Published on Feb 02, 2025 5 min read

Best Snorkeling Trips from Koh Lanta: Top Locations to Explore

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Koh Lanta is a beautiful island in the Andaman Sea with white sand beaches and blue water. Snorkeling tours from Koh Lanta are great for people who love the ocean. The island is close to some of Thailand's best diving spots, where you can swim with coral reefs, fish, and other sea life.

For the best diving trips in Koh Lanta, read this post. It tells you where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip. Koh Lanta is a good place to snorkel for both new and expert dives. Have a great time by going to the best places to dive on Koh Lanta.

Koh Rok Islands

The Koh Rok Islands are one of the most famous places to swim near Koh Lanta. Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai are two tiny islands in Koh Lanta National Park. People love the islands for their clear water, beautiful coral reefs, and lots of sea life. The reefs around Koh Rok are home to many kinds of fish, such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and clownfish.

People who love the ocean dream of swimming in the Koh Rok Islands. The clear water makes it easy to see the coral gardens. You might see turtles, rays, and reef sharks, along with fish. The beaches on the islands are very quiet, which makes them great for unwinding after diving. Most trips to the Koh Rok Islands include a boat ride, diving gear, a guide, and a meal on the beach. The islands are just a short boat ride from Koh Lanta, making them a great place to spend the day.

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are another top snorkeling destination that is easily accessible from Koh Lanta. Famous for its stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life, the Phi Phi Islands attract snorkelers from around the world. The islands are part of a protected marine park, so the underwater ecosystem is vibrant.

When you snorkel around the Phi Phi Islands, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of marine life, including schools of tropical fish, coral gardens, and even larger species like blacktip reef sharks. Maya Bay, which became well-known thanks to the film The Beach, is one of the most visited snorkeling locations in Phi Phi. The bay is home to a wide variety of fish and vibrant coral, making it a must-visit spot for snorkelers.

Snorkeling tours to the Phi Phi Islands usually take you to several snorkeling spots around the islands, allowing you to experience the diversity of marine life. The boat ride from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, so it’s a convenient trip for a day of snorkeling.

Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island is a small, uninhabited island located near the Phi Phi Islands. It’s known for its white sandy beaches and clear, shallow waters, making it an excellent destination for snorkelers of all experience levels. The waters around Bamboo Island are filled with coral reefs, home to an array of fish species, including parrotfish, snapper, and grouper.

What makes Bamboo Island unique is its accessibility. Unlike other more crowded destinations, Bamboo Island offers a peaceful snorkeling experience with fewer tourists. The shallow waters are ideal for beginners, and the island's beauty makes it a perfect spot to relax after your snorkeling adventure.

Bamboo Island is typically included in Phi Phi Island tours so that you can enjoy both the Phi Phi Islands and Bamboo Island in one trip. The boat ride is short, and the clear waters and abundant marine life make it worth the visit.

Koh Haa Islands

The Koh Haa Islands are a group of small islands located to the west of Koh Lanta. These islands are renowned for their crystal-clear waters, impressive underwater caves, and vibrant coral reefs. The reefs around Koh Haa are rich in marine life, with schools of fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin.

Koh Haa is a more secluded destination, making it perfect for those seeking a quieter snorkeling experience. The water around Koh Haa is relatively shallow, so it's an ideal spot for both beginners and more experienced snorkelers. The underwater visibility is excellent, and the diversity of marine life makes it a fantastic spot for underwater photography. Koh Haa is accessible by boat from Koh Lanta, and snorkeling tours usually include visits to multiple spots around the islands, allowing you to explore the underwater world from different angles.

Kantiang Bay

For a more relaxed and less crowded snorkeling experience, Kantiang Bay on the southern coast of Koh Lanta is a great choice. The bay is known for its beautiful beaches and calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for beginners or those who want to snorkel at a leisurely pace.

The coral reefs around Kantiang Bay are home to a variety of fish, and the waters are generally warm and clear. While the snorkeling here may not be as vibrant as other locations like Koh Rok or Phi Phi, Kantiang Bay offers a peaceful environment where you can enjoy snorkeling in a less commercialized setting. Kantiang Bay is a short boat ride from the main areas of Koh Lanta, and it can also be reached by kayak for those looking for a more active approach to reaching the bay.

Conclusion

Koh Lanta is a great base for snorkeling in Thailand's best places. The bright reefs of Koh Rok and the tranquil waters of Kantiang Bay are among many beautiful places to visit. Koh Lanta has several tours and sites for snorkelers of all levels that will provide you with lasting experiences. Clear seas, vivid coral reefs, and rich marine life make these Koh Lanta snorkeling spots ideal for underwater exploration. Bring your snorkel gear and explore Koh Lanta's aquatic life.

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