Best Locations for Snorkeling in Phuket
With the right equipment and knowledge of the technique, it is possible to go snorkeling for free at one of the many beaches of Phuket. Some of the most famous beaches for snorkeling include:1. Freedom Beach
One of the top locations for snorkeling in Phuket is the south end of Freedom Beach. This stretch of white sand has plenty of rocks and corals that are ideal for snorkeling.How to get there: One can get here by trekking a route over private land, by a steep dirt road starting past the Avista Resort in Patong till Karon Beach. One can also take a longtail boat from Patong Beach for approximately 1000-1500 THB. Another option is to take a boat from Karon Beach or Tri Trang Beach. Although this will be cheaper, it will take longer as boats are not too frequent.
2. Laem Singh Beach
The Laem Singh Beach is a favorite among many locals and tourists for snorkeling in Phuket. This small beach is filled with palm trees and rocky formations. It is also home to many coral reefs and unique, colorful fish, making it ideal for shallow-water snorkeling. However, the beach does not have too many shops offering snorkeling equipment for rent.How to get there: Located in the west of the island, the Laem Sing Beach can be found between Kamala Beach and Surin beach. Direct access to the beach has been restricted in the past few years. However, one can take a boat from the southern end of Surin Beach, which costs approximately THB 100 per person for a round trip. You can also pay THB 400 for the entire boat. You may have to get your feet wet, as there is no pier when you reach your destination.
3. Ao Sane Beach
Consisting of a series of three sandy bays separated by rocky headlands, the Ao Sane Beach offers snorkelers a unique experience, complete with colorful fish, living corals, black sea urchins, and occasionally, even a lobster! The rocky beach enjoys clear and calm water throughout the year and, therefore, is one of Phuket's most popular destinations for snorkeling.The beach's eastern end towards the Nai Harn resort is an excellent spot for snorkeling. There are no shops at the beach that rent out snorkeling gear, so be sure to bring your own.
How to get there: Ao Sane Beach is just a short drive from Nai Harn Beach. One can access the beach through the Le Meridien Phuket Yacht Club parking lot or the road after the Nai Harn Resort.
4. Kata Beach
Kata Beach is often called Kata Yai (Big) Beach to avoid confusion with Kata Noi (Small) Beach. The Kata Yai beach easily charms beachgoers with its white sand, warm blue waters, and scenic views.The Boo Island (Crab Island) found at the north end of the Kata Beach is a perfect spot for snorkelling in Phuket. The island boasts a spectacular coral reef with some unusual aquatic creatures. The south side of the island has a reef approximately 400 meters away, which one can swim to if one wish to. The beach also offers facilities to rent out snorkeling gear.
How to get there: The Kata Yai Beach is located on the west coast of Phuket and is about 20 kilometres away from the central Phuket town. It can be reached directly by road, as it is located around the Laem Sai headland, south of Karon beach.
5. Kata Noi Beach
Less developed than Kata Yai Beach, this beautiful beach is another favorite for Phuket snorkeling. The south end of the beach provides spectacular views underwater, with its shallow waters, corals, and fish species, such as angelfish, parrotfish, and anemone fish. Occasionally, you may even spot stingrays or sharks. Ensure to visit this beach during the high season only, as it can get dangerous at other times of the year. How to get there: The Kata Noi Beach can be found south of the Kata Yai Beach. The main road runs all the way to Kata Noi beach so that that road can access it. One can also walk to Kata Noi Beach from Kata Yai Beach, but this walk involves climbing many steep stairs.
6. Paradise Beach
The Paradise Beach is among the top-rated snorkeling sites in Phuket. Palm trees, rocks, and clear waters surround the beautiful beach. Although one may witness some flattened or dead coral due to the effect of the tsunami, the beach offers live corals and plenty of vibrant sea life, including little turtles and crabs. One will have to pay an entry fee of THB 200 per person for admission.
How to get there: Head south on Patong Beach Road to Amari Phuket and go left, passing Baan Yin Dee, Tri Trang Resort, and Merlin Beach Resort on the way. Following the road to Emerald Bay, a steep road is going to the Paradise Beach car park. One can also choose to reach here by renting a boat from the south end of Patong Beach for approximately THB 1000.
7. Banana Beach
Relatively isolated and a bit tricky to find, the Banana Beach will be worth it once you get there. Known as a 'secret beach', due to its hidden location, this beach is famous for snorkelling in Phuket. It boasts a large stretch of white sand, clear and shallow waters, and plenty of colorful and tropical fish, including a tiny shark sometimes! One can rent snorkeling equipment from the restaurant on the beach and enjoy their food there afterward.How to get there: The Banana Rock Beach, as it is sometimes referred to, is located north of Phuket island, near the Sirinat National Park. Banana Beach is situated between the Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches, some 500 meters north of Trisara Resort. To get here by road, follow the route as you would to Naithon Beach and pass the Andaman White Beach Resort. Keep an eye on the right-hand side; if you are lucky, you will spot a line of vehicles parked near a sign for the Banana Beach.
8. Nai Thon Beach
The Nai Thon beach is a quiet spot where one can escape crowds in the central Phuket area. The beach is divided into two regions by a rocky formation. It offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle outside and has no watersports like jet skiing or parasailing. Snorkellers here can take advantage of abundant underwater life such as batfish, eels, turtles and barracuda. There is also a dive shop on the Beach Road.How to get there: The easiest way here is to follow the signs on the road as you drive towards the airport. Turn left at the intersection just before reaching the airport, and after a few kilometers, turn right at the signs for Andaman White Beach Resort and Trisara Resort. The beach can be found approximately 3 kilometers from Banana Beach.
9. Ya Nui Beach
Found in a southwestern corner of Phuket, the Ya Nui Beach contains bays, coral reefs, and caves filled with plenty of marine life. The beach can be found near two of Phuket's famous viewpoints, the Laem Phrom Thep and the large white windmill. It is also renowned for kayaking and fishing and is a popular pre-wedding photoshoot location.Head here with your snorkeling gear to discover some of the most exotic fishes in the clear waters of Ya Nui. Snorkeling gear can be hired on the beach. Many choose to go to the nearby island Koh Keyao Noi, which is often considered even better for snorkeling.
How to get there: You will pass the windmill viewpoint and drive downwards onto the beach. If you are coming from Rawai, you can drive straight along the main road and go left when the Rawai-Phrom Thep road turns left, eventually leading to the beach.
10. Laem Ka Beach
The Laem Ka Beach is located in the south of Phuket Island and enjoys a secluded existence. It is a great picnic spot, with its shallow, calm waters and shady areas. The surrounding islands, like Coral Island, provide stunning views at the beach.This small, rocky beach is an extremely popular destination for snorkeling in Phuket at high tide due to the clear visibility of marine life in the waters. It is also a habitat for many sea creatures, including many species of crabs.
How to get there: To access the Laem Ka beach, you can head to Rawai, and you will find a 7-Eleven store on the main road, opposite the temple. Follow the small road heading east and drive around one kilometer past a checkpoint and through a coconut plantation. Go right from here, leading you straight into the car park of Laem Ka Beach.
Why go snorkeling?
Indeed, it is a one-of-a-kind experience; snorkeling attracts many adventurers from all over the world. It is often considered the 'younger brother' of scuba diving, as it is usually done from the water's surface and ensures a clearer sight of the aquatic creatures without any bubbles blocking the view. It also does not require oxygen cylinders, as needed for scuba diving.Snorkeling can be done without any qualifications - one can explore the waters at their own pace. It is also not too expensive, besides the initial investment in the equipment, as it can be done at a public beach. Water sports are also suitable for people of almost any age, making them a fun-filled family activity!
What makes snorkeling in Phuket perfect?
The island of Phuket is one of the most famous tourist destinations for snorkeling, with its beautiful beaches, clear waters, as well as plentiful coral reefs and marine life. Perfect for both adventure lovers and water sports enthusiasts, snorkeling in Phuket is at the top of the must-do list for tourists.Known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is an ideal destination for snorkeling. It has many beaches that present excellent opportunities for snorkeling, with abundant coral reefs. The island is also known for its abundance of unique aquatic species, including eel and clownfish.
Best Time to go Snorkeling in Phuket
Snorkeling when the tide is in is recommended, as one can better view Phuket's colorful aquatic life. Although snorkeling can be done throughout the year, the best time is the post-monsoon season. This lasts from November to April and is when the sea is calm.Training for Snorkeling in Phuket
If one would prefer to have some instruction and training by a guide, there are some available tours for snorkeling in Phuket. Some of them are:1. Raya Divers
Raya Divers offers courses specializing in scuba diving and snorkeling in locations all over Thailand, including Phuket. It offers island tours and beginner-level courses for snorkeling, such as Raya Paradise, Phi Phi Islands Snorkelling Day-trip, Snorkelling Safari, and more.2. SSS Phuket
The SSS Phuket Dive Center offers beginner and professional-level certified courses in scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing. The one-day snorkeling tours include three Phuket destinations: Koh Phi Phi Island, Similan Islands, and Racha Yai Island. The tour consists of an experienced tour guide renting the snorkeling equipment, breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as beverages all day.3. Easy Day Phuket
Easy Day Phuket organizes various snorkeling tours, including day trips and overnight tours to Racha Island, Phi Phi Island, Coral Island, Surin Island, and a private tour of Phuket Island.4. Aloha Diving
Explore the island of Phuket and its surrounding islands with one of the tours offered by Aloha Diving Centre in Phuket. They have many sightseeing and snorkeling tours by tour operators in Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga National Park, Surin Islands, Koh Kam, Similan Islands, and more! The unique tours feature different options, from lunch in a jungle to a private boat charter with only your loved ones and the captain and crew on board.5. Offspray Leisure
Off Spray Leisure offers diving, snorkeling, and sightseeing tours in small groups to thePhi Phi Islands and beyond. It provides tours going to Racha Yai Island and Phi Phi Island, complete with an experienced guide, hotel transfers, snacks and refreshments, lunch, snorkeling gear, and a national park entrance fee.
Tips and Tricks for first-time snorkelers
- Ensure that you wear comfortable clothes that protect you from the sun.
- Be careful not to touch the coral reefs or the sea creatures - it can be dangerous for you and them.
- If you choose to purchase snorkeling gear, focus on its quality rather than its cost alone. Make sure to try it on before purchasing.
- Ensure you know basic snorkeling dangers and hazards and the ocean conditions before going snorkeling.
- Remember to swim slowly and calmly not to waste all your energy initially.
- Spend some time practicing breathing in shallow water with your snorkeling gear.
- Enquire about the possibility of jet skis in the waters.
- Do not forget to defog your mask before putting it on to avoid foggy vision.