coral Reef
There were Striped Surgeonfish along the rocks feeding. These fish have a distinctive blue and yellow lined pattern running along its body. There were also many Common Comet Stars (shown below), and Blue Sea Stars sprawled over the rock face, sometimes in strange positions and in between rocks.
Safety Tip:
The rocky shoreline and currents and waves can be dangerous. Be very careful and aware of the waves and weather conditions.
As I made my way further along the rocky shoreline I encountered a school of large parrotfish spiralling in a circular formation. I think they were feeding off of the rocks and then other parrotfish and surgeonfish were feeding on the algae in the water. This was a very cool experience!
Top Tip:
Follow the rocky shoreline along the left-hand side of the beach. Do not snorkel if the waves or currents are strong. You can see many fish feeding on the rocks as well as seeing many different species of coral attached to the rocks.
There were a few surprises along the rocks including Boulder Star coral (below), and some cool marine species including Butterflyfish, Surgeonfish, Wrasse, Parrotfish, Mullet, and Goatfish. There were also some large rocks just off the rocks in the sandy sea bed, but apart from a few Starfishes, there wasn’t much more to see.
Summary
Overall this snorkel spot was good for a 30-minute snorkel. I would probably only snorkel at Kata Noi Beach if you’re staying in Kata and fancy a quick snorkel and chill on the beach. You can see corals, Starfish, and reef fish on the rocks on the left-hand side of the beach. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive snorkel in Phuket I’d recommend the Surin Islands. If you’re more interested in stunning beaches then the Similan Islands or Bon Island.
Tour Guide Options
It is free to swim off the beach, I do not believe any tours go to this beach, as there are better snorkel locations off of Phuket, including Koh Phi Phi and Surin Islands. However, these tours can be more expensive ranging from $70.00-$100.00.
Best Snorkel Spot
The best snorkel spot was about 20-30 meters along the rock formation where there were many corals and fish on the large rock face.
Best Time Of Year
If you are visiting Phuket, the dry season will give you the best weather for snorkeling in October-May.
Popular Marine Life
Parrotfish
Starfish
Bluetail Mullet
Moorish Idol
Striped Surgeonfish
Giant Clam
Butterflyfish
Freckled Goatfish
Coral Reef
Acroporidae Stoney Coral
Boulder Star Coral
Brain Coral
Cauliflower Coral
Encrusted Coral
What We Saw
(Seen on March, 2023)
| Striped Surgeonfish | Yellowfin Surgeonfish |
| Collared Butterflyfish | Redfin Butterflyfish |
| Jansen’s Wrasse | Whitespotted Rabbitfish |
| Common Comet Star | Blue Sea Star |
| Checkerboard Wrasse | Indian Ocean Bird Wrasse |
| Freckled Goatfish | Bluetail Mullet |
| Giant Clam | Surge Demoiselle |
| Moorish Idol | Greenthroat Parrotfish |
| Black Sea Urchin | Featherstar Coral |
| Stoney Acroporidae Coral | Boulder Star Coral |
| Cauliflower Coral | Brain Coral |
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few ways to get to the beach, if you’re staying in Kata you can walk, hire a moped, hire a Tuk-Tuk, Taxi, hire a Car, or there is a local Bus. There are other taxi options, which can be more cost-effective, including Bolt App. There is an area at the North end of the beach to park your moped on
It is free to snorkel from the beach. I do not believe snorkel tours go to this beach, as there are better snorkel locations in Phuket, including the Surin Islands.
I didn’t go on a tour, I swam off the beach. I don’t believe that any snorkel trips that go to this beach.
You can see a range of coral attached to the rocks on the left-hand side of the beach. Many fish were feeding on the algae on the rocks when I went snorkeling. The key highlight was seeing a large school of Parrotfish swimming in a spiral formation.
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.
Phuket Snorkel Reviews
