Snorkeling in Koh Samui - 7 Beaches To Start Your Marine Adventure

Koh Samui beaches do not offer a wide range of snorkeling opportunities, but the right spots around the island offer a glimpse of tropical marine life. Koh Samui is an offbeat place for snorkeling. Swim with large schools of fish that pass through coves and deep canyons.  

Best Time to Go Snorkelling In Koh Samui

The best time to enjoy snorkeling in Koh Samui is from December to February, the peak season due to calm seas and moderate temperatures. You can also visit during the hot season if you can bear temperatures above 30 degrees celsius. September to November is a strict no-no as the monsoon rolls in, and the sea can be a bit unpredictable. Visibility is also not high during this time.

Best Places for Snorkelling In Koh Samui

1. Coral Cove

Coral Cove is the right place for beginners, with the reefs close to the beaches. You can directly enter the waters without any entrance fee. Hundreds of fish species can be seen with incredible colors and patterns. Visibility is moderate, and it is recommended that you bring your mask and reef shoes. Rental equipment is available, like life jackets or flippers, for about THB 100 per hour per person, similar pricing for snorkeling masks, and a security deposit is about THB 500. It features big boulders and rocks, explaining the name. Overall, it is a decent destination for snorkeling in Koh Samui. 

Location: It lies inside the area of Hi Coral Cove bungalow between Chaweng and Lamai. There will be a clear red sign besides the main road so you shouldn’t have a problem in finding it. 

2. Silver Beach

Thong Ta Kian, Silver Beach, or Crystal Bay, is considered the best beach in Koh Samui. It is located on the east side of the island. The sand is entirely white, and the water is clear and transparent. You can even see the little fishes swimming in the seas, so the visibility for snorkeling in Koh Samui here is excellent. It is recommended to have at least the necessary swimming skills. There are many facilities on the beach itself, like massage parlors, sea kayaks for rent, food courts, resorts, etc. 

Location: Maret, Ko Samui district, Surat Thani, Thailand. You have to pass through a resort to get there. There are no charges to enter.
Places to stay and eat: There are many good hotels and resorts which have been long established. Some excellent places for accomodation and eating are:
1) Crystal Bay Beach Resort
2) Silver Beach Resort
3) Thongtakian Resort
4) Crystal Bay Yacht Club

3. Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach is the most popular beach on the island. Don’t worry; it is super clean because the resorts on the beach keep it tidy. There aren’t a lot of stones, so it is ideal for swimming and snorkeling in Koh Samui. There is a small reef just off the main beach and new sites around the rocks at the offshore islands, which are close enough to reach by swimming. You can find small fishes, octopus, barracuda, and different species of corals.

Don’t miss out on the night parties at the beach! There are DJs, drinks, food, and dance parties every night, and it is undoubtedly a memorable experience!

Location: Surat Thani, Thailand
Places to Stay: Some resorts and accommodation facilities are:
1) Nora Beach Resort and Spa
2) Amari Koh Samui
3) The Briza Beach Resort
4) Arc Bar Beach Resort

4. Taling Ngam

This is more of an off-track location and is less popular. But that doesn’t mean it has any less to offer. It is more adventurous as it is remote and not quite developed for tourism. It provides an excellent and raw side of the natural beauty of Thailand. Many reefs and rocks are far from the beach, which is perfect for snorkeling in Koh Samui. Visibility is quite good. The seafood restaurant on the beach serves delicious cuisines and is a must-try.

Location: Koh Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Places to Stay:
1) Conrad Koh Tamui
2) Intercontinental Samui
3) Conrad Koh Samui Residences

5. Ao Phang Ka

This beach also sees less crowd, which is excellent for a relaxing getaway. There is an excellent spot for snorkeling in Koh Samui in the secondary bay through the jungle. There is a vast diversity of plant life and marine creatures in vibrant colors and is excellent for photography too.

Location: It is located in the Southwestern part of Koh Samui in Surat Thani province
Places to Stay:
1)Coconut Villa Resort
2) Phangka Paradise Resort
3)Conrad Koh Samui

6. Koh Madsum

Pig Island can be reached by speedboat from Koh Samui. This provides an opportunity to experience an exciting snorkeling adventure. There are various coral reefs near Koh Tan which have a wide variety of marine life. The water is also bright blue, which means that visibility is excellent. You can have a lot of fun at Pig Island with kayaking, photography, delicious Thai food, and hanging out with the piggies at the beach! It is undoubtedly an Instagram-worthy location.

You can book many speed boats online, making the entire process hassle-free.

Location: South of Koh Samui, close to Coral Island

7. Koh Taen 

It is also known as Coral Island and can be reached by boat from Koh Samui. A full-day trip to the island offers a mix of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, cycling, and trekking. Various spots here are ideal for snorkeling in Koh Samui, where you can view the beautiful corals and fishes. You can find many different species of marine animals in the water, like turtles, rays, sponges, tropical fish etc. Keep an eye on the small crevices and holes where you can find beautiful tiny organisms peeping. The time duration is approximately 50 minutes for each dive. The white sandy beaches are perfect for snorkelers.

Best Operators for Snorkelling in Koh Samui

1. Calypso Diving
Address: 27, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Price: Packages start at THB 3,500

2. Asian Trails
Address: Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
Price: Packages start at THB 1525

3. Silent Divers
Address: 9/8 Moo 3 Bophut Ko Samui Ko Samui District
Price: Packages start at THB 2740

4. Tours Koh Samui
Address: 24/3 Moo 5 T. Bophut, Koh Samui
Price: Packages start at THB 2,010

5. Samui Boat Charter
Address: 24 Moo 1 Koh Samui Ko Samui District
Price: Packages start at THB 43,000

Tips for Snorkelling in Koh Samui

1. Equipment: Snorkelling gear is available at most locations, so it is convenient and easy to use the ones provided by the guides. Investing in them would be worthwhile if you are a regular snorkeller and intend to use your gears frequently. The right equipment is generally expensive, and if you are a seasoned snorkeler, you could purchase it from your country of residence or Bangkok.
2. Budget: Costs for snorkeling in Koh Samui are generally in the range of THB 2000 - 4000 or higher for more extended expeditions and Liveboard.
3. Caution: It is best to exercise precaution while underwater and avoid touching corals or marine creatures.
4. Sun Protection: Sunscreen is often recommended around 20 minutes before entering the waters.
5. Note all Beginners: Beginners should take special care not to wander too deep into the waters on their own, carefully follow the guide's instructions, and stay within their groups.
6. Weather Watch: Avoid snorkeling in Thailand during rainy weather and in heavy currents.

Many packages and tours are available for proper adventure snorkeling in Koh Samui. You can easily book them online. Day Trips to the islands start from THB 2200 and can increase depending on the provided facilities.

Koh Samui is, in fact, an excellent place for many other sightseeing excursions, so make sure you take part in these activities. Thus, snorkeling in Koh Samui shouldn't disappoint either. There is a lot to see and do here, so take a deep breath and dive into this beautiful adventure called Koh Samui! Bon Voyage!