Anastasia Smith
What makes snorkelling in Phuket a worthy contender to be included in your bucket list can be attributed to the fact that its popular snorkelling sites are situated near to the island’s finest beach escapes.
With a sprinkling of rocks and patches of greenery that dominate major parts of its stretch, Paradise Beach is both pleasing on the eye and a fantastic destination to get your trusty fins out for a few hours. Given that you will have access to a coral reef found around 100 meters offshore, you can set course to immerse your complete self in turquoise seas with the prospect of discovering 3 rocky capes all but assured.
Hugging Phuket’s southwest coast is an absolute gem that would warrant visiting called Ao Sane Beach. Home to 2 separate snorkelling spots, each with its own allures and charm, Ao Sane Beach will surely call out to the avid snorkeller in you the instant your toes sink into its white, powdery sands. Initially, look out for the sharp drop off into a deeper section of ocean where you stand a fabulous chance to come into contact with clownfish, parrotfish and eels. In turn, keep your eyes peeled for a certain beach restaurant for to its right is a sought-after snorkelling site that simply cannot be ignored. Know that the waters in this part of Ao Sane Beach are clear and safe throughout the year but are best accessed at high tide as a result of the corals being close to the surface.
Sandwiched between the beaches of Nai Harn and Rawai is a thing of beauty – Ya Nui Beach. Overflowing with various snorkelling sites, beginning with the area of sea around the rocky promontory where brain corals can be witnessed, Ya Nui Beach offers great value for your money. In fact, the farther you go, the better your snorkelling expedition will feel based on the understanding that you will be swimming in areas inundated with marine life of varying shapes and colours.
Although dwarfed by a majority of Phuket’s beaches when it comes to size, Kata Noi Beach sure does not disappoint on the topic of snorkelling or even for that matter, surfing. Extending for 850 meters and with two rocky promontories found at either end, Kata Noi Beach features a wide world of turquoise blue that has left snorkelling fans in their elements. Thus, for those not so accustomed with what Kata Noi Beach presents, it is highly recommended that you beeline for the rocky regions that beautify its southern tip which is a popular meeting point for snorkellers. This is because you will enjoy ample room to learn of the numerous species of corals and tropical fish that live and breed in these sparkling seas.
Easily reachable by boat from Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas which is one of the Phuket luxury resorts that you can stay at, the captivating panoramas of the Similan Islands round up this article on the best snorkelling beaches in Phuket to head to. Having donned your snorkelling suit and gear, waste no time in exploring the clear blue ocean that will reveal a wide spectrum of pleasures in the likes of corals, schools of fish, sea turtles and even sharks!
