Best Snorkeling in Thailand

Thailand sits between two bodies of water — the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east — each offering distinctly different snorkeling experiences. The Andaman side delivers world-class visibility, dramatic underwater landscapes, and encounters with manta rays and whale sharks. The Gulf side offers calm, warm waters perfect for beginners, with Koh Tao serving as the cheapest place on Earth to get scuba certified.

We've snorkeled across both coasts over more than a decade of travel, from the pristine coral gardens of the Similan Islands to the family-friendly bays of Koh Lanta, from Richelieu Rock's manta ray encounters to the quiet northern reefs of Koh Phangan. This guide ranks thirteen of the best snorkeling destinations in Thailand by what actually matters: what you'll see, how hard it is to get there, what it costs, and whether it's worth the trip.

Every destination in this guide is a place we've either snorkeled ourselves or have verified through trusted local contacts. Prices, conditions, and practical details were last confirmed in early 2026.

Thai Snorkeling Destinations Compared

Similan Islands — World-Class in Every Way

The Similan Islands are Thailand's crown jewel of underwater scenery. This national park of nine granite islands sits 70 kilometers off the Andaman coast, and the water clarity here is otherworldly — visibility routinely exceeds 30 meters. The coral is dense, healthy, and home to an extraordinary range of marine life including reef sharks, manta rays, and massive schools of barracuda and fusiliers.

The park is open only from November to April, which means the reefs get six months of rest every year. That protection shows — the coral health is among the best in Southeast Asia. Day trips from Khao Lak are the most common way to visit, though liveaboard trips offer the full experience. Budget ฿2,500–5,000 ($70–140) for a day trip including park fees, lunch, and gear.

Koh Tao — Where Everyone Starts

Koh Tao is the most beginner-friendly snorkeling destination in Thailand, and arguably the cheapest place in the world to learn scuba diving. The island's bays — Tanote, Mango, Shark Bay, and Japanese Gardens — offer calm, clear water with healthy coral and abundant fish, all accessible from shore or by short longtail boat ride.

Japanese Gardens is the standout snorkeling spot — a shallow reef with staghorn coral, clownfish, and the occasional blue-spotted ray. Shark Bay lives up to its name with blacktip reef sharks in the shallows. Most bays are free to enter, though some charge ฿100–200 for national park fees. Gear rental runs ฿300 ($9) per day at shops all over the island.

Phi Phi Islands — The Iconic Backdrop

The Phi Phi Islands offer snorkeling wrapped in some of the most dramatic scenery in Southeast Asia. Towering limestone karsts, Maya Bay (now recovering beautifully after its 2018 closure), and clear turquoise water make every trip feel cinematic. The snorkeling at Pileh Lagoon, Shark Point, and around Bamboo Island ranges from good to excellent depending on conditions.

Day trips from Phuket or Krabi are the most common approach, running ฿1,500–3,500 ($42–100) depending on the boat type and group size. Staying on Phi Phi Don gives you access to quieter morning sessions before the day-trip boats arrive.

Richelieu Rock — Manta Rays and Whale Sharks

Richelieu Rock is Thailand's most famous dive site and the best place in the country to see manta rays. This horseshoe-shaped pinnacle rises from the Andaman Sea floor and attracts an extraordinary concentration of marine life — whale sharks visit from February to May, and manta rays are seen regularly throughout the season.

This is primarily a diving destination accessed by liveaboard from Khao Lak or the Surin Islands, but experienced snorkelers can see plenty from the surface when conditions are right. Budget ฿4,000–8,000 ($115–230) for a day trip or liveaboard segment that includes Richelieu Rock.

Surin Islands — Pristine and Cultural

The Surin Islands offer some of the best shallow-water snorkeling in Thailand, with coral starting just below the surface in gin-clear water. What makes Surin unique is the Moken — Thailand's sea gypsy community — who have lived among these islands for generations. Visiting their village is a humbling cultural experience that adds depth to the natural beauty.

Like the Similans, Surin is only open November to April. Day trips run from Khao Lak, or you can camp on the island with national park accommodation. Budget ฿2,000–4,500 ($57–130) for a full day trip.

Koh Lipe — The Maldives of Thailand

Koh Lipe sits in the far south of the Andaman Sea, close to the Malaysian border, and the water here is stunning. The island has earned its "Maldives of Thailand" nickname — turquoise water, white sand, and coral reefs accessible directly from the beach. Sunrise Beach and Koh Adang's reefs are the top snorkeling spots.

Getting there requires more effort than most Thai islands (speedboat from Pak Bara or seasonal ferries from Langkawi), but the effort pays off. Shore snorkeling is free, and boat trips to outer reefs run ฿500–2,000 ($14–57).

Koh Samui / Ang Thong Marine Park — Island Hopping Paradise

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a stunning archipelago of 42 islands visible from Koh Samui's west coast. The day trip combines snorkeling over shallow reefs with kayaking through emerald lagoons and hiking to panoramic viewpoints. The snorkeling itself is moderate — good fish life, decent coral — but the overall experience of the park is extraordinary.

Day trips from Koh Samui run ฿1,500–3,500 ($42–100) including park fees, lunch, kayaking, and snorkeling stops. The park is closed during monsoon season (November–December most years).

Sail Rock — The Chimney

Sail Rock is a granite pinnacle rising from the gulf between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and it's home to one of Thailand's most unique underwater features — a vertical chimney you can swim through from 18 meters up to 5 meters. The rock is surrounded by massive schools of chevron barracuda, batfish, and the occasional whale shark during season.

This is an advanced snorkeling and diving site accessed by boat from Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. Budget ฿2,500–4,000 ($70–115) for a day trip.

Koh Chang — The Eastern Alternative

Koh Chang sits in the eastern Gulf near the Cambodian border and offers a quieter, more affordable alternative to the southern islands. The snorkeling around Koh Rang and Koh Wai — small islands in the marine park south of Koh Chang — features healthy coral and good fish diversity. Visibility isn't Andaman-level, but the lack of crowds and lower prices make up for it.

Day trips to the outer islands run ฿500–2,000 ($14–57). Koh Chang is easily reached from Bangkok by bus and ferry (5–6 hours total).

What Snorkeling Gear to Bring to Thailand

You can rent snorkeling gear at virtually every beach destination in Thailand for ฿200–500 ($6–14) per day. The quality varies from excellent (dive shop rentals) to questionable (beach shack with fogged-up masks). Here's what to bring versus what to rent:

Bring your own:

• Mask — The single most important piece. A properly fitting mask that doesn't leak makes or breaks the experience. Worth the luggage space every time.
• Reef-safe sunscreen — Non-negotiable. Thai marine parks are increasingly enforcing reef-safe sunscreen rules. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas.
• Rash guard — Sun protection and jellyfish defense in one. Wear it instead of applying sunscreen to your torso.

Rent locally:

• Fins — Bulky to pack. Rental fins are usually adequate. Full-foot fins at dive shops, open-heel at beach rentals.
• Snorkel — A basic snorkel is fine for most Thai conditions. Dry-top snorkels are available at better shops.
• Life vest — Required at many national park sites. Always available to rent or borrow.