Best Snorkeling Beaches in Phuket:
- The Islands: Similan, Phi Phi, Coral, Koh Khai, and Bon Island .
- Ao Sane Beach
- Merlin Beach
- Ya Nui Beach
- Banana Beach
- Laem Singh Beach
- Naithon Beach
- Kata Beach
- Freedom Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Laem Ka Beach
Where Can I Go Snorkeling in Phuket?
Where are Phuket’s best snorkeling beaches? Not all of the beaches here are good for admiring marine life, and since we are often asked which are the best, we have included a list of beaches with beautiful rocky regions. None will ever be as gorgeous as Coral Island or the Similan Islands, but they will have enough aquatic life to keep you entertained. The nicest beaches are frequently the most isolated and secret ones, away from boats and swimmers.
As a caution, you should be aware that swimming on the west coast might be risky during the low season. It’s also a good idea to carry your snorkeling equipment since not all beaches will rent it to you. On the Phuket Map, you can see all of the snorkeling beaches.
Table
1. Snorkelling in the Islands
The greatest snorkeling is definitely on adjacent islands. All you have to do is stick your head in the water and watch the spectacle. The greatest we’ve seen so far was the famed Similan Islands, although Phi Phi Island, Coral Island, Koh Khai nearby, and Bon Island even closer may provide a terrific time.
2. Ao Sane Beach
The modest Ao Sane Beach is split into three smaller bays by rock formations and is suitable for underwater exploration. There is also a little restaurant on the beach, as well as a diving center where you can hire snorkeling equipment for 150 Baht per day.
✩ Snorkeling: great
✩ Beach condition: not very sandy
✩ Facilities: restaurant, diving, and bungalows.
3. Merlin Beach
This little-known beach, situated in front of the Marriott Phuket Resort Merlin Beach, is the only one with a natural reef. If you are a hotel guest, you can make use of the hotel’s snorkeling reef program, but if you are a tourist, there is a little road on the left of the hotel that will take you to that beach. On this beach, you may also encounter marine turtles.
✩ Snorkeling: great
✩ Beach condition: good but not excellent for swimming, just snorkeling
✩ Facilities: massage and nice restaurant nearby
4. Ya Nui Beach
Ya Nui is a modest beach with the attractions of a small beach, hidden in a cove between the Windmill Viewpoint and the famed Promthep Cape in Phuket Island’s extreme south. Coming from Nai Harn Beach, you’d drive past, keeping your attention on the bends, and miss it if it weren’t for the number of automobiles parked along this hollow’s road.
✩ Snorkeling: good
✩ Beach condition: good but small beach
✩ Facilities: restaurants, bars, and chairs.
5. Banana Beach
This hidden beach is one of the least recognized in Phuket, and finding it requires some work, but you will be rewarded with the satisfaction of having seen a secret beach with incredibly clean seas. It is only 800 meters long and is located near Phuket Airport.
✩ Snorkeling: good
✩ Beach condition: great hidden beach
✩ Facilities: restaurant and longtail
6. Laem Singh Beach
Laem Singh Beach has been partially reopened to the public — find out how to get there here.
Laem Singh, which is situated between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach, used to be a popular and well-known beach. Access was restricted in recent years, and Laem Singh became and remains a desolate beach. But if you know how there is still a simple method to get there!
✩ Snorkeling: great
✩ Beach condition: a beautiful beach with no one on it!
✩ Facilities: only one restaurant left
7. Naithon Beach
Naithon Beach is one of these lesser-known beaches on Phuket’s west coast, owing to its remote location. Again, the southern end is favorable to marine life.
✩ Snorkeling: acceptable
✩ Beach condition: great beach
✩ Facilities: restaurants, massage, and chairs
8. Kata Beach (and Kata Noi Beach)
The north end of Kata Beach is rocky enough to protect a variety of marine life. The beach is beautiful and easily accessible.
✩ Snorkeling: good
✩ Beach condition: great beach
✩ Facilities: chairs, restaurants, massage
9. Freedom Beach
It’s not an easy beach to get to. The most convenient method is via longtail boat from Patong’s south end, however, it is pricey, and the beach is only available during peak season. There is now a road, but you must be physically fit to go down and up the hill that leads to the beach. Restaurants and bars are only available during the busy season.
✩ Snorkeling: good
✩ Beach condition: great beach in high season
✩ Facilities: restaurants, chairs, and massage
10. Paradise Beach
Despite its opulent name, Paradise Beach may be underwhelming during periods of the year, particularly during high season when it becomes overcrowded. At times, it’s a lovely small double beach with lots of rocks to explore.
✩ Snorkeling: good
✩ Beach condition: beautiful beach but paying fee
✩ Facilities: restaurants, bars, massage, chairs
11. Laem Ka Beach
Please keep in mind that Laem Ka Beach is now closed to the public.
Laem Ka Beach, in the extreme south of Phuket near Rawai, is a hidden treasure that only those in the know may discover. It’s a nice spot to explore since it has a lot of rock formations and quiet water.
✩ Snorkeling: good
✩ Beach condition: hidden small beach
✩ Facilities: chairs and basic food and drinks
