Snorkeling in Thailand
Snorkeling in Thailand is almost every divers dream! A Southeast Asian country known for its tropical beaches, Thailand offers clear blue-green waters, with some picturesque locations and stunning views! A world-class Snorkeling destination, the surrounding islands in Thailand offer a wide variety of snorkeling spots. It has a long luxurious coastline and a rich & vibrant underwater life!The lush tropical coast and the colorful coral gardens make Thailand no less than a diver’s paradise, and one of the topmost snorkeling and diving spots in the World! This is why Snorkeling is usually on the top of the list of ‘Things to do in Thailand’. There are plenty of places to visit in Thailand, but whether you’re a first-time diver or a professional diver - Phi Phi, Koh Chang, Koh Larn, Koh Tao and Koh Samui are few of the most popular places to go to for Thailand Snorkeling.
There are islands with shallow waters, stunning corals and mesmerizing aquatic life! From snorkeling safaris to exploring different breeds of fish, Snorkelers will also find exotic varieties of corals like mushroom, cabbage, and brain corals. Do check the weather conditions before booking your Thailand tour package. The best time to snorkel is between November and April, and you must avoid getting in the water during rainy weather and heavy currents.
People Also Ask About Snorkeling in Thailand
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What are the best places for snorkeling in Thailand?
1. Surin Islands- The Surin Islands are 5 dreamlike islands full of treasures such as colorful corals, white sand, and unique underwater species. Thailand snorkeling is best enjoyed at the Surin Islands, which is unspoiled and is undoubtedly one of the best spots for Snorkeling.
Best Places to Snorkel - Koh Surin Nuea, Mai Ngam and Koh Surin Tai
Location - Island in Ko Phra Thong, Thailand, 100 km north of Khao Lak
Cost -Child – app. 3000 THB
Adult – app. 4000 THB
2. Phi Phi Islands- One of the world's most abundant coral reef systems, Phi Phi holds plentiful white sand and the most astounding underwater life out of all the islands. Tour operators supply all the equipment - i.e., fins and masks - if you book a package trip, or you can also rent them from the dive operators.
Best Places to Snorkel - Maya Bay, Loh Sama, Hin Klang, Monkey Beach
Location - between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast
Cost – approx. 3200 THB
Click Here To Book: Snorkeling In Phi Phi Islands
3. Similan Islands- The National Treasure of Thailand, Similan Islands inhabit some of the rarest and most endangered species of marine. Similan Islands Marine National Park is home to nine islands with crystal clear turquoise water and white sand beaches.
Best Places to Snorkel – Island 4 to island 9
Location – part of Phang Nga Province in the south of Thailand - 84 km NW of Phuket
Cost - Adult – app. 3200 THB
4. Koh Tao- Take a boat trip around the island to combine snorkeling and sightseeing. The water is shallow and calm most of the year, which is suitable for both adults and children. You can also walk or kayak around the island and spend some silent time with the sea turtles! Species such as parrotfish, angelfish, blacktip reef shark, and triggerfish can be easily spotted!
Best Places to Snorkel - Aow Leuk, Mango Bay, Shark Bay, Tanote Bay, etc.
Location – part of Chumphon Archipelago on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand
Cost - Adult – app. 850 THB
5. Racha & Coral Islands- Take a day trip from Phuket to explore the spectacular tropical islands - Racha and Coral! Spend the morning on Racha Island before heading to Coral Island, where you can enjoy a delectable Thai buffet lunch. Swim or Snorkel in the clear blue seas or simply walk and relax on the pristine white sand under the tallest of palm trees. You can also enjoy activities such as banana boating and parasailing on these beautiful islands.
Best Places to Snorkel – Racha Yai and Racha Noi
Location - Batok Bay, Racha Yai Island 44 Rawai, Muang Phuket
Cost - Adult – app. 830 THB
Also Explore: Best Things To Do In Patong, Phuket -
Which beaches are famous for Snorkeling In Thailand?
1. Nang Yuan, near Koh Tao- Spectacular scenery, unique topography, and pristine white sand beaches, Koh Nang Yuan is perfect for a relaxing day trip. A massive sandbar connects three tiny blocks of land and the shores are full of fish and coral, which makes Nang Yuan perfect for Snorkeling in Thailand! The enticing turquoise water and the picturesque rock setting is no less than perfect for a day trip.
Location – 15 minutes by boat from Koh Tao
2. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi- An astoundingly beautiful bay that is sheltered by 100-meter high cliffs on three sides, Maya Bay has several small beaches, which are full of clear white sand, colorful coral and exotic fishes! Sadly it has been closed indefinitely to allow it to recover from the damage caused by millions of tourists, especially after the famous film The Beach was shot here in 1999. According to the reports, it will be closed until mid-2021.
Location - Koh Phi Phi Le, Ko Phi Phi, Aao Nang, Thailand
3. Aow Leuk, Koh Tao- Aow Leuk is one of the most popular sites for snorkeling, which is surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Shark Island in the background is one of the most popular sites for Snorkeling in Thailand and is amongst the most beautiful places on Koh Tao. The waters are shallow and perfect for swimming and lounging. You can easily swim to the nearby spot Hin Ngam - a beautiful area for snorkeling with easy and calm waters almost the entire year!
Location - Western shore of the Gulf of Thailand
4. Shark Bay, Koh Tao- The snorkeling spot of Shark Bay, in Koh Tao, is one of the most unique in Thailand. The waters are shallow, just 6 to 12 feet from the seabed, so you can easily spot some blacktip reef sharks. The best time to see the sharks is between 7 am and 10 am. They vary in sizes, with some measuring almost 6 feet, and some measuring 2 to 3 feet. These baby sharks mostly venture into the shallow waters near the shore.
Location - Bang Bumru, Bang Phlat, Koh Tao,Thailand
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How long can you breathe underwater with a snorkeling?
You can breathe underwater with a full-face snorkel mask. The mask covers your whole face so that you can breathe through both your nose and mouth. This way breathing is natural and comfortable. On the other hand, you can only breathe through your mouth, with the regular half-face snorkel mask, as long as the tube is above water.
Must Explore: Thailand Island Hopping -
Apart from Snorkeling what other activities can be done in Thailand?
1. Witness Marine Life at Ocean World Bangkok- Ocean World Bangkok is home to the largest aquarium in the whole of SouthEast Asia! This aquatic wonderland is home to around 30,000 curious-looking species from across the globe.
Location: Siam Paragon shopping mall, 991 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Timing: Monday – Sunday – 10 am – 9 pm
Price: Adult – app. 2500 THB
Child – app. 2200 THB/5160 INR
2. Visit Safari World Bangkok - The Safari World is divided into two areas: one is the open Safari Park where you can drive through and one is the beautiful bird park. Nearby is Marine Park, offering shows, lots of food stalls and plenty of souvenir shops!
Location: 99 Thanon Panya Intra, Khwaeng Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khet Khlong Sam Wa, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Timing: Monday – Sunday – 9am – 5pm
Price: app. 600 THB/1400 INR
Click Here To Book: Safari World Bangkok
3. Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise in Bangkok- Having a capacity of up to 290 persons, the Chao Phraya Cruise will let you spot some historic temples and landmarks on your left and a live band on the cruise with professional singers on the right!
Location: Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok
Timing: Monday – Sunday – 6:30 – 9:45pm
Price: Adult – 1000 baht/2345 INR
Child – 800 THB/1876 INR
Click Here To Book: Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise
4. Mangrove Kayak Trip In Krabi- Paddle around in a kayak to the quiet canyons, groves and hidden bays, enjoy a delicious lunch in the calm natural environment or maybe take a full or a half-day tour with the elephants!
Location: 120 Tambon Khao Thong, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi
Timing: Open 24 hours
Price – app. 500 THB/1172 INR
5. Day out at Dream World Amusement Park in Bangkok- Visit the Dream World with your kids for a fun-filled exciting Sunday – make snow angels in Snow Land or ride a rollercoaster up the Space Mountain and meet Cinderella and Pocahontas- all in one day.
Location: Bueng Yitho, Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani
Timing: Monday – Sunday – 10 am – 5 pm
Price: app. 650 THB/1524 INR
6. Enjoy Water Activities At Coral Island or Koh Hae in Phuket- Go for a Snorkeling day trip to the Coral Islands, which features two main beaches, Long Beach and Banana Beach, full of thrilling underwater creatures and some of the most attractive corals in Thailand!
Location: Island in Rawai, Thailand
Timing: Daytime
Price: 1000 THB/2345 INR
7. Island Hopping with Snorkeling in Pattaya- The best beaches for snorkeling and diving are on the islands just off the coast of Pattaya. Some of them are- Koh Phai, Koh Lan, Ko Krok, Koh Rin.
Location: On the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand
Timing: Daytime
Price: 1000 THB/2345 INR
8. A Tour to James Bond Island/Khao Phing Kan- As the name suggests, James Bond Island got onto the international tourist map through its starring role in a James Bond movie and the entire area surrounded by limestone cliffs is indeed spectacular.
Location: Phang Nga Bay northeast of Phuket
Timing: Daytime
Price: starting from 1200 THB/2815 INR
Suggested Read: Resorts in Phuket -
Which is the best time to go for Snorkeling in Thailand?
No matter what time of the year you are visiting Thailand, you will find some great spots for snorkeling and diving all around the year. Though the best time for Thailand Snorkeling is between November to April, just make sure that you’re not going to a region where the rain is hitting hard. Pick an appropriate location for snorkeling according to the weather conditions in the region.
Popular Read: Best Places to Visit in Phuket -
What things/tips should I know before going for Snorkeling activity in Thailand?
-Choose your first location carefully. Like, Koh Tao in Thailand has shallow and calm water most of the year. Also, make sure to start from a beach - not a boat!
-Find a snorkel buddy and do not snorkel alone. Beaches like Aow Leuk and Shark Bay have blacktip reef sharks. It is safe enough but you can’t afford to panic in the water. You need to be confident and calm!
-Check the marine weather forecast before entering into the water. Though Thailand has good weather conditions throughout the year, there are months of heavy rainfall. It’s better to avoid snorkeling or diving if you’re an acrophobic.
-Never touch the corals and stay close to the reef when you’re snorkeling in Thailand. Beaches such as Marina Bay have been shut for an indefinite period because of the millions of tourists visiting every year.
Recommended Read: Places to Visit in Pattaya With Friends -
What are the basic precautions to be taken care of?
-Snorkeling in Thailand costs low so you can afford to buy good quality Snorkel equipment. Please don’t rent the cheapest equipment!
-Learn how to fit a mask & prevent fogging. You need to get a dry snorkel and fins that fit properly.
-Practice with your gear first. Learn basic snorkeling skills to stay away from hazards.
-After eating, get enough rest and stay hydrated. But say no to alcohol.
-If you feel you are not 100 % fit, have a cold or got sunstroke, please wait until you are healthy again.
-Last, but not the least, always protect your skin with a good sunscreen lotion!
Also you may like Monster Aquarium Pattaya as it is a collection of several rare animals from Thailand and all over the world that lets you come close and interact with them. -
Does snorkeling need training?
Snorkeling in Thailand costs cheaper as compared to popular spots in Europe and the Mediterranean. It doesn't require any certification or tanks & other expensive equipment like diving suits or regulators. The general assumption seems to be that if you can swim and breathe, you can snorkel.
On the other hand, professional Scuba diving needs certification. It allows you to breathe underwater, while snorkeling allows you to breathe while you are on the surface with your face down.
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How deep do you go when snorkeling?
An average depth of around less than 2 meters with 12-15 inch tube in the shallow reefs is considered to be the norm for snorkelers. Deeper reefs can also be explored, but if you want to explore the waters underneath, try getting a scuba certification.
Must Explore: Temples in Bangkok -
Which are Thailand's top attraction tickets that you can book via Thrillophilia?
List of some amazing attraction tickets that you can book via Thrillophilia:
1. Phuket Fantasea Tickets
2. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Tickets
3. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World Tickets
4. Siam Park City Bangkok Tickets
5. Carnival Magic Tickets
6. Madame Tussauds Bangkok Tickets

- 6H
- Bangkok

- Phuket

- 1H
- Phuket

- 1H
- Pattaya
Thailand Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Thailand
About KAAN Show:Relish an epic adventure with the KAAN Show Pattaya and enjoy the one-of-its-kind cinematic and theatrical spectacles. This 75-minute show offers an ultimate fusion of live-action, spectacular stage performances, state-of-the-art technologies and Thai folklore. With more than 600 professionals presenting four fairy tale stories through acrobats, dance, martial arts, and other techniques, you will surely be awe-struck and spell-bound. The show presents a story of a young man named Kaan who after reading a book gets dragged into the book and dropped into another world. The entire storyline of the show moves around Kaan and his sidekick “Gabil Puksa” who indulge in various adventures with diverse characters of ancient literature to return to the real world. The show has extravagantly combined the conventional stage, visual effects, and latest cinematic techniques to give an out of the world experience. The seating arrangement in the KAAN Show Pattaya features four different zones in the theatre, including Ocean Zone, Star Zone, Cloud Zone and Sky Zone. The tickets are available at Standard and VIP prices, which you can book as per your budget and preference. If you want to enjoy the show from up and close, grab a seat in the Ocean Zone. But, if you want to have the best viewing and cinematic experience, book a seat in the Star Zone. You can also book a seat in the Cloud Zone at the standard price right behind the Star Zone or watch the show from the topmost section in the Sky Zone. On your next trip to Pattaya, book your seats for this marvellous show and enjoy an everlasting experience of witnessing the journey of Kaan in the world of Thai mythology and folklore.

Viking Cave is one of the most wonderful places to see in the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh island where the marvels of MotherNature can be looked upon. The cave is located at the bottom of a huge limestone cliff that soars for metres above sea level. The walls of the cave have paintings of ancient Scandinavian Viking ships which gave the cave which was originally named ‘Tham Phaya Nak’ the current name of ‘Viking Cave’. The paintings are believed to be done by pirates who took refuge in the cave during the violent monsoon downpours.Another significant thing about the Viking cave is the swift birds' nests. The cave is home to many swiftler birds and these birds build their nests using their saliva. The birds’ nests are one of the most expensive bird products consumed by humans and the locals can be seen climbing up the Viking Cave to harvest the full nests during the months from February to April.Tourists can spot fragile scaffoldings at the cave’s base that are used by the locals to climb up. There is also an altar at the cave mouth where the local men offer their prayers before harvesting the swiftler birds’ nests. After harvesting the nests, they are sold for hundreds of dollars to find their place in the exotic Chinese delicacy , ‘bird's nest soup’.The cave is located on the north eastern side of the Koh Phi Phi Island, opposite the Maya Bay. The cave can be reached by the longtail boats from the main pier of Phi Phi Le. The journey from the pier to the cave takes about 30 minutes and the views of the island, the waters of the Andaman Ocean, and the greenery clad limestone cliffs are truly enthralling.Entry inside the cave is prohibited for tourists; however these boats take you as close as possible to the cave so that Nature's beautiful creation can be marveled upon.

About Ripley's Believe It or Not Pattaya:Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium is a world-famous family-friendly walk-through tourist attraction that was founded in the United States of America. The museum displays over 300 unique and unusual collections and strikes a delicate balance between the bizarre, disturbing, and beautiful. Everything you see at Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Pattaya will keep challenging your preconceived notions about the world – both the one you know and the one you don't. The museum will wow you with artefacts and people you had no idea existed in our world. And if you exit the gallery questioning whether what you just saw is true, you haven't seen nearly enough of the world. Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a worldwide franchise founded by cartoonist Robert Ripley to showcase unusual and bizarre events.Many of the display’s centre on unusual items that have rendered the museum famous in the first place, such as a human skin mask, a real deformed human head, archaic demonic creatures, and a wax figure of a four-eyed man, among others. Some of the pieces are genuine, while others are reproductions. The displays include odd facts and innovations like a Titanic made of over a million matchsticks and a 1937 Jaguar model that is actually a watercraft. The Infinity Maze, Ripley's 4D Moving Theatre, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, and Tussauds Wax Museum are among the additional attractions at Ripley's Believe It or Not. You might easily spend a full day here and return home with great stories to tell your friends and family.
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