Joanna James
Thailand is known for food, tropical beauty, and water sports. Is there one Thai island where you can experience all this? Yes – Koh Samui. These are the best beaches on the island for snorkelling.
A group of beautiful bays on the northeast coast of the island, Choeng Mon is not too far from the main area. The area is much more commercialised now with hotels and shops, but it still offers serenity for a peaceful getaway. It’s also a great spot for water sports like diving, kayaking, and snorkelling. Just a short distance from the beach are two islands: Koh Fan Yai and Koh Fan Noi. The two ends of the main beach and the water between the islands are the best places to snorkel.
A small and quiet beach on the east coast of Koh Samui, Coral Cove is located just south of Chaweng. It’s one of the best places in Koh Samui for snorkelling. The large boulders outside and within the water create a stunning underwater landscape. To see beautiful corals and fish, you don’t have to swim too far from the cove. Both beginners and experienced snorkellers are guaranteed a great time here. It’s only about 10 minutes from Avani Chaweng Samui. Visiting Coral Cove for snorkelling is one of the best things to do in Chaweng.
Located between Chaweng and Lamai, Silver Beach is a quiet bay perfect for snorkelling. Wedged between two rocky capes, Silver Beach feels like a hidden tropical paradise. You can enjoy snorkelling on both sides of the beach. The underwater world is filled with corals and various colourful fish, so your snorkelling experience is guaranteed to be awesome!
On the west coast of the island is a long, quiet beach called Taling Ngam. It’s about 20 minutes from Nathon Town, the main port on the island. It’s a tranquil area without too many crowds, making it an ideal spot for those wanting to get away from it all. Rocks and corals sit close to the beach, and you can snorkel along the entire coast. Getting here can be a bit of a challenge as the roads are like a maze, but the effort is worth it. The views are absolutely stunning. As it’s not much developed, you can experience the authentic side of Koh Samui.
Beautiful and square-shaped, Ao Phang Ka is on the southern end of Taling Ngam Beach. It’s quieter than most other beaches in Koh Samui. If you want to get away from the crowds, this is the perfect place to be. Snorkelling is excellent here, especially near the southern end of the bay. Getting there involves a short drive through a jungle trail, which adds to the whole experience.
Snorkelling in Koh Samui is good all year round, but it’s better between March and September. During these months, the weather is calm, the sun is shining, and the water is crystal clear. This is the dry season, so there’s less rain and better visibility in the water. Be cautious if you’re visiting between October and January, as it’s the rainy season. The sea can be rough, and the visibility isn’t the best.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
