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The tropical waters of the Andaman Sea are ideal for snorkeling
- clear, calm, balmy and bursting with brilliant marine life. Snorkeling
can be done year-round in Phuket, but the best time of year is November-April,
when the sea's at its most placid.
Take care through the May-October low season, when the undertow
can become dangerously strong along the west coast. The warm water
temperature (27-28°C) means that snorkellers don't need to wear
wetsuits, though wearing a t-shirt is advised to prevent sunburn.
At some beaches it is possible to rent snorkeling gear for the
day, though it may not be of great quality. Many shops around the
island sell a range of masks, snorkels and fins.
Some spots to try:
Most Kata's length is soft sand, but the north end of the bay is
rocky with clear water and lots of coral.
At the corner of its south end are some rocks and coral. Quite
shallow so good for kids.
The north side of Patong up through Kalim Bay is rocky and has
a fair bit of coral and fish to look at.
There are quite a few fish to see around the rocks at Surin's south
end, though not much coral. Easy to access from the beach.
This small beach just north of Kamala has a rocky bit at its south
end, offering some decent snorkelling.
The north end of Kamala has a fair-sized coral reef, though it's
not as colourful as it was in the past due to the high boat traffic
in the bay. Not a bad place to snorkel though, if you get tired
of swimming and sunbathing on the beach.
A little beach reached via a dirt road that runs through the car
park of Le
Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club in Nai Harn. Sometimes called
"Jungle Beach". Usually a quiet and peaceful place, with
decent coral outcroppings off its mostly rocky shore. Just one very
inobtrusive resort here, the Baan
Krating.
Ya Nui Beach
A little sandy beach found between Nai Harn and Laem Promthep,
with some fairly good snorkelling. Also a launch point for divers.
Getting busier in recent years and now lined with beach chairs for
rent, but it's still quite relaxed here. There's one small, informal
restaurant with friendly staff - a nice place to stop in for a cool
drink.
Snorkeling around Phuket
The Phi Phi Islands are
an outstanding snorkel destination, with an incredible variety of
tropical fish and bright coral. Join a day tour or arrange a private
boat charter - trips run every day, year round. Closer to Phuket
are the Coral,
Racha, and Khai
Nok islands, each featuring clear waters and abundant marine
life just offshore. A bit further away are the spectacular Similan
Islands. The Similans are world-famous for diving but snorkelling
in this pristine marine wonderland is a fine experience too.
If you do go on a snorkeling excursion, make sure to use the services
of an operator with good safety standards. Also, be advised that
many of the cut-rate tours take people to the most crowded bays
at peak periods - not so enjoyable when all you see in the water
are other snorkellers! Chartering
a boat is a great way to avoid the crowds. Recommended
tours... |
