What Is the Best Snorkelling and Diving Spot around Koh Phangan? – A Guide for Water Sports Enthusiasts

Snorkelling is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful underwater world around Koh Phangan. You don’t need to be an expert or have fancy equipment. All you need is a mask, a snorkel, and the ability to swim, though. Compared to diving, snorkelling is a great way to get a closer look at marine life without having to go too deep. There’s so much to see in the marine world of Koh Phangan. With that in mind, these are the best snorkelling and diving spots around the island.

Haad Salad

Up on the northeast coast is one of the most beautiful spots in Koh Phangan: Haad Salad Beach. Stretching over 600 metres, it’s stunning and has a peaceful atmosphere that makes it feel a bit hidden away. You can relax on the beach, and the best snorkelling is found about 80 metres from the shore. During low tide, you might have to walk out a bit to find water deep enough for snorkelling and swimming. It’s a great place to snorkel, relax and unwind, so add it to the list, would you?

Koh Ma and Mae Haad

Another one of the best places to snorkel around Koh Phangan is Koh Ma. It’s a small island connected to Mae Haad Beach by a sandy strip. Visit on a clear, sunny day to spend a couple of hours in the warm water, watching colourful tropical fish swim by. You’ll start off in shallow water, but as you swim further out, it gets deeper – this is where things get really exciting. You’ll see large schools of fish, parrotfish with their vivid colours, blue-spotted rays, and even barracudas gliding by. It’s a fantastic snorkelling spot on the island, so you might want to stay at a nearby Koh Phangan resort. Your options include Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas.

Haad Khom

A beautiful beach up north, Haad Khom is located just east of Chaloklum Village. Tourists love snorkelling here, thanks to the gorgeous reef that wraps around the bay. The beach itself is simple and laid-back, with only a few huts close by. There’s also a small restaurant. It’s a gorgeous little place to spend an entire day away from big crowds, especially if you’re here with family.

Haad Yao

On your quest to find the best snorkelling spots around Koh Phangan, you’ll come across Haad Yao. Beautiful and clean, the beach is known for its dive schools and the coconut trees lining the sand. The coral reef, found about 400 metres offshore, is another highlight. The water near the beach is calm and not too deep, so it's easy to wade in and start snorkelling – you might need to swim a little further out to reach the best snorkelling spots, which you’ll share with beautiful marine animals like squirrelfish, porcupinefish, fusiliers, parrotfish, and blue-spotted rays.

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Snorkelling Tours 

Snorkelling is a great way to enjoy the waters surrounding Koh Phangan. You can, of course, go on your own, which can be highly empowering, but joining a snorkelling tour has benefits too.

• Guidance: Joining a tour means you’re with someone who knows the area well. Your guide will take you to the best spots, tell you about marine life, and keep things safe.
• Safety: If it’s your first time snorkelling, you should definitely consider joining a tour. A guide can help you get comfortable in the water, ensure your safety, and offer tips to make the most of your experience.
• Best snorkelling spots: Local guides know exactly where to go to enjoy the best snorkelling while spotting wildlife.

If you’re staying at a resort, speak to the staff about arranging a tour – they’ll be more than happy to help.