Looking for the best snorkeling on Phuket day trips? The easiest way to see clear water, coral and tropical fish is a speedboat trip to the Phi Phi Islands, where our tour stops twice to snorkel: once in Tonsai Bay and once at Khai Island on the way back. This guide explains where you snorkel, when the water is clearest, what to bring and how to protect the reef while you swim.
Where to Find the Best Snorkeling on Phuket Day Trips
Phuket sits on the Andaman Sea, and many of the prettiest snorkeling spots are on the small islands around it rather than on the main beaches. A day trip by speedboat lets you reach several of them in one day, with the gear, guide and lunch all arranged for you.
Tonsai Bay, Phi Phi Don
Our Phi Phi Island tour makes its first snorkeling stop in Tonsai Bay, after a visit to Monkey Beach. The boat anchors in calm water and you can slip in straight from the deck. It is a relaxed spot for beginners, and lunch on Phi Phi Don follows right after.
Khai Island
On the way back to Phuket, the tour stops at Khai Island for a second swim. It is a relaxed final stop, popular with families and first-time snorkelers.
Lagoons and bays you see from the boat
Between the two snorkeling stops you also visit Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay and Maya Bay. Remember that swimming is prohibited at Maya Bay, and the bay closes every year from August to September so nature can recover. You can read more in our Phi Phi Islands day trip guide.
What about James Bond Island?
The James Bond Island tour in Phang Nga Bay is not a snorkeling trip. Instead, you explore the limestone islands and hidden lagoons by sea canoe at Koh Panak and Koh Hong, then have free time at Koh Yao. If you are deciding between the two, our comparison James Bond Island vs Phi Phi can help.
Phi Phi Snorkeling Tour at a Glance
| Detail | Phi Phi Island tour |
|---|---|
| Hotel pick-up | 07:30–08:30 |
| Departure | 09:30 by speedboat |
| Snorkeling stops | Tonsai Bay and Khai Island |
| Back in Phuket | Around 16:30 |
| Price | 2,800 THB adult / 2,100 THB child |
| Included | Hotel transfer (free within Phuket Island), English-speaking guide, lunch and soft drinks, snorkel gear, life jackets, park fee, insurance |
When Is the Water Clearest?
The dry season, roughly November to April, usually brings calmer seas and the best underwater visibility around Phuket. February to April is often especially settled. From about May to October, the rainy season can bring choppier water and less predictable visibility, but many days are still good for snorkeling. For a month-by-month overview, see our guide to the best time to visit Phuket.
If the weather makes the sea unsafe and the tour is cancelled, you get a full refund or a new date.
Snorkeling Tips for Beginners
- Wear your life jacket. Life jackets are included and help you float without effort, even if you are not a strong swimmer.
- Test your mask on the boat. Press it to your face without the strap and breathe in through your nose. If it stays in place, the fit is good.
- Breathe slowly through your mouth. Relax, look down and let the water hold you.
- Stay close to the group. Follow your guide’s instructions and keep the boat in sight.
- Protect your skin. A rash guard or T-shirt protects your back from the strong tropical sun.
Protect the Reef While You Swim
The Phi Phi Islands are part of a marine national park, and Thailand bans sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and butylparaben in these parks to help protect the coral. Check the label before your trip and choose a reef-safe product, or cover up with clothing instead.
- Never touch, stand on or break coral.
- Do not feed the fish or take shells, sand or coral home.
- Keep your fins away from the reef and avoid kicking up sand.
- Take all your rubbish back to the boat.
What to Bring for a Snorkeling Day Trip
Snorkel gear and life jackets are provided, so you only need a few personal items: swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a waterproof phone pouch and some cash for extras. Our full island tour packing checklist has everything in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to swim to snorkel?
Life jackets are included on our tours, so you can float on the surface while you look at the fish. Non-swimmers should stay close to the guide and the boat and let the guide know before getting in the water.
Is snorkel equipment included?
Yes. The Phi Phi Island tour includes snorkel gear and life jackets, as well as hotel transfer, an English-speaking guide, lunch, soft drinks, the park fee and insurance.
How far in advance should I book?
Please book at least 2 days ahead. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before the tour, with a 50% refund between 24 and 48 hours, and no refund with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Book Your Snorkeling Day Trip
Hola Tour Company has been running tours in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga for more than 20 years. Ready to see the reefs of the Andaman Sea? Book the Phi Phi Island tour or message us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose the best day for your trip.