Langkawi is famous for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling. With a mix of calm bays and rich coral reefs, snorkelling in Langkawi offers an unforgettable underwater adventure. The island is not just about its scenic beauty; it is also a place where you can explore the rich biodiversity hidden beneath the waves. There are many places to do snorkelling in Langkawi that will make your trip truly memorable.
Top 10 Places To Do Snorkelling In Langkawi
Here’s a list of the top 10 places to do snorkelling in Langkawi, Malaysia that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Pulau Payar Marine Park
Photo: Richard Segal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Pulau Payar Marine Park is a very special place for snorkelling. It is about 30 kilometres away from Langkawi, and you can reach it by boat. When you get there, you will see the clear blue water and the colourful fish swimming around. The fish are not afraid of people, so they come very close. You can see bright yellow, blue, and red fish swimming in groups. The coral reefs are also very pretty, with different shapes and colours.
Major Attractions: Colourful coral reefs and abundant marine life
Best Months To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Kuah Jetty
2. Tanjung Rhu Beach
Photo: Jetsun / Wikimedia Commons
Tanjung Rhu Beach is a quiet and peaceful place perfect for snorkelling. The water here is very calm, which makes it easy to see all the fish and corals underwater. The beach is surrounded by tall limestone rocks that make the place look like a hidden paradise. When you go snorkelling here, you can see small fish swimming around the coral reefs. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you might even see a starfish or a sea cucumber.
Major Attractions: Limestone formations and serene waters
Best Months To Visit: December to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Tanjung Rhu Jetty
3. Pantai Tengah
Photo: RoB / Wikimedia Commons
Pantai Tengah is another great place to go snorkelling in Langkawi. It is right next to the popular Pantai Cenang Beach but is less crowded. This makes it a perfect spot for people who want to enjoy snorkelling in a quieter environment. The water at Pantai Tengah is clear, and you can see many different types of fish and corals. The best time to snorkel here is early in the morning when the water is calm and the fish are active.
Major Attractions: Quiet beach with clear waters
Best Months To Visit: November to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Pantai Tengah Jetty
4. Datai Bay
Photo: wewe yang / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Datai Bay is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Langkawi. The water here is very calm, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling. The bay is surrounded by a lush green forest, which adds to its beauty. When you snorkel in Datai Bay, you can see many colourful fish and beautiful coral reefs. The water is so clear that it feels like you are swimming in a giant aquarium. Snorkelling at Datai Bay is a luxurious experience.
Major Attractions: Luxury resorts and tranquil beaches
Best Months To Visit: December to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Telaga Harbour Marina
5. Shark Bay Beach
Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Don’t worry about the name—Shark Bay Beach is a safe and fun place to snorkel. This beach is located near Tanjung Rhu and is less crowded, making it a great place for a quiet snorkelling trip. The water here is shallow, and you can see lots of small fish swimming around. The beach is also very pretty, with white sand and clear blue water. When you go snorkelling at Shark Bay Beach, you might even see a few baby sharks, but they are not dangerous at all.
Major Attractions: Shallow waters and small fish
Best Months To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Tanjung Rhu Jetty
6. Teluk Datai
Photo: Lauro Barlan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Teluk Datai is a hidden gem in Langkawi. This secluded beach is perfect for those who want to snorkel in peace. The water here is very clear, and you can see a lot of marine life. The fish here are very colourful, and the coral reefs are full of life. Since Teluk Datai is not as popular as some of the other beaches, you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing snorkelling experience. The beach is surrounded by nature, making it a beautiful place to spend the day.
Major Attractions: Secluded beach with rich marine life.
Best Months To Visit: December to March
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Telaga Harbour Marina
7. Beras Basah Island
Photo: consigliere ivan / Wikimedia Commons
Beras Basah Island is a lovely place to visit for snorkelling. The island has soft white sand and clear blue water, making it look like a picture from a postcard. The water around the island is full of colourful fish and coral reefs. When you snorkel here, you can see fish swimming close to the surface, making it easy for everyone to enjoy, even kids. Snorkelling in Langkawi at Beras Basah Island is a great way to spend the day with your family.
Major Attractions: White sandy beaches and family-friendly snorkelling
Best Months To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Kuah Jetty
8. Pulau Rebak Besar
Photo: Hendrojkson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pulau Rebak Besar is a private island with a luxury resort, and it offers some of the best snorkelling spots in Langkawi. The island is very quiet and peaceful, making it a perfect getaway for snorkelling lovers. The water here is crystal clear, and you can see a variety of fish and coral species. The resort also offers snorkelling gear, so you don’t have to bring your own. Snorkelling in Langkawi at Pulau Rebak Besar is a relaxing experience.
Major Attractions: Private island with luxury amenities
Best Months To Visit: November to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Rebak Island Jetty
9. Black Sand Beach
Photo: Hikmah Cut Ramadhana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Black Sand Beach is famous for its unique black sand, which makes it different from all the other beaches in Langkawi. This beach is also a great place for snorkelling. The water here is clear, and you can see many small fish and colourful corals. Since this beach is not as crowded as some of the others, it offers a peaceful snorkelling experience. Snorkelling at Black Sand Beach is a special experience because of the beach’s unique appearance and the variety of marine life you can see underwater.
Major Attractions: Unique black sand and quiet atmosphere
Best Months To Visit: December to February
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Kuah Jetty
10. Pulau Tepor
Photo: kadambari bhatte / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Pulau Tepor is a small and quiet island near Pantai Tengah. It is not as well-known as some of the other snorkelling spots, which makes it perfect for a private snorkelling adventure. The water around the island is clear, and you can see many colourful fish and coral reefs. Because the island is less commercialised, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the underwater world without any distractions. Pulau Tepor offers you a private snorkelling paradise.
Major Attractions: Unspoiled island with clear waters
Best Months To Visit: November to April
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day
Nearest Airport: Langkawi International Airport
Nearest Seaport: Pantai Tengah Jetty
Snorkelling in Langkawi is an amazing way to explore the underwater world and see all the beautiful sea creatures and corals. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is something for everyone in Langkawi’s clear waters. So, pack your snorkelling gear, and get ready to dive into a world of adventure in Langkawi, Malaysia with TripXL!
Cover Photo: Asep.saefulloh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only