Top 10 Best Islands in Thailand for Snorkeling and Diving

Rowan (Guinness Bear) 8 min read

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Thailand is renowned for its beautiful coastlines, clean seawater, and abundant aquatic biodiversity. It is an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving lovers. The Andaman Sea and also the Gulf of Thailand are home to many islands, providing limitless possibilities for underwater exploration. Thailand's snorkeling and diving opportunities provide an everlasting encounter with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and captivating aquatic animals.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert diver, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. Choosing the appropriate island significantly increases your experience of exploring underwater. Let us explore the extraordinary splendor of these islands as we travel through the vibrant marine ecosystem, sparkling seas, and amazing underwater landscapes. 

Discover Thailand's Best Islands for Snorkeling and Diving

Thailand's islands are a treasure trove for underwater enthusiasts. From the vibrant coral gardens of Koh Tao to the stunning underwater caves in Koh Lipe, each destination offers unique experiences for snorkelers and divers. Whether you're exploring the Similan Islands’ world-famous dive sites or encountering blacktip reef sharks at Koh Kradan, Thailand's marine ecosystems are unparalleled. Beginners can enjoy the calm waters of Koh Pha Ngan, while seasoned divers can take on challenging spots like Hin Muang near Koh Lanta. With warm waters, diverse marine life, and breathtaking landscapes, Thailand promises unforgettable aquatic adventures.

#10 Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan is one of the best places to go for snorkeling and diving.  It is located between Ko Samui and Ko Tao, two other Gulf Coast islands. The meaning of the island is sandbars all around it. The name comes from "ngan," which means "sand bar." This means that it is hard to see what is below the water around Koh Phangan, Thailand.  

The islands and shallow water around Ko Pha Ngan are great for people who have never snorkeled. The island is also a good choice if you want to learn how to scuba dive. This makes many diving and snorkeling spots, such as Sail Rock and Ang Thong Marine Park, accessible. The best and most recommended time to visit Koh Pha Ngan is from December to March.

#9 Koh Karadan

Koh Kradan is a small and peaceful island located southeast of Koh Lanta. It is beautiful because of its clear water. This island is 230sqm in Hat Chao Mai National Park. The reef here is virtually undiscovered by visitors. This is one of the least crowded islands in Thailand, and a lot of greenery will make you feel completely alone. There is great snorkeling off the beach, where you can see lots of sea life and coral.

In Paradise Reef's shallow water, you can find bright clownfish, parrotfish, and other tropical fish. Go to Koh Waen for a more difficult dive and see the beautiful blacktip reef, stingrays, and sharks. Koh Kradan is a secret gem for snorkelers and dives in Thailand. The best time to enjoy diving is from November to April.

#8 Koh Chang

Koh Chang is one of the largest and most stunning islands in Thailand. It is close to the border with Cambodia and has a lot of different swimming and diving spots. Hin Luk Bat is the must-see spot where the colorful coral reefs are. The coral reefs are visible at a depth of 5 to 25 meters. 

The Koh Rang National Marine Park can also be visited to see the beautiful leopard sharks. Another spot is Bang Bao Bay, where you can look around an underwater town with brightly colored houses and sea life for an unforgettable trip. Koh Chang has a lot of different sea life and beautiful underwater scenery that will amaze both new and expert dives. The best time for diving in Chang is from November to April.

#7 Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is in the southern part of Krabi. It is a national park that is 150 square kilometers big and has many beautiful islands surrounded by coral reefs. It's preferable to go scuba diving between October and April.

The best and most well-known places to dive near Koh Lanta are Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Hin Daeng is called "Red Rock" because it has a lot of soft red coral. Similarly, Hin Muang, known as Purple Rock, has beautiful purple coral. Divers can look at huge groups of fish and other animals or explore the seabed, caves, and steep reefs.

#6 Phuket

Phuket is the biggest and most visited island in Thailand. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and top-notch diving spots. This island is 48 km in length and 21 km in width. It is a great place for new and experienced divers because there are over 30 dive spots.

Racha Yai is the main spot to see the colorful coral reefs, and Shark Point to see the beautiful leopard sharks. King Cruiser Wreck is for a unique adventure spot. It is an underground shipwreck full of sea life. As you can see, this island is a popular spot for snorkelers and divers. The best time for diving in Phuket is from November to April.

#5 Surin Island

Koh Surin is a group of five Andaman Sea islands famous for their beautiful beaches and coral reefs. It is a great place to go swimming or diving. Richelieu Rock has beautiful coral gardens. This island has a 54.54 sq mi area. There are many great bays for snorkeling on the Surin Islands, but Ao Mae Yai Bay on Koh Surin Nuea is one of the most famous.

You can see many sea creatures, such as barracuda, whale sharks, and manta rays.  Many sea life lives in the beautiful coral, including the clownfish. For people who love swimming or diving, Koh Surin is a must-see because of its beautiful underwater scenery and wide range of sea life. You can swim with sea turtles and look at the beautiful coral reefs. From November to April, people can visit the Surin Islands.

#4 Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is in southern Thailand and is close to Malaysia's border. It is known for its beautiful blue seas and white sand beaches. This island is called the "Little Maldives" because it has beautiful nature. It is in the middle of Tarutao National Park, Asia's longest protected ocean park.

It is a great place for snorkelers and divers, with more than 25 dive spots to discover. You can see corals with lots of different colors. At 8 Mile Rock, you can swim with groups of barracuda. To do something different, go to Koh Adang and look around in the underground caves and tunnels. Koh Lipe is a secret gem for swimming and diving in Thailand. It has a calm mood and a lot of different kinds of sea life. The best time to dive in Koh Lipe is from November to April. This period avoids the monsoon rains and provides clearer waters and better visibility for underwater activities.

#3 Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi may have some of the best snorkeling spots in southern Thailand. It is located 40-45 km away from Phuket Island. This island consists of a group of islands. One is Koh Phi Phi Don and the other is Koh Phi Phi Leh. The biggest island is Koh Phi Phi Don, which is known for having a lively vibe. Koh Phi Phi Leh is smaller but just as beautiful, with its tall limestone rocks and secret lakes. Shark Point, Maya Bay, and Palong Wall are just a few swimming and diving spots on both islands.

The island is known for having some of the most stunning landscapes, clear water, and different coral reef systems, which let you see tremendous, beautiful views. The best time for diving is between January and April.

#2 Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a renowned diving destination in Thailand's southern region. This island is also known as “Turtle Island.” The island measures 28.6 kilometers in shoreline length. This island has various underwater bodies, including colorful coral reefs, turtles, sharks, and barracuda. A total of 25 dive sites are available on Koh Tao Island, making it an excellent place for divers of all levels. 

The tranquil water around the island makes it an ideal location for beginners to acquire proficiency in snorkeling and scuba diving. It is one of Southeast Asia's most significant locations for diving certification, attracting numerous diving schools and enthusiasts from around the world. The best time to enjoy diving in Koh Tao is from March to September, particularly peaking in May and June when visibility is at its highest. This period allows divers to experience abundant marine life, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.

#1 Similan Island

Similan Islands are in the northwest of Phuket. There are nine small islands in the Similan. About 10 of the best places to dive in the world are here. The best time to visit is from November to April, with peak conditions typically occurring between February and April when visibility can reach up to 40 meters. Every year, thousands of tourists come to this group of islands because of its blue waters, white beaches, and beautiful scenery.

The islands have some of the world's most beautiful, untouched beaches. They are also home to many marine life and amazing coral reefs, making the water a deep-sea diver's dream. You might even see whales and leopard sharks while you dive. The Similan Islands are a must-see for anyone who likes diving or swimming because they have beautiful underwater scenery and lots of sea life.

🐻 Top 10 Recap: Top 10 Islands for Snorkeling and Diving in Thailand

Now, let's delve into the depths of these beautiful islands. Every island has its charm; hence, let us examine the factors that make them perfect havens for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Here is the list of the top 10 best destinations for snorkeling and diving in Thailand:

🐻 Conclusion: Dive Into the Heart of Thailand’s Underwater Paradise

The islands of Thailand are a great place for both snorkelers and divers. These islands offer some of the best diving activities in the world, thanks to their beautiful scenery, wide range of sea life, and one-of-a-kind experiences. From the serene shores of Koh Kradan to the adventurous depths of the Similan Islands, each locale leaves a lasting impression.

If you want to go swimming or diving, the islands and beaches of Thailand should be on your list. It doesn't matter how much experience you have. So, get your bags ready and get ready to discover the wonderful underwater world of Thailand's islands! Have fun diving!

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