There are beaches all around the world that offer breath-taking opportunities to go snorkelling and watch the marine wildlife, but none are as beautiful as Phuket beaches. A great and convenient piece of information is that the best snorkelling spots are usually fairly close to the beaches themselves which means they are easily accessible. But Phuket has around 36 beaches, and none of them offers the same views and experience. Some are simply the best and here are 6 of them!
Ao Sane Beach
Ao Sane beach is very close to the NaiHarn beach (around 200 meters), and it’s located in the island’s south part. What’s special about Ao Sane is that there are massive boulders made of granite, and there are two particular snorkelling spots: The first place is situated close to a drop-off into the much deeper water, and it’s populated by clown fish, an eel or two, and parrot fish. The second spot is near the beach restaurant, but you can only access it when the tide is high. The sea is completely safe during the whole year.
Paradise Beach
This beach is located south of the Patong Beach; around 5km to the south-west of Patongand you can also access riverside hotels in Bangkok very easily. The beach is 150 meters long and is sheltered by rocks made out of granite. These rocks are situated on both sides of the beach. There’s a coral reef that only great and professional swimmers can access, and it’s around 100 meters out. The sun beds (which you need to rent if you want to stay on the beach) cost around 200 baht.
Laem Singh Beach
This special and beautiful beach is located between the Surin beach and the Kamala beach. It’s around 150 meters long, and it’s dotted with restaurants. Palm trees surround the entire beach, and there are massive boulders everywhere. This is one of the most famous beaches and people usually go there to swim. There are many different vendors, and you can even get a massage! However, even though it sounds like there are no snorkelling locations, it’s quite the opposite. You can rent snorkelling gear, but it isn’t of high quality.
Ao Yon Beach
This beach is located in the south part of Cape Panwa. Two beaches make the Ao Yon beach. One is not very pleasant, even though there are a few nice restaurants that serve tasty food. The other, the more secluded beach is one of the most beautiful beaches. This beach is home to the Phuket Yacht Club so don’t expect the beach or beach waters to be empty. The beach is beautiful, and the waters are safe.
NaiHarn Beach
This beach is host to thousands of people each year, making it one of the most popular ones in Phuket. Usually, beaches get rough after a few heavy tourist seasons, but NaiHarn has survived this! The first reason for this is that the beach is located in the best and most gorgeous bay in Phuket. Secondly, private buildings on the hills behind the beach are not allowed. And thirdly, there’s a Buddhist meditation retreat located near the back of the beach, which means that the land has been declared sacred – effectively shoving out the urban spread.
Kata Noi Beach
One of the longest beaches in Phuket and the most gorgeous, Kata Noi Beach, is our top pick! The sea has the most beautiful colour of turquoise you’ll ever see, and the sand is nice and smooth. The snorkelling spots should be visited only when the tide is high, but it’s not recommended for the average swimmer because it’s fairly out from shore.
