Joanna James
Snorkelling can be a fantastic activity to try out during your vacation, and there are few places better suited for it than Samui. The water here is calm and clear, not to mention bustling with marine life. Here're the 5 best snorkelling beaches Samui has to offer.
At first glance, Coral Cove may seem like just another small bay located in the southwest of Chaweng Noi, but this tiny stretch of coastline contains some of the best locations to go snorkelling in Samui. Here both the beach and the coastal waters are full of large boulders. Between the cervices they form a number of marine animals thrive – this includes the curious moray eel and the brilliantly coloured parrotfish. Of course, Coral Cove does – as its name indicates – contain a number of corals. These are home to a variety of colourful reef fish that dart in and out in search of food. The cove is also easily accessible from most of the nearby beach resorts - for example, it's only a 30-minute drive away if you're staying at the Avani+ Samui Resort.
If you're looking to add some scenic beach views on top of your snorkelling sessions, Choeng Mon is the place to visit. In fact, this beach has become so popular both among snorkellers and regular beachgoers that it has helped speed up the development of the surrounding area. The best snorkelling sots here are found at the opposite ends of the beach. You can even try your hand at a number of other water sports while you're here as well, including kayaking, jet skiing and even scuba-diving.
If you're touring through the east coast and are looking for things to do in Samui, a snorkelling session at Silver Beach is an absolute must. The beach itself is a great place to nab a few photo ops – the whole cove is nestled between two rocky capes and it makes for a stunning image. While the coral reefs here are on the small side, they more than makeup for it by the sheer diversity of life they contain. In particular, keep an eye out of roaming octopus, they tend to move between patches of coral in search of small crustaceans and fish.
Taling Ngam is found beside the scarcely populated Nathon Town. Its secluded nature makes it perfect for a quiet snorkelling session followed by a relaxing time at the beach. Getting to the beach's snorkelling spots can be an adventure all on its own as you'll have to traverse through rocky outcrops and overgrown trails – don't worry, it's all perfectly safe. The surrounding landscape can be quite breathtaking – picture green valleys and clear blue skies, so remember to bring your camera with you.
Ao Phang Ka is an oddly square-shaped bay that's fringed with shady palms along its edges. The surroundings are quite tranquil and will get you in just the right mood to go for a quick snorkelling session. The best snorkelling spot is situated toward the southern tip of the bay, after a short drive on a trail through the jungle.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
