6 Spots For Snorkeling In Koh Samui For An Unforgettable Adventure In 2024

If you have been looking for a gateway to destress, try snorkeling in Koh Samui. Known for its palm-fringed beaches, dense mountainous rainforest, coconut groves, and hidden coves, Samui serves as the perfect spot for snorkeling in Thailand. Snorkeling on this island allows you to take a swim in the clearest waters of the Indian Ocean and meet the underwater world. In fact, the secluded coves, beaches, and reefs in Koh Samui are incredibly famous for activities like sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. So, you wouldn’t have to worry at all about it being a safe activity even if you’re a beginner.

6 Best Places For Snorkeling In Koh Samui

The most common question that comes to mind is where to snorkeling in Koh Samui? To know more about the places that offer the best snorkeling in Koh Samui, just scroll down and take your pick!

1. Chaweng Beach
2. Silver Beach
3. Coral Cove
4. Taling Ngam
5. Ao Phang Ka
6. Choeng Mon

1. Chaweng Beach

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The most popular and widely visited beach on this island is Chaweng. However, it is super clean and the finest beach for snorkeling in Koh Samui with many luxury accommodations and eateries. Snorkeling and swimming at the Chaweng Beach are absolutely easy and effortless as there aren’t many stones to block your view.

You get to explore the small reef located just off the main beach and plenty of other sites near and around the rocks offshore. All these spots are close enough to reach by swimming. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the cute little fishes, barracudas, octopus and different species of corals formed here.

Once done with snorkeling, you can also head to the night parties held at the beach. It includes exciting music played by the DJs, delicious food, drinks and dance parties that make your holiday memorable.

Location: Surat Thani, Thailand
Staying options: Nora Beach Resort and Spa, Amari Koh Samui, The Briza Beach Resort, Arc Bar Beach Resort

Must Read: Koh Samui Nightlife: 10 Terrific Spots To Party Till You Drop!

2. Silver Beach

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Another best beach for snorkeling in Koh Samui is the Silver beach or Thong Ta Kian or Crystal Bay. It is the best beach on Samui and is situated on the eastern side of the island. If you are looking for an exclusive spot, you should definitely head to the Silver beach. The white sand, clear and transparent water makes your snorkeling experience absolutely worthwhile.

Enveloped with rocky boulders, this spot provides shelter to countless corals and aquatic life. Visibility level for snorkeling here is so excellent that you will also be able to see the tiny fish swimming in the sea. Having basic swimming skills are recommended to do this sport. The silver beach features all the assets of a hidden tropical paradise with classy massage parlors, food courts, sea kayaks for rent, resorts, etc.

Location: Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
Staying options: Silver Beach Resort, Thongtakian Resort, Crystal Bay Yacht Club, Crystal Bay Beach Resort

3. Coral Cove

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Come to Coral Cove and experience the best snorkeling in Koh Samui. Defined by pleasing and large boulders both below and above the water, Coral Cove with beautifully kept and clean beaches is a wonderful spot to visit. This picturesque cove with numerous reefs proximate to the beaches is certainly the best place for beginners. It offers a coral-rich environment with a variety of species of fish with incredible patterns and colors. You will also be able to see other attractive and colorful marine beings darting around the water.

You can directly enter into the soothing water and snorkel as there are no entry fees. However, the visibility is moderate and it is recommended to carry your mask and reef shoes. If you do not have one, there is an option to rent it from the nearby store. The rental price for equipment like life jackets, flippers, snorkeling masks, etc., is THB 100 with a security deposit of about THB 500.

Location: near Hi Coral Cove bungalow between Lamai and Chaweng
Staying options: Coral Cove Resort, Coral Cove Chalet

4. Taling Ngam

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Koh Samui is a tourist place developed to satisfy the high number of visitors. And, this development has affected the natural ecosystem of the island, not to a great extent. You can still see the hidden and raw side of Koh Samui in Taling Ngam beach.

Taling Ngam is a beautiful but off-track destination located on the west coast of the Koh Samui and 20 minutes from south of Nathon Town. This less populated beach maintaining the natural beauty and ecosystem of the island allows you to discover the original allure Koh Samui. It is located in an area where not many hotels and tourists exist. Taling Ngam is home to exotic reefs, underwater rock formations and marine life located just off the shores. Therefore, snorkeling along the stretch is quite thrilling. Underwater visibility is quite good, all thanks to the clear and unpolluted water.

Location: Koh Samui District, Surat Thani
Staying options: Conrad Koh Tamui, Intercontinental Samui, Conrad Koh Samui Residences

5. Ao Phang Ka

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This is another bay that is less developed, sees less crowd and is a perfect relaxing getaway for tourists. Loaded with the best and exotic aquatic life, Ao Phang Ka is a worth visiting square-shaped bay in Koh Samui. It is a beautiful bay through the jungle and serves as the best spot for snorkeling in Koh Samui. The snorkeling spots located at the southern tip and on a trail through the jungle are quite popular here.

As it is located within a jungle, you can discover many hidden spots and see an entirely different underwater world. The vast diversity of plants and marine life situated amidst the natural greens makes this bay perfect for photography too.

Location: Surat Thani province, southwest of Koh Samui
Staying options: Coconut Villa Resort, Phangka Paradise Resort, Conrad Koh Samui

6. Choeng Mon

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Choeng Mon is a wonderful location with mesmerizing views and an array of small bays. It is one of the excellent destinations to spend a relaxing holiday in Koh Samui. Choeng Mon offers a wide range of water sports and activities to the tourists such as snorkeling, sea kayaking, and scuba diving. Choeng Mon features two islets namely Koh Fan Yai and Noi, which are truly the best places for snorkeling. You can also snorkel at the main beach’s ends and in the middle of the two islets.

Location: Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
Staying options: Bay Beach Resort, Samui Honey Cottages Beach Resort

Best Time To Go Snorkeling In Koh Samui

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Koh Samui is a favorite vacation destination with plenty of luxury resorts and spas. The adventure sport – snorkeling is limited to a certain time. December to February is the peak season and best time to snorkel in Koh Samui. These months offer moderate temperatures, good visibility and calm seas, thus, swimming becomes easy to enjoy this sport. You can also snorkel during summers but the temperature can rise more than 30-degree celsius.

Tips For Snorkeling In Koh Samui, Thailand

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Make sure you follow these useful and important tips before you set out to snorkel in Koh Samui. Abiding by these suggestions will ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience of snorkeling on this island.

Prep yourself with the snorkeling equipment such as the right snorkel mask, fins and vest. They are conveniently available at most of the snorkeling spots on rent.
Choose the right weather to snorkel in Koh Samui, avoid going in for this sport during heavy current and heavy rains.
Beginners should take special care of the situations and avoid swimming in the deep waters without supervision. Always swim in a group or under the supervision of a guide.
Be sure to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before entering into the water to avoid sunburn and other skin problems.
The rule precaution is better than cure applies well in this scenario – avoid touching any corals or marine creatures when you are underwater. Some of the creatures can be toxic and cause skin infection and some might even attack if they feel threatened.

Further Read: Koh Samui Shopping Guide For All The Shopaholics To Shop Till They Drop!

Snorkeling is without any doubt the best adventure sport to try while on your trip to Thailand. Every year a bustling crowd of tourists come to Koh Samui and experience the exceptional allure of the coral reefs and aquatic animals. So, all the daredevils out there who are planning to visit this place, be sure to try snorkeling in Koh Samui, Thailand.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkeling In Koh Samui

Is Koh Samui good for snorkeling?

Koh Samui is loaded with vibrant aquatic life, underwater landscapes and is best placed for snorkeling in the world.

How do you travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui?

You can reach Koh Samui via plane, taxi, and bus and then ferry from Phuket and Krabi.

Is Koh Samui expensive?

Koh Samui is quite a budget-friendly holiday destination.

Is Koh Samui crowded?

Koh Samui is generally crowded during the peak seasons and quiet during the off-season.

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Sujata Dogra

A keen observer, an avid reader, a complete foodie, a pet lover and a curious entrepreneur with a vision to empower women. Penning down thoughts and musings come naturally, so, what better way to make a living than do what you love the most. Sujata started off as a content writer and today spearheads a content agency with an all-women team, where each day is about exploring the strength within, overcoming challenges and aiming to scale new heights. Her idea of a holiday well spent is visiting beautiful destinations, experimenting with food and trying out adventure activities.