Pros
Cons
Snorkel Video
Favourite Snorkel Snaps
Snorkel Review
Highlights
Coral present
1-3 Meters Average Depth
Very good visibility
East to medium difficulty
Cafe’s at beach
Free to snorkel
Sea Urchins Present
Unlikely
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Sunrise Beach is located on the East side of Koh Lipe and one of the most popular beaches, known for its sandy beach, hotels, and to watch the sunsets at the end of the beach. Following Kayaking and snorkeling the island of Koh Kra that is off the beach of Sunrise Beach, I went for a snorkel from the beach. There is a designated roped snorkel section off the middle of the beach, in between the parked Longtail Boats opposite Koh Kra. I snorkeled to the left of this section as I heard a snorkeler the day before saying that she had seen a Giant Moray Eel.
Snorkel Spot
Sunrise Beach Map
The sandy beach is located on the Eastern side of the island, accessible by the popular Walking Street which runs down the middle of the island from Pattaya Beach. There are many hotels and resorts that are located along the beach looking out to the ocean. You can also watch the sunset at the very top of the beach, marked ‘North Point’ on the map below.
Snorkel Spot Map
There is a designated snorkel zone opposite the island of Koh Kra (Koh Kla) near the top of the Beach. I snorkeled to the left of this zone pretty much opposite ‘Lipe Beach Resort’, which I’ve provided a map below. I didn’t snorkel any other section of the beach, however I think this was a good spot from what I saw. You do need to be aware of the passing Longtail boats, current, and weather conditions.
Initially as you swim off the beach you’ll see a bed of Staghorn Branch Coral which looked relatively new. There was then a couple of meters of sand until you reach the coral reef. The Coral reef is made up of patches of large, biege Boulder coral on the sandy seabed. The coral almost reaches the sea level so it can be a bit of a maze to navigate. The visibility was excellent, with a small wave and little current. I think the coral limited the wave. If the waves are too high, do not snorkel.
Coral Reef
There were many Christmas Tree worms along the boulder coral adding colourful spots to the coral reef. As shown below, these creatures burrow into the coral and display a colourful tree-shaped feathers. These bright feathers stretch out and catch passing plankton. If you get too close to the worms they retract their feathers and close up back into the coral.
There were Clownfish not far off the shore that can be seen within the anemone tucked away in the sheltered coral reef. These clownfish were Oscellaris Clownfish, with its recognisable orange and white striped pattern. The clownfish generally staying on the Anemone, they can sometimes swim out towards you if territorial, or have young fish. The clownfish are small, approximately 5cm in length so can sometimes be hard to spot. If you manage to spot anemone have a quick look and you’ll likely see either clownfish or Nosestripe Anemonefish.
Safety Tip:
There are Sea Urchins along the sea floor in shallow water, so do not stand up and wear something to protect your feet such as water shoes or flippers. Be careful upon entering the water, the coral reef stretches to the beach and is raised in the water.
Top Tip:
You don’t need to go too far out from the beach, the first 10 meters you’ll see branch coral. Once you get past you’ll see patches of boulder coral perfect to explore.
There were many Giant Clams dotted throughout the coral reef. These crustaceans vary in vibrant colours, from Dark blues, to light yellows. If you get too close to the clams they will retract and close up, observe from a distance.
Overall this snorkel spot was very good for a 30-minute snorkel. I think it would be best when the tide is in as you have to swim over Staghorn Branch coral to get to the coral reef which could get close to your waist. I had to swim back to the shore and stop my snorkel as I got stung by a jellyfish, which I have to say was painful for 30 minutes of so.
I didn’t see the jelly fish, but squeezed a lime on the sting at the restaurant I had hired the kayak which did work. The local advised me not to shower or put water on the sting and to apply the lime to the sting which I’m think was to neutralise the alkaline sting with the acidic lime juice. Might be worth wearing a rash vest, which will also help with the sun. I didn’t see any other jellyfish on the snorkel though.
Tour Guide Options
Best Snorkel Spot
The best snorkel spot was at the North of Koh Lipe opposite the island of Koh Kra. My favourite spot was to the l Thailaeft of the roped snorkel section past the docked Longtail boats. If you’re looking at the island off the beach of Koh Kra. If you search for ‘Lipe Beach resort‘ on Google Maps, it is opposite.
Best Time Of Year
If you are visiting Thailand, the dry season will give you the best weather for snorkeling is October-May.
Popular Marine Life
Clownfish
Anemonefish
Parrotfish
Christmas Tree Worm
Sergeant Major Damselfish
Giant Clam
Rare Marine Life
Giant Moray Eel
BlackEdge Thicklip Wrasse
Coral Reef
Boulder Coral
Branch Coral
Acroporidae Stoney Coral
Lettuce Coral
Brain Coral
What We Saw
(Seen on March, 2023)
| Oscellaris Clownfish | Nosestripe Anemonefish |
| Greenthroat Parrotfish | Quoy’s Parrotfish |
| Black-And-White Spinecheek | Yellowbar Sandperch |
| Blackedge Thicklipped Wrasse | Christmas Tree Worm |
| Moorish Idol | Crescent Wrasse |
| Pinstriped Wrasse | Sergeant Major Damselfish |
| Blue-Green Chromis | Honeyhead Damselfish |
| Giant Clam | Double Spined Sea Urchin |
| Black Sea Urchin | Stoney Acroporidae Coral |
| Boulder Coral | Branch Coral |
| Brain Coral | Lettuce Coral |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunrise Beach runs along the North side of Koh Lipe. The easiest way to get to Sunrise beach is to walk, either from Walking Street. The beach is easily accessible and free to sit on and snorkel. There are a few small restaurants and bars, and many hotels running along the back of the beach.
It is free to snorkel at Sunrise Beach, which is a popular sandy beach on the Thai southern island of Koh Lipe. The beach is one of the best beaches on Koh Lipe, perfect for a relax, kayak, and a snorkel. There is a coral reef that runs along the middle of the beach, just to the left of the island Koh Kra which you can see from the beach. You can see a healthy coral reef, and even clownfish.
I didn’t go on a tour, and I don’t believe any snorkel tours run to Sunrise Beach. I snorkeled Sunrise Beach after I had Kayaked, and snorkeled the island of Koh Kra. The island of Koh Kra is too far to swim out too. During my 30 minute snorkel I saw healthy Coral, Clownfish, Wrasse, and Giant Clams.
Yes, you can see Clownfish off of Sunrise Beach, specifically the Oscellaris Clownfish, also known as Common Clownfish. You an spot Clownfish swimming in and around Anemone tentacles.
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.
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