You dream of putting your head underwater on Koh Phi Phi. Great idea. Our waters remain warm all year round, between 27 and 30°C. And the reefs are right there, a few minutes by boat.
Snorkeling here is simple, beautiful and accessible. No need to be a great swimmer. We show you the places we've been frequenting since 2019, the ones that are really worth it. Here's our honest guide to the best spots.
Where to go snorkeling on Koh Phi Phi?
There is no shortage of good spots around the two islands. The essential places are Nui Bay, Loh Samah, Bamboo Island and the area around Monkey Beach. Each site has its own atmosphere, depth and underwater life. We often follow them together on the same trip, in a long tail or in a speedboat. The choice of day depends on the weather and the tide.
Nui Bay, the gentle cove
Nui Bay is a small sheltered bay, north of Phi Phi Don. The water is calm and often very clear. The corals start near the edge, at shallow depth. This is one of our favorite spots for a gentle first mask-snorkel. You put your feet in the sand and you already observe the fish.
Loh Samah, the reef of Phi Phi Leh
Loh Samah is located on Phi Phi Leh, the wild and uninhabited island. This is also where boats dock to reach Maya Bay. The bay is home to a pretty reef, with fish galore. We stop there early, before the speedboats fill the anchorage. In the morning, the water is clearer and the site much calmer.
Bamboo Island and its sandy lagoon
Bamboo Island, or Koh Mai Phai, is located in the north of the archipelago. Its shallow lagoon mixes a light sand bottom and coral patches. Visibility is superb in calm seas. It's perfect for floating quietly and observing effortlessly. The white beach is also worth a dry break between two swims.
The surroundings of Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is known for its macaques on the sand. But real snorkeling happens in the water, along the rocks. We often come across schools of fish near the coral blocks. We keep our distance from the monkeys: we watch them, we don't feed them. It's safer for you and for them.
What we see underwater
Expect parrotfish, sergeant majors and clownfish hiding in the anemones. You will also come across silvery shoals that dart by. On the best reefs, hard corals and soft corals coexist. With a little luck, a turtle passes by, or a small, shy and harmless reef shark. Every outing is different, and that's what's good.
Snorkeling for beginners
No stress if you're just starting out. Most spots are shallow and well sheltered. We'll lend you a flotation vest if you prefer to stay on the surface. Our team stays close to you and adapts the pace. Breathe calmly through the snorkel, relax your shoulders, and let the mask do the work. In a few minutes, you forget everything else.
Snorkeling equipment
Mask, snorkel and fins are provided on our outings. Above all, we check that your mask is the right size: this is what prevents leaks. A light wetsuit helps if you are cold, even in 27°C water. Also think about a reef-friendly sunscreen. We tell you which one to take to protect the corals.
Small group supervision
We work in small groups, never in an assembly line. Our team has lived on the island since 2019 and knows every cove. We choose the spots according to the wind, swell and tide of the day. Result: more security, more calm and real good memories. Our customers rate us 4.93 out of 5 on Google, and that makes us proud.
When to go and how to avoid crowds
High season is from November to April, with calm seas and clear water. From February to April, it is the driest period. But the real secret lies in the departure time. We leave early in the morning, before the big boats. You then benefit from the almost empty spots, in magnificent light. See our excursions to choose your departure.
