Best Beaches for Snorkeling Phuket: The Underwater World of the Andaman Sea

Discover the Best Beaches for Snorkeling Phuket Thailand

Phuket and the surrounding islands of the Andaman are renowned for snorkelling beaches and tropical escapes and escapades!

Head to Phuket’s beaches – and there are many – for aquatic adventures. Get ready for some tropical fun in the sun and seascape explorations that will leave you thrilled and exhilarated!

The Andaman Islands – around 155 of them – are internationally known for their stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. Some are well-known tourist destinations such as Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, and Racha Islands, while others remain relatively undiscovered and less frequented by tourists.

Phuket Snorkeling Spots for Snorkeling Enthusiasts

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner eager to explore the underwater world, Phuket and the surrounding islands offer some of the best snorkeling spots in the Andaman Sea. There are many beaches, particularly on the south end of the island and along the west coast. From the crowded beaches to the more hidden and less accessible ones – the famous Patong Beach, popular Nai Harn, and the lesser-known gems like Ao Sane Beach.

There’s a perfect beach for snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun on a sun lounger, waiting for you.

At the southern part of the island you’ll find Rawai Beach, with a stretch of longtail boats ready to take you to the nearby islands for some snorkeling adventures.

Laem Ka Beach in Rawai is a small, tranquil spot and hidden gem, ideal for a peaceful retreat, offering natural, rocky surroundings perfect for light snorkeling.

Yanui Beach is a tranquil cove tucked away near the Windmill Viewpoint, with some of the best snorkeling opportunities off the beach. It is also the only beach offering direct access to the Yanui snorkeling spot on Koh Man. You can kayak there; the stretch of sea is about 300m between the two.

Nai Harn Beach offers a stunning setting for swimming, a touch of snorkeling, and breathtaking sunset views, complemented by a relaxed yet vibey atmosphere and convenient access to eateries and amenities.

A more hidden beach in the area is Ao Sane Beach, accessible via a pathway from Nai Harn Beach via the up-market Nai Harn Resort. The rugged beauty of the granite boulders creates a unique snorkeling environment, especially towards the right along the line of rocks.

Popular Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach, are both fabulous beach locations, with white sands and deep blue waters. Snorkel about at Kata Beach, by the rocks towards the southern end.

Karon Beach is a long stretch of beach, about 4 kilometers long, with calm, clear waters. Snorkeling is possible at the rocky reef at the north end of the beach.

Access Freedom Beach by boat or a brisk hike into the coastal greenery from the road – it’s worth the effort! Freedom Beach offers a secluded beach experience. Enjoy snorkelling off this low-key white sand beach, where you can also relax under umbrellas and savor local beachside dining.

Merlin Beach is primarily associated with the Merlin Beach Resort. It’s situated between Patong Beach to the north and close to Freedom Beach to the south. Here, at Merlin Snorkel Beach, as it is known, you will get to see a huge range of fish and crabs in just ankle-deep water. The beach is accessible to the public down a side alleyway.

Paradise Beach and Rock Viewpoint lives up to its name with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Located at the Patong Beach Cape Point, south of the main Patong Beach, a secluded spot offering excellent snorkeling conditions off the beach.

Patong Beach, while primarily known for its nightlife, the northern end of this vast beach offers some snorkeling, especially around the rocky areas where marine life can be found. Head out early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The beach’s lively atmosphere extends into the bustling streets behind.

Both Patong Beach and Kata Beach are known as meccas for water sports enthusiasts. Diving, surfing (mainly Kata Beach, especially during the monsoon/low season), jet skis, parasailing, SUPs, and more.

While Kamala Beach is not known as a snorkeling spot, it is a preferred choice for leisurely beach days and family outings. It is quieter than other Phuket beaches and is perfect for beach massages and lazy lunches.

Follow the west coast road, north, and you will experience the Laem Singh Beach lookout point, where you will see the beautiful beach scene in the distance. Accessible by boat ride from the southern end of Surin Beach, or via a steep path. Laem Singh Beach is a picturesque spot with calm, clear waters and interesting snorkeling prospects.

Popular Surin Beach has scenic, rocky areas on either end of the beach. Surin Beach is known for its white sand and turquoise waters, providing a stunning backdrop for snorkeling.

Further up the west coast past Bang Tao and Layan Beaches, towards Naithon Beach, you’ll find a secret beach called Banana Beach. It is a small, tranquil beach hideaway in unspoiled surroundings, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other low-key activities like shallow snorkeling off the beach. It’s a walk through the jungle from the road, but the path is pretty easy, and a dip in the sea on arrival will refresh you in no time.

Naithon Beach is another great beach, tree-lined and good for swimming, and another good spot for casual snorkeling along Phuket’s west coast, especially along the south end by the boulders. While you are there, at the end of the day, enjoy the sunset in all its glory, sipping on a cocktail or fresh coconut!

The west coast beaches in Phuket are the perfect location for an unforgettable sunset extravaganzas.

With so many beaches to choose from in Phuket, and with the water being so clear and inviting, you are truly spoilt for choice. These beaches particularly offer varying underwater landscapes and marine habitats, making them ideal for snorkeling and enjoying the scintillating shores of Phuket during your stay.

Enjoy Snorkeling the Nearby Islands and Those Further A-Sea

Make a day of your snorkeling adventures with an island hopping trip by private boat charter with Fun Seekers day tours.

Just a short boat ride from Phuket, Coral Island, ‘Koh Hae’ in Thai, is popular among visitors for day trips and snorkeling excursions due to its accessibility and excellent water visibility. Coral Island is so named for the vibrant coral reefs that surround its shores. The island boasts a variety of coral formations, soft coral, and hard corals such as brain coral and staghorn coral, and a variety of colorful fish. The snorkeling spots around Coral Island are perfect for beginners and families looking to enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, and pure enjoyment.

For an enchanting snorkeling adventure, head to the Racha Islands. The waters around the islands are incredibly clear and can include exploring the deeper areas around Siam Bay and the rocky reefs at Patok Bay, where diverse marine life and more complex coral structures can be found. It’s a perfect destination for a day trip from Phuket, by yacht or speed boat.

For exceptional snorkeling experiences, venture to the islands further out. The Similan Islands, a National Park, are snorkeling heaven, and a day trip by speedboat is a must for all snorkeling enthusiasts. Widely known for its stunning rock formations and special snorkeling and diving sites, with rich marine biodiversity, these islands offer some of the best snorkeling in the region.

The islands off Phuket offer the best snorkelling and a chance encounter to meet sea turtles, dolphins, and an array of colorful reef fish like the parrot fish, butterfly and clown, to name a few, as well as many crab species, larger fish and other marine animals.

As the sun sets on your Phuket snorkeling adventures, let the allure of these tropical waters inspire your next escape to paradise.

Choose your island hopping destination and Fun Seekers will take you there – for an absolutely unforgettable private day charter across the Andaman Sea! Steer clear of the crowds during peak season, with opportunities to find the quieter places and hidden spaces with a personalized and fulfilling day itinerary. All our private charters are equipped with snorkeling gear and other equipment and amenities for your convenience and enjoyment, ensuring a memorable and comfortable experience.