Snorkeling in Phuket

The sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea offer a cornucopia of water sports and activities, to the delight of thousands of visitors. Phuket’s beaches will typically sport everything from jetski tours, paddleboarding outings, and even parasailing and paragliding experiences.

But as soon as you leave the sands of places like Patong Beach behind, you’ll encounter a different world entirely. Here you’ll find an underwater paradise, brimming with marine life clustering around coral reefs — a vibrant kaleidoscope just waiting to be explored during a snorkeling tour in Phuket.

Here's all you need to know about snorkeling tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Phuket.

What are the best snorkeling tours in Phuket?

Deciding on the best snorkeling tour from Phuket can be complicated because of the sheer number of trips available.

The main thing to remember is that the destination of the snorkeling tour will have a massive impact on the overall trip experience — with the more distant snorkeling destinations attracting fewer travelers, but costing more money.

Phuket full-day snorkeling tour to the Similan Islands

The Similan Islands is an archipelago in the Andaman Sea northwest of Phuket on the maritime border between India and Thailand. The island group consists of 11 islands, out of which only three are allowed to accommodate visitors — helping to protect the majority of the island chain as a natural park.

While this may cause seasonal crowds to gather on the accessible islands, the surrounding waters are largely unaffected, making them perfect for snorkeling tours. Your day trip will start with a pickup service that will take you to the harbor. From here you’ll head west, traveling into waters that receive fewer visitors than the areas south or east of Phuket.

Once you arrive at the islands, you’ll explore the first snorkeling spot, or swim ashore to hike to Sail-Rock for an unforgettable view. Then it’s on the next spot, famous for its clownfish population as well as several sea turtles that reside there. Finally, it’s on to the last snorkeling spot, a sheltered cove with a pristine beach that’s perfect for sunbathing, before heading back to the mainland.

Surin Islands full-day snorkeling tour from Phuket

The pristine Surin Islands are further away from Phuket than the Similan Islands, meaning even fewer tours choose these immaculate waters as their main destination. Couple this with the fact that northern Surin Island is a national park surrounded by a marine reserve and you have waters teeming with life.

Forget clownfish and the odd sea turtle, here you may encounter whale sharks, manta rays and pods of dolphins. The journey to Surin is a bit longer, but it starts in comfort with pickup from your hotel. Next, you’ll board a speed boat, skipping your way across the placid waters of the Indian Ocean to the distant shores of Surin Island.

The islands will be your home for the rest of the day and, apart from unforgettable underwater expeditions, you’ll also meet the fascinating Moken people. These indigenous people have called the islands home for generations, and you’ll learn more about their culture and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. After an unforgettable day in one of Thailand’s most remote regions, you’ll head back to shore with a head full of memories.

Full-day snorkeling tour to Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay from Phuket

The Phi Phi Island group is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations — and its central location between Phuket and Krabi means that it attracts visitors from both southern Thailand’s most frequented resort towns.

The islands share the iconic geology that make Phang Nga Bay famous and the myriad of limestone karsts creates secluded bays and coves — making them a haven for underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba-diving.

Your trip to these famous islands starts with pickup service from your hotel that will take you to your boat. After a 1-hour boat cruise, you’ll arrive at Phi Phi Islands, where you’ll laze your way between the islands — while snorkeling through several underwater landscapes.

After a comprehensive subaquatic exploration, you’ll head to Maya Bay, where you will relax and enjoy lunch, before taking to water one last time. After your final underwater foray, it's back aboard for your return trip to Phuket.

Full-day snorkeling tour to Khai islands from Phuket

A snorkeling tour to the Khai Islands is one of the most affordable outings for travelers who want to explore Thailand’s treasures of the deep. The Khai Islands are located to the east of Phuket and just off the shore of Yai Yao island, making it easily reachable from both.

Unfortunately, this also means that crowded beaches can be expected, especially during Thailand’s peak tourist season. This also impacts the snorkeling tours from Phuket, with trips to the Khai Islands marketed to larger group outings at lower costs. But once submerged, all these worries will fade away while you explore magnificent corals and waters teeming with life.

This tour will visit three of the Khai Islands, first traveling to Khai Nok, then Khai Nu and finally to Khai Nai. This will also help your tour group avoid crowded bays and beaches as your guide navigates your group to lesser-known spots.

Private snorkeling day trip from Phuket

If you don’t want to worry about avoiding crowds or competing with other snorkelers for the best spots, you should consider a private snorkeling tour. These outings may be more expensive, but your group will be the only people on the day trip — making them an ideal day out for families, groups of friends or a couple in search of some secluded waters.

After pickup from your hotel in Phuket, you’ll take a speed boat to the famous Phi Phi islands. On the way, your guide will share the itinerary with you, telling you more about the snorkeling spots and what to expect. This will also allow you to choose a different destination if a spot is too crowded — providing the type of customization that’s only available with a private tour.

Throughout your day out, you’ll explore all that the Phi Phi islands have to offer, snorkeling the crystal clear waters and lounging on the beaches. After your perfect day out, you’ll head back to shore for the comforts of your hotel.

How much do snorkeling tours in Phuket cost?

Snorkeling tours in Phuket vary from US$50 per person to US$1500 for a group, depending on the destination and type of excursion.

A full-day snorkeling tour to Khai islands from Phuket will cost US$40 per person, making it the least expensive option. However, the Khai Islands are quite popular, so you may expect large numbers of travelers.

A Phuket full-day snorkeling tour to the Similan Islands will cost US$85 per person, treading a fine balance between price and experience.

A full-day snorkeling tour to Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay from Phuket costs about US$90 per person — a fair price for a day out in the magnificent Phi Phi islands.

Surin Islands full-day snorkeling tours from Phuket will cost around US$100 — and for this price you’ll visit one of Thailand’s most secluded islands, encountering unrivaled underwater vistas.

A private snorkeling day trip from Phuket will cost US$1500 for a group of up to six people. For this price, you’ll have a greater say in your tour itinerary, as well as the comfort of being the only people on the tour.

What is included?

Snorkeling tours from Phuket will typically include a pickup and drop-off service, provided that your hotel is located in one of the island’s major towns.

All of the equipment needed, such as snorkeling gear and flippers, will be provided, as well as transport to and from the snorkeling spots. Breakfast and lunch are also typically included, but this depends on the duration of the snorkeling expedition.

Where does it start?

As these types of excursions usually incorporate a transport service, you’ll enjoy the comfort of having the tour start from your hotel lobby.

In the rare cases that a pickup service is not available, you’ll need to travel to the harbor or pier that services the main destination.

How long does it last?

The duration of a snorkeling trip in Phuket depends on the tour in question, as well as the number of diving locations visited. As a rule, these outings tend to be between 7 and 10 hours long, providing plenty of bang for your buck.

When is the best time for a snorkeling tour in Phuket?

November to April is the high-tourist season in Phuket, known as the dry season. During this period, the Andaman Sea is calm, offering clear visibility and the best conditions for snorkeling.

From May to October, Phuket experiences its monsoon season. This results in rougher seas, especially from June to September. While some snorkeling tours still operate during these months, they might be limited to more sheltered areas, and the visibility can be reduced due to rains and winds. Moreover, some offshore islands and snorkeling spots may be inaccessible due to rough sea conditions.

Which other water activities can be done in Phuket?

• Boat Tours in Phuket
• Jet Boat in Phuket
• Canoeing in Phuket
• Rafting in Phuket
• Kayaking in Phuket
• Scuba diving in Phuket
• Jet Ski in Phuket
• Surf Lessons in Phuket
• Stand up paddleboarding in Phuket
• Dolphin Watching in Phuket

Is it safe?

Yes, snorkeling in Phuket is safe. However, like with any water activities, you should take the necessary safety precautions. Make sure you're well-rested and stay hydrated during your trip to avoid heat exhaustion. Wear sunscreen and proper attire to protect yourself from heatstroke.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children 3 years and above are welcome to join snorkeling tours in Phuket. More important than age is swimming ability. As long as they're strong swimmers and are accompanied by an adult, children of all ages can participate.

What happens in case of bad weather?

In case of bad weather, your snorkeling tour will be cancelled and you'll have the option to either reschedule the tour for another date or receive a full refund.

Travel tips

• Check Seasons for Marine Life. While marine life is abundant year-round, specific species might be more prevalent during certain times. For example, whale sharks are typically spotted between February and May.
• Water Temperature. The Andaman Sea remains relatively warm throughout the year, ranging from 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F), so no need to worry about a wetsuit.
• Protect Valuables. Use waterproof bags for valuables or leave them securely on the boat.