Best Beaches for Snorkelling in Phuket
117,014 viewsBy Willy Thuan
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Not all beaches in Phuket are good for snorkelling, and the best spots are often the ones furthest from the crowds. The rocky coves and hidden bays on the south and west coast tend to have the clearest water and the most fish. None of these will match the Similan Islands or Coral Island for coral variety, but they are close to shore and easy to reach without booking a boat trip. The best snorkelling is usually at the ends of beaches, where rocks create shelter for marine life. Bring your own gear if you can, as not all beaches have rental shops. Swimming on the west coast can be dangerous during the monsoon season (May to October), so check conditions before going in. The calm months from November to April offer the best visibility, often 10 metres or more. See the full guide to things to do in Phuket for more.
1. Snorkelling on the Islands
The best snorkelling around Phuket is on the nearby islands, where the water is clearer, and the coral is healthier than anything along the main coastline. The Similan Islands are in a league of their own, with hard and soft coral gardens, sea turtles, reef sharks, and visibility that can reach 30 metres. Phi Phi Island has colourful reef fish and the chance to see blacktip sharks in shallow water. Coral Island is the closest option (15 minutes by speedboat from Rawai) and is calm enough for beginners and children. Koh Khai has shallow reefs right off the beach, and Bon Island is even closer, with decent branch coral and a quiet atmosphere. All of these are accessible as day trips from Phuket.
2. Ao Sane Beach
Ao Sane is probably the best shore snorkelling on Phuket itself. The beach is split into three tiny coves separated by rock formations, and both the left and right sides have good underwater terrain. The left side drops off quickly into deeper water where you can spot parrotfish, butterflyfish, and occasional moray eels hiding in the rocks. The right side is shallower and better at high tide, with brain coral and anemones close to the surface. You can rent masks and fins for about 150 Baht at the small dive centre on the beach. The water is calmest in the morning. Best from November to April.
3. Ya Nui Beach
Ya Nui is a tiny cove tucked between the Windmill Viewpoint and Promthep Cape in the far south of Phuket. The rocky left side has colourful reef fish, sea urchins, and small patches of coral growing on the boulders. The real highlight is the swim to Koh Man, the small island about 300 metres offshore. The water between the beach and the island is some of the best snorkelling in Phuket, with healthy coral, clownfish in anemones, and much better visibility than the beach itself. Only attempt the crossing if you are a strong swimmer. Kayaks are available for rent at about 100 Baht per hour if you prefer not to swim.
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4. Merlin Beach
Merlin Beach sits in front of the Marriott Phuket Resort and is one of the few beaches in Phuket with a natural reef right off the shore. The reef runs along the right side and has hard coral formations, small tropical fish, and the occasional sea turtle. The hotel runs a guided snorkelling reef program for guests, but the beach is public. If you are not staying at the hotel, there is a small road on the left side that leads down to the sand. The water is not ideal for regular swimming because of the reef, but that is exactly what makes it good for snorkelling. Morning visits offer the calmest water.
5. Banana Beach
Banana Beach is one of the least known beaches in Phuket, hidden on the northwest coast near the airport. It takes some effort to find, but the reward is clear water and very few people. The beach is about 800 metres long with rocky areas on both ends that shelter small reef fish and colourful coral patches. The southern end tends to have better visibility. A small restaurant on the beach serves basic Thai food, and longtail boats can take you to nearby spots. Bring your own snorkelling gear as there is no rental available.
6. Laem Singh Beach
Laem Singh sits between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach and used to be one of the most popular beaches in Phuket. Access was restricted for several years, but there is now a way to reach it again. The southern headland has excellent snorkelling with large boulders underwater, creating hiding spots for schools of fish. Because the beach sees far fewer visitors than before, the marine life has had time to recover. The water is usually clear and calm during high season. Read here how to access this beach.
7. Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach
The north end of Kata Beach has a rocky area that shelters a good variety of reef fish, including parrotfish, sergeant majors, and the occasional triggerfish. A small island called Koh Poo (Crab Island) sits just off the northern headland and offers even better snorkelling if you hire a longtail boat (around 1,500 Baht per hour) or are a confident swimmer. Kata Noi, the smaller beach just to the south, has rocky areas on both ends with shallow reefs and bright turquoise water. Visibility at Kata Noi is often best around midday. Be aware of longtail boats and jet skis at Kata, especially near the reef areas. Both beaches are only good for snorkelling from November to April. During the monsoon, the waves make it too rough.
8. Naithon Beach
Naithon Beach is on the northwest coast, far from the main tourist areas, which keeps it quiet. The southern end has a rocky area with enough underwater terrain to spot small fish and some coral. It is not the most spectacular snorkelling in Phuket, but the water is usually calm, and the beach is beautiful. Good for a relaxed session if you are already in the area (it is close to the airport and Mai Khao Beach). The northern end is sandier and better for swimming than snorkelling.
9. Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is about 4 km southwest of Patong and is one of the quieter snorkelling spots because it is harder to reach. The easiest way is by longtail boat from the south end of Patong (about 10 minutes, negotiate the price). There is also a steep road down from the hilltop, but you need to be fit to walk back up. Both ends of the beach have rocky areas with reef fish, and the water is noticeably clearer than nearby Patong because there are no jet skis or large boats. The beach is only fully open during high season (November to April), when restaurants and bars set up on the sand.
10. Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is a small double beach about 5 km southwest of Patong, managed by a beach club that charges an entrance fee (usually around 100 Baht). There is a coral reef about 100 metres offshore with brain coral and schools of small fish. The beach faces northeast, which means it can be calm even when the west coast beaches have waves during the monsoon. That makes it one of the few spots that work outside of high season. It does get crowded during peak months, especially in the afternoons when tour groups arrive. Go early for the best experience. Jet skis are not allowed near the beach, which helps keep the water clear.
Map of Phuket Snorkelling Beaches
This story was first published on June 6, 2016
