Here Are the Best Spots for Snorkeling in Krabi
1. Phi Phi Islands
Administrated under the province of Krabi, Phi Phi Islands are a group of islands that lie midway between the island of Phuket and Krabi Province. Accessible by speedboats and longtail boats, these islands are considered to be Thailand's Shangri-La and offer the best experience for snorkeling in Krabi.
At Koh Phi Phi Don, islands towards the north such as Koh Pha Mai (Bamboo Island) and Moskito Island are not visited much by tourists. Expect some great shallow-water snorkeling here to see many corals and small species of sharks. Hin Klang, lying between Koh Phi Phi Don and Moskito Island, known for open-sea snorkeling in Krabi, is a must-visit spot to experience some of the best snorkeling in Thailand.
The terrain is more rugged and untouched down south at Koh Phi Phi Leh. Snorkeling tours are mostly day trips as there are no accommodation options here. The coral gardens of Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama are great colorful spots for snorkeling among large schools of small fish.
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2. Koh Lanta
Ko Lanta or Ko Lanta Yai, located near Phi Phi islands, is a touristy location that caters to all budgets and tastes. Some of the best dive sites in Thailand can be found here, making for a great snorkeling experience in Krabi.
Koh Rok Nok is the best spot for snorkeling in Ko Lanta. It is a full-day snorkeling tour and takes about one hour to and from by speedboat. Koh Haa is another snorkeling site that is technically a site for scuba diving site. Its shallow regions allow for some swimming and snorkeling.
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3. Four Islands
The Four Islands are a group of islands that lie east of Ko Lanta and south of Railay Beach on the mainland. The Four Islands consist of Koh Kai, Koh Poda, Koh Mo, and Koh Tup.
Snorkeling tours to the Four Islands from the mainland are popular and are undertaken as day trips by longtail boats or speedboats. The waters are mostly shallow and can be clear in certain parts and a bit murky in others. The best time for snorkeling would be around noon, as the bright sunlight makes for the best visibility.
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4. Hong Islands
Hong Islands is a group of four islands called the Koh Hong Group. They are generally referred to as Hong Islands or Hong Lagoon and are located off the coast of Krabi. Hong Islands are considered to be the most beautiful islands in the region. Boats can enter the lagoon during high tides, but only kayaks can be used to reach the shores during low tides. The shallow coral reefs and sandy beaches make your post-snorkel relaxation perfect on the islands. Ko Daeng Island and Paradise Island are two other beautiful spots here to enjoy open-water snorkeling and swimming.
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What Is the Best Time for Snorkeling in Krabi?
The best time to go snorkeling in Krabi is from November to February, which is the winter season. Rainfall is minimal, and visibility increases significantly, leading to a wonderful snorkeling and swimming experience. During the day, noon is the best time for snorkeling as the overhead sunlight makes the water clearer.
Here Are the Best Operators for Snorkeling in Krabi
1. Kon-Tiki
Kon-Tiki is a certified tour and diving instruction operator based in Ao Nang. They offer services such as PADI certifications of various levels and technical diving instructions.Bookings and Snorkeling Tours: Official Website
2. Wetzone Divers
Established in 2005, Wetzone Divers is an acclaimed diving and snorkeling tour operator based in Khao Lak. They emphasize quality over quantity and hence offer fewer tours than most. The guides and instructors here are well-trained, courteous, and multi-lingual, making for a great experience for tourists of various nationalities.Bookings and Snorkeling Tours: Official Website
3. Trip Store Krabi
A locally based travel advisory and tour-based company, Trip Store Krabi has almost two decades of guiding and planning activities for tourists to Krabi. They are dedicated to helping tourists at each vacation step and offer 24/7 helplines.Bookings and Snorkeling Tours: Official Website
How to Reach Krabi
- Krabi International Airport is only 15 minutes from the city center and is connected to all major cities worldwide.
- Krabi is also well connected by road. So, you can easily drive yourself to Krabi from other major tourist hubs in Thailand or take buses. Buses regularly ply from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal, taking about 10 hours to reach Krabi and around 4 hours from Phuket.
- Cars on hire are also readily available.
- Krabi has no railway station, but the nearest station is about 2 hours away at Trang. From there, you can take a local bus or hire a cab.