Snorkelling In Thailand: The Underwater Majesty

A picture of 2 people enjoying snorkelling in Thailand under the clear blue waters
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Snorkelling in Thailand gives two very different underwater experiences. It has crystal clear, calm waters with beautiful coral reefs of the Andaman Sea and lively waters with diverse marine life of the Gulf of Thailand. So, in Thailand, snorkelers of any level of experience will find something to enjoy. Thailand boasts several snorkelling sites with varied marine creatures ranging from majestic sharks to tiny colourful clownfish. With great water conditions and visibility, Thailand is surrounded by snorkelling spots with amazing backdrops and mesmerising underwater views.

Popular Sites For Snorkelling In Thailand

1. Loh Samah Bay

A picture of a tall mountain-like island surrounded by water from all the sides

Photo: Yothind / Wikimedia Commons

Loh Samah Bay is very famous for its unique location. A secluded beach is nestled in a small canyon located at the northern end. It is in the southern part of Koh Phi Phi Le with a small islet in the middle. The water passing between the islet and the Koh Phi Phi Le makes for the perfect spot for snorkelling. The water here is clear and has great visibility. The underwater beauty is elevated during a night dive with the view of surrounding soft corals and colourful Gorgonian Sea Fans.

Best Spots: The Canyon and the channel, Hin Klang
Price: A half-day snorkelling trip in the Loh Samah Bay can cost 1000 THB to 2500 THB on average

Suggested Read: Experience Phi Phi Island Snorkelling On Your Next Thai Vacation

2. Phi Phi Islands

A picture of a boat sailing in clear waters in Thailand with an island in background

Photo: Luxure / Wikimedia Commons

Koh Phi Phi is a group of islands that have some amazing views and several snorkelling spots. Phi Phi Island is famous for its Maya Bay, which was featured in a popular Leonardo De Caprio movie named “The Beach”. The number of marine creatures you will spot here is endless along with anemones and corals. Snorkelling here will bring you to sea turtles, whale sharks, leopard fish, and many others. There are so many amazing places to visit from Phi Phi Island that your snorkelling trip will be extended to further explore sites.

Best Spots: Maya Bay, Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Islands, Phi Phi Ley
Price: The cost of snorkelling in Phi Phi Island can range from 2000 THB to 4000 THB

3. Ao Mae Yai

A diver enjoying snorkelling in the clear waters of Thailand filled with fish

Photo: Toey19863 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Located on the south of Surin Island, Ao Mae Yai is a part of Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park. Surin Island boasts ten glorious islands with amazing beaches and surrounding views. However, Ao Mae Yai steals the show with its amazing underwater beauty and pristine beach. The serene white beach and clear waters make for an ideal place for snorkellers and divers to get the most amazing experience of marine life. Being part of the national park, Ao Mae Yai ensures an abundance of protected marine creatures.

Price: A half-day snorkelling trip in Ao Mae Yai can cost between 500 THB and 1500 THB

Suggested Read: Snorkelling In Pattaya For Magical Underwater Experiences

4. Richelieu Rock

A picture of a coral reef taken underwater with plenty of fish swimming around

Photo: Fascinating Universe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Richelieu Rock is a place to visit while you are in Thailand, especially when snorkelling or diving. It is located very near Surin Island and Similan Island. During low tide, the top of the rock is visible above the water surface. However, the underwater part is so astonishing. The rock reveals its horseshoe shape underwater and is surrounded by pinnacles, caves, rocks, and overhangs. These surrounding rock structures are home to endless marine life. While snorkelling, you will encounter tomato clownfish, colourful seahorses, and mating octopuses. This is an unmissable experience for anyone who visits Thailand.

Best Spots: Shark Cave, Eastern, and West Ridge.
Price: A day trip to the Richelieu Rock can cost between 4000 THB to 7000 THB. There are also options for multi-day trips that can cost anywhere between 20000 THB to 50000 THB

5. Bamboo Island

A picture of an island taken from far away showing the vast ocean around

Photo: Deror Avi / Wikimedia Commons

Bamboo Island is a very popular destination for Snorkelling in Thailand. With diverse marine life, such as sea turtles, colourful fishes, and reef sharks, the waters make for an ideal place for snorkelling. The clear waters and perfect conditions make the entire experience of snorkelling so much more comfortable and better. You can go to Bamboo Island through speedboat trips from Krabi and Phuket. The tour operators often conduct snorkelling sessions, which can be easily booked.

Best Spots: Shark Point
Price: The price ranges between 1500 THB and 200 THB for snorkelling sessions on Bamboo Island

Suggested Read: Top Places For Krabi Snorkelling On Your Next Thai Trip

Tips For Snorkelling In Thailand

A picture of a person taking a swim and exploring the underwater world

Photo: Wusel007 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

  • The best time for Snorkelling in Thailand is from November through April along the islands on the Andaman Sea. May to October is a great time to snorkel in islands on the Gulf of Thailand, such as the Racha Islands.
  • A snorkelling session in Thailand costs somewhere between 500 THB and 4000 THB based on the services and longevity of the session provided. A longer trip or multi-spot visit can cost more.
  • Always go snorkelling with guides who have proper knowledge and awareness of the local waters. Take proper precautions before going underwater, such as knowing about marine life, approaching it, and knowing what to touch and avoid.
  • Guides often provide proper snorkelling gear, so if you are planning a one-time snorkelling trip, it is recommended to take gear from them. However, if you are a frequent and experienced snorkeller, it is effective to invest in good quality snorkelling gear.
  • If you are new to snorkelling, make sure not to wander off underwater without proper guidance or instructions, and do not go close to marine creatures without complete awareness of them.
  • During the rainy season, it is better to avoid Snorkelling in Thailand as the water current and conditions are not very safe.

Suggested Read: Beaches In Thailand To Explore For A Scenic Vacation

Surrounded by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand is a heaven for water lovers. If you are looking to experience snorkelling in Thailand, you get endless options to choose from. It offers snorkelling opportunities on any island you visit. So, plan your trip to Thailand with TripXL to get yourself and your family a trip of your lifetime.

Cover Photo: Tobias Spitaler / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Thailand is overall a place of great weather and water conditions making it ideal for snorkelling and diving. However, the most popular and loved spots are Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, etc. which have various islands having various snorkelling spots and great diversity of marine life.
It is not necessary to pre-book a snorkelling session, however it is more convenient. Pre-booking the trip will ensure the best spots and hassle-free experience while snorkelling.
Yes, snorkelling does not need swimming experience at all. But swimmers have an added advantage of knowing the water better and the awareness to react to some unusual scenarios underwater.
Snorkelling gear is always available with the guides with whom you book the trip. Some tour operators also rent out the gear. However, as the rented ones might not be the correct fit, carrying your own will ensure proper fit and comfort.
The areas popular for snorkelling do not encounter harmful marine life. However, there can be exceptional scenarios and thus having proper awareness and guidance is a must while snorkelling in unknown waters.
Transportation and accessibility between islands are very well planned and maintained in Thailand. You will get boat rides between spots or even directly from the beach to reach the snorkelling spot. This makes travelling easy for everyone, be it a casual journey to snorkelling spots or extensive exploration through the islands.
Thailand is surrounded by both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The Andaman Sea is known to be tranquil and clear. Thus, snorkellers looking for a calmer and more peaceful experience can visit snorkelling spots in the Andaman Sea. The Gulf of Thailand, on the other hand, is known for its lively waters, colourful marine creatures, and an adventurous session of snorkelling and diving.

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