Experience Phi Phi Island Snorkelling On Your Next Thai Vacation

An image of a woman snorkelling in the water of Phi Phi Island, a tropical Paradise.

Koh Phi Phi, also known as Phi Phi Island, is known for its jagged limestone cliffs, vibrant soft coral, and breathtaking sea fans. The spectacular rock formations continue underwater, allowing for excellent wall diving with plenty of niches for animals to build their habitats in. Phi Phi Island snorkelling reveals stunning coral reefs brimming with aquatic life, and the warm, sunny beaches provide an array of activities and leisure amidst the crashing waves. So, whether you’re a novice or an expert, the seabed is perfect for exploration and diving, and snorkelling in Koh Phi Phi has something for everyone.

Best Places For Phi Phi Island Snorkelling

Here is a list of the top 10 best beaches and bays for Phi Phi Island snorkelling and scuba diving:

1. Bamboo Island

An image of Bamboo Island for Phi Phi snorkelling with a huge mountain in between.

Photo: Miltiadis Fragkidis / Unsplash

Bamboo Island is a tiny island in the Phi Phi archipelago that is connected to the rest of the archipelago by waterways. It is a very popular destination for Phi Phi Island snorkelling because it is reef-lined and thus rich in marine life. Phi Phi Island provides some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in southern Thailand. Bamboo Island is without inhabitants and does not have any sort of infrastructure or lodgings. Tourists usually bring their own food, water, and other necessities.

Location: Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand
Best Experiences: Scuba diving, snorkelling

2. Khai Island

An image of beautiful Rocky Khai Island has clear waters for Phi Phi Island snorkelling.

Photo: Diego Delso / Unsplash

The Khai Islands, Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nai, are two small islands located to the east of Phuket. They are only 20 minutes away by speedboat. Both islands offer magnificent turquoise-blue seas ideal for swimming and sunbathing on the beach. Phi Phi Island snorkelling, scuba diving, or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches with an icy drink are among the activities that tourists may enjoy themselves while visiting these islands. A speedboat tour around the island begins at 800 THB (₹1,975).

Location: Phru Nai, Phang Nga, Thailand
Best Experiences: Scuba diving, snorkelling

3. Maya Bay

An image of Maya Bay waters for Phi Phi Island snorkelling with two boats in the waters.

Photo: Maksim Shutov / Unsplash

This magnificent beach is noted for its clear turquoise seas, immaculate white sand, and staggering limestone cliffs. Maya Bay is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, so obtaining a boat to transport you there will be simple. Snorkelers and scuba divers of all skill levels visit this location to discover the aquatic life. The waters of Maya Bay are teeming with blacktip sharks, vivid corals, and fish. Speedboat rides are available around the bay.

Location: Koh Phi Phi Leh, Krabi Province, Thailand
Best Experiences: Nightlife, scuba diving, snorkelling

4. Monkey Bay

An image of rocks on the sand with a few monkeys climbing on top of the rocks.

Photo: Miltiadis Fragkidis / Unsplash

Monkey Bay, also known as Ao Ling, is a famous site for Phi Phi Island snorkelling. It’s a little cove at the entrance to Dalum Bay, similar to Monkey Beach but for the thicker, brighter yellow sand. A magnificent coral reef sits about 50 yards from the shore, providing amazing snorkelling possibilities. The easiest way to get to Monkey Bay is to hire a long-tail boat or to paddle your own sea kayak, which will take around 30 minutes.

Location: Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand
Best Experiences: Scuba diving, snorkelling

5. Long Beach

Witness the beautiful landscapes and clear blue waters of Long Beach in Thailand.

Photo: Vitaly Sacred / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Long Beach is one of Phi Phi’s most excellent sandy beaches for swimming. Even at low tide, the beach is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. It features a rock out of the ocean called Shark Point, where tourists may see blacktip reef sharks. Aside from backtip reef sharks, additional species may be found near the Phi Phi Islands, such as ribbon eels and several turtle and stingray species.

Location: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Best Experiences: Scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling

6. Nui Beach

Nui Beach waters for Phi Phi Island snorkelling during sunset with huge rocks on it.

Photo: Vitaly Sacred / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Nui Beach is a less crowded, non-commercial area of Phi Phi. Because of its secluded position, this beach is far less crowded than others on the island, such as Maya Bay and Tonsai Bay. On Nui Beach, there are no bars or loud music; only a few individuals enjoy nature. This includes scuba diving to witness coral reefs and underwater biodiversity, as well as Phi Phi Island snorkelling to see bright fish schools. The beach is accessible via kayak, although this journey may be tiresome for some.

Location: Soi Laemmumnok, Tambon Karon, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83100, Thailand
Best Experiences: Scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling

7. Railay Beach

Railay West Beach with boats in the water and mountains with greenery in the background.

Photo: Andrzej Suwara / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Railay, commonly referred to as Rai Leh, is a tiny peninsula located between Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand. It is only accessible by boat because of towering limestone cliffs that shut off mainland access. These cliffs draw rock climbers from all over the world, but the region is also known for its stunning beaches and serene ambiance. The water in Railay Bay and its beaches is normally shallow and mild. Swimming is best done during high tide because low tide makes the water too shallow to swim.

Location: Tambol Ao Nang, Maung, Krabi, Thailand
Best Experiences: Swimming, snorkelling

8. Tonsai Bay

A place for Phi Phi Island snorkelling, Tonsai Bay, surrounded by greenery and mountains.

Photo: Hu Chen / Unsplash

Tonsai Beach is a hidden treasure for Phi Phi Island snorkelling in Thailand. It is a quiet beach that provides a calm refuge from the crowded beaches in the region. This lovely and fascinating beach is well-known for its relaxed atmosphere, world-class rock-climbing options, and crystal-clear seas perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is accessible via a longboat.

Location: Tonsai Village, Phi Phi Central Area
Best Experiences: Swimming, snorkelling

9. Laem Tong Beach

Sandy Laem Tong beach for Phi Phi Island snorkelling and greenery on the other side.

Photo: frank mckenna / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Laem Tong Beach is a relaxing destination with sufficient activities to keep you engaged. Snorkelling, kayaking, and scuba diving are among the most popular water sports here. The beach is over a km long and covered with beautiful fluffy white sand. Longtail boat rides and diving trips are popular here, bringing both visitors and locals for a day of adventure or leisure, depending on your inclination.

Location: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand
Best Experiences: Longboat rides, scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling

10. Loh Dalum Beach

An image of clearwaters at Loh Dalum beach with boats and people in the ocean.

Photo: Chor Tsang / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This one-kilometre-long beach is located on the Phi Phi Islands’ north-facing shore. There are all-night parties, pubs, and nightclubs here. Loh Dalum is a stunningly gorgeous, nearly entirely enclosed bay. Loh Dalum Bay’s flat water is great for kayaking, and there is lots to discover. Good snorkelling may also be found around the bay’s shores, near the entrance. The beach is accessible by longboat or kayak.

Location: Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi, Thailand
Best Experiences: Longboat rides, swimming, snorkelling

Phi Phi boasts beautiful beaches, breathtaking rock formations, and vibrant turquoise waters bursting with colourful marine life. Tourists may make the most of their trip to the picturesque archipelago by participating in a variety of activities and water sports, especially Phi Phi Island snorkelling. Plan a trip with TripXL and choose Phi Phi Island for your next beach vacation in South Asia to have the time of your life.

Cover Photo: Sebastian Pena Lambarri / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Two to three days is more than enough time to visit most of the beaches and other tourist spots on Phi Phi.
Pad Thai and Satay are some delicious savoury options to try when visiting the island. All ingredients are naturally sourced, and the seafood is always fresh.
A ferry is by far the most common way to reach the islands. It takes around 2 hours from Phuket.
The Phi Phi Islands are best visited during the dry season, which runs from November to April when the temperature is milder and less humid. However, this is the peak tourist season, so anticipate bigger crowds and higher expenses.
Swimwear, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes for exploration, beachwear, bug repellent, and a waterproof bag to safeguard your possessions during boat rides are all must-haves for a visit to the Phi Phi Islands.

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