8 Best Snorkelling Beaches in Phuket

Ao Sane is a 200-metre-long beach next to Nai Harn Beach in the south part of Phuket. It has 2 distinct snorkelling areas – one is a sharp drop off into deeper waters populated by parrotfish, clownfish, and eels. 

Another prominent snorkelling area in Ao Sane is to the right of a beach restaurant. It's only accessible at high tide as the coral is close to the surface. The waters surrounding the beach are clear and safe year-round. 

Kata Noi Beach is one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. The sea here is bright turquoise, especially at the rocky promontories at both ends of the 850-metre beach. 

The best time to snorkel is around midday when the beach, especially at its northern part, enjoys the highest water visibility. During the low season (May to October), Kata Noi Beach becomes quite a popular spot for surfers. 

Paradise Beach lies around 5 km southwest of Patong, with a coral reef about 100 metres offshore. This 150-metre sheltered beach is managed by Paradise Beach Phuket Club, which offers snorkelling, kayaking, SUP boarding, and scuba diving. You can enjoy good and safe snorkelling as jet skis aren't allowed to get close to the beach.

Ya Nui Beach, located in the south part of Phuket, has a rocky promontory with lots of brain coral surrounding it. The further you go out, the better the snorkelling gets. If you have a boat, you should head out to the opposite islet, where the waters are teeming with tropical fish.
There’s also good snorkelling along the base of Windmill Hill. The actual beach is usually crowded but you'll enjoy tranquil waters after passing the ubiquitous moored yachts. 

Laem Ka is the only eastern-facing beach in the south of Phuket that offers good swimming. The southern end of this sheltered, 150-metre-long beach is rocky but it's possible to swim out and snorkel at high tide.

The middle part of the beach is dominated by large granite boulders – the habitat of many crab species – while the northern end is a nice swimming spot. Laem Ka Beach is kid-friendly, thanks to its safe waters and shade-giving trees.