SNORKELING · PHUKET
The good phuket snorkeling tours fill up weeks ahead and the small boats go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend a long day reaching the Similans from Phuket, with guides such as Nancy, Siri, Lucy, or Olay, two snorkeling areas, beach time, Thai meals, snacks, and Sailing Rock. The water and coral are the stars, but expect an early pickup, a fast boat, crowds, and a 12-hour day.
“Everything was great & well managed. Our captain siri was amazing”
Spend 7 to 8 hours island hopping from Phuket to Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don, and Bamboo Island. You get hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, drinks, lunch, and an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Tony, Nan, Tommy, and Noonit are often praised for their friendly care.
“With 8 years of experience, Noonit was an amazing tour guide. She knew exactly what to do and where to go. She was very good at giving instructions and had a great sense of humor. The team made sure we were always hydrated and provided top notch service.”
Travel from Phuket to Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don, and Khai Nok by speedboat. Hotel pickup, lunch, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and guides such as Ohma, Tony, Nancy, and Oppo are included. Expect a busy day with beautiful stops and limited quiet time.
“Dino was a great guide and was patient with everyone and kept us on our schedule perfectly.the experience was unforgettable and such beautiful waters. The snorkeling was really great to see the fish and coral and urchins.”
Spend about 9.5 hours island hopping from Phuket by speedboat with guides such as Ray, Goody, or Dreamy. Swim at Bamboo Island and Pileh Bay, snorkel around Phi Phi, see Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and Maya Bay, and enjoy a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don. Pickup, gear, drinks, and snacks are included.
“Crew was great and you are making me write this long review for some reason but if you’re in Phuket just go on this you’ll have fun okay”
Spend 8 to 9 hours racing by speedboat from Phuket to Phi Phi and Koh Khai Nai. An English-speaking guide leads the day, with hotel transfers, lunch, fruit, drinks, snorkeling gear, and life jackets included. Expect famous bays, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and limited time in the water.
“Great day - it was sunny day in September - beautiful crystal clear water soft sand. Covid shut down helped the coral and islands recover from over tourism. it's in prestin shape, but that might not last long once tourism opens up in full force.”
Spend a full day at Surin Islands Marine Park with a licensed guide, two snorkeling sessions, a Moken community visit, Thai lunch, and beach time. Guides such as Tarn, CJ, Matt, and Kong-Fu Panda have led recent departures. Phuket pickup starts early and adds a long return transfer.
“We loved the Tour, the Islands were amazing and the beach stop was beautiful. Good snorkeling also.”
Visit Khai Nok, Khai Nai, and Khai Nui by speedboat, with short rides, shallow-water swimming, shore snorkeling, snacks, and drinks. Choose a half-day trip or a slower full-day plan with Thai lunch and four hours of quiet island time. Guides include Honey, Joe, Jimmy, and Natty.
“best for beginners, easy to understand, worth the money, best to try after rainy season”
Spend 12 hours traveling from Phuket to Mu Koh Surin National Park by van and speedboat. Snorkel at Chong Khat Bay and Mai Ngam Beach, visit a Moken community, and enjoy meals, drinks, gear, hotel pickup, and an English-speaking guide.
“The islands were beautiful and the staff were great but it’s not at all what’s advertised in the itinerary. Was 2 and a half hour van ride to Seastar from our hotel in the far north of Phuket so add another hour if you’re in the city. Our boat went out and then went back to pick up 3 people who were late so our whole day was impacted by them being late back to the boat at every single stop. We had an hour and 20 on mu Koh Surin national park to eat lunch/explore/swim. We did not return here. Then went went to the moken village for a…”
Take a half-day speedboat trip from Phuket to Khai Nai, Khai Nui, and Khai Nok. You’ll snorkel with tropical fish, relax on white beaches, and enjoy fruit, snacks, drinks, and hotel transfers. Guides such as Jackie and Anton are known for clear instructions and a friendly touch.
“The day was wonderful, Phuket P.H. Marine ran the day and they were kind and helpful. The snorkelling was very fun and we saw some beautiful fish. Lunch was lovely too and the islands we went to were beautiful. I highly recommend this trip”
Set out from Phuket by boat for a full day in Phang Nga Bay. You will paddle through Tham Lot Cave with a guide, visit Hong Island, James Bond Island, and Panyee Island, then swim and snorkel near the Khai Islands. Hotel transfers, lunch, gear, and English commentary are included.
“trop beau , beaucoup de touristes mais organisation au top , tout s enchaine sans encombres. superbe”
Leave your Phuket hotel for Racha Yai by speedboat, choose a guided scuba session to 10 meters or 30 to 40 minutes of snorkeling, then enjoy lunch and beach time before Coral Island. English-speaking guides, equipment, insurance, and pickup are included, with some hotel areas charging extra.
“The snorkeling was okay. I think we were there at a higher tide so it wasn’t ideal. The best part was the swimming near the beach. The water was the most beautiful, clear blue that I have ever seen and since I had my own snorkel, I was able to snorkel near the rocks on the beach. It was amazing!!!”
Spend nine hours by speedboat visiting Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Don, and Khai Nai Island. You get hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, a beachside lunch, and an English-speaking guide. Maya Bay is currently closed for restoration, so the boat will not enter or stop on its beach.
“This trip takes you to beautiful places. The captain, guide and all other assistants are very friendly and energetic. Very pleased with every step of the trip. On top of that, they have a photographer Mac who is amazing, very funny , takes great shots . The breakfast and lunch arrangements are very nice too. Strongly recommend to tourists in Phuket. Qing and family from US”
You’ll leave Phuket early for Rawai Beach, then ride a Thai longtail boat to Coral Island. Expect Banana Beach, lunch at your own cost, three swim and snorkel stops, and a group capped at nine. Guides such as Chan, Jo, MJ, and Mr T have led past departures.
“The tour was amazing. We did a private tour and had lots of time for snorkellig and chilling on the beach! the Guide MJ was very nice and took so many pictures from us.”
Spend 10 hours by speedboat visiting Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don, and Bamboo Island. You get two snorkeling sessions, buffet lunch, hotel pickup, park fees, and an English-speaking guide. Guides James and Dino have drawn especially warm praise.
“Fantastico tour, Dino ottima guida, tutto come da aspettative”
Travel by speedboat from Khao Lak to Mu Ko Surin National Park for three snorkel sessions, a Moken village visit, Thai lunch, and beach time. Wow Andaman provides transfers, gear, drinks, snacks, park fees, and an English-speaking crew. Expect a very early start and a long, bumpy ride.
“Sehr schöner Ausflug. für die ca 2h Transfer per Speedboot muss man definitiv Seetauglich sein. nicht umsonst verteilen sie vorher reichlich Reisetabletten und haben Kotztüten und Schnüffelstifte verteilt 😅die Crew hat sich liebevoll um alle gekümmert vorallem den Seekranken wurde sofort geholfen. Es gab reichlich Getränke, Snacks, Obst, Eis... wir waren den ganzen Tag ausreichend mit allem versorgt!die Schnorchelstellen waren toll! Der Strandaufenthalt am Surin Nordstrand war uns etwas zu kurz. alles in allem ein toller Tag!”
By the animal, the hull, or the kind of coast.
