Best Beaches in Phuket for Snorkeling — Where to See the Brightest Fish

Introduction: Why Phuket is a Snorkeling Paradise

Want to see colorful fish and corals but not take a boat trip? Phuket has stunning snorkeling spots right from the shore!

🔹 Why try it:

• Budget-friendly — no expensive tour required
• Easy — suitable even for beginners
• Impressive — vibrant tropical fish in their natural habitat

Ao Sane Beach

📍 Location: near Nai Harn

🚤 Conditions: 3 small coves with corals

💰 Cost: free (mask rental — 100 THB)

Why choose it:

✅ Best shore snorkeling — parrotfish, sea urchins

✅ Few people — quiet and cozy

✅ Natural shade — palm trees by the water

Tip: come in the morning — the water gets murkier after lunch.

Racha Island

📍 Location: 25 km from Phuket

🚤 How to get there: speedboat (1200 THB round trip)

🐠 Highlights: turtles, rays, coral gardens

Pros & Cons:

Lifehack: choose a tour with a stop on the west coast — more fish there.

Yanui Beach

📍 Location: south of Phuket

🐡 What you’ll see: clownfish, coral reefs

Infrastructure:

• Equipment rental (150 THB/day)
• Café with sea view
• Toilets

Note: the best snorkeling spot is by the rocky cape on the right.

Coral Island

📍 Location: 15 minutes from Chalong

💰 Tour: from 1500 THB (lunch included)

What’s unique:

• Glass kayaks
• Underwater rocks with corals
• Blue surgeonfish sightings

Snorkeling Lifehacks

• Go in the morning (8:00–11:00) in the dry season — November to April, when the sea is calm and clear.
• Bring your own mask — rental ones often fog up and obstruct your view.
• Water shoes will protect your feet from sea urchins and sharp rocks.
• A waterproof phone case is handy for taking bright underwater photos.

FAQ

❓ Do I need a guide for snorkeling?  

No, if you choose shore spots like Ao Sane or Yanui. For deeper snorkeling or boat trips, a guided tour is safer and more interesting.

❓ Is it dangerous to swim with fish?  

No, but avoid touching sea urchins and corals.

❓ When is the best time for snorkeling?  

November to April, during Phuket’s dry season. The water is especially clear with almost no waves, and visibility is excellent.

Conclusion

Phuket offers plenty of snorkeling spots. Choose according to your budget and experience!

🔹 Want an apartment near the best snorkeling beaches? Check our listings →