The Best Snorkeling Spots Around Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is the kind of island that quietly flexes underwater. It doesn’t scream about its snorkeling the way some places do but once you dip your face in the water you realize the island has every right to brag.
So what are the best spots to snorkel around Koh Lanta? Here’s your guide to the best snorkeling around Koh Lanta and yes you’ll probably come out of this planning your next trip.
Koh Haa
If underwater paradise had a location pin it would be Koh Haa.
This tiny group of islands is famous for its lagoon, turquoise water and visibility that makes you feel like you forgot to blink. Expect soft coral gardens, huge schools of fish and the occasional turtle cruising past like it owns the place which honestly it does.
Level of wow: extremely high
Level of difficulty: get on a boat and pretend you’re a mermaid. I think that’s doable.
Koh Rok
Koh Rok is ridiculous in the best way. White sand so bright you’ll squint fish everywhere and coral reefs that look suspiciously photoshopped. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Koh Lanta and for good reason.
The shallow reefs are perfect for lazy snorkelers who want maximum beauty with minimum effort. You might also spot blacktip reef sharks which look scary but are basically shy noodles with fins.
Most snorkeling tours combine Koh Haa nd Koh Rok for an amazing day trip.
Koh Ngai
Koh Ngai is the pretty little island you visit when you want calm water, a chill day and corals you can see without pretending to be an Olympic swimmer. The fringing reef sits super close to shore so you can hop straight in from the beach and boom you’re in a sea aquarium.
Perfect for beginners families or anyone who wants to float around while doing absolutely nothing productive.
Koh Bu Bu
This one flies under the radar which is exactly why it’s fun.
The reefs around Koh Bu Bu don’t get as much attention but they’re full of life plus the water tends to be quiet and clear. Think of it as your secret underwater escape if you want to avoid crowds and brag about finding “hidden” spots later.
Koh Lanta’s House Reefs
Even without leaving the island you can still find some solid snorkeling.
Long Beach and Kantiang Bay sometimes surprise you with turtles popping up for air or patches of reef near the rocks. It’s not Koh Haa level magic but hey if you’re feeling lazy and want a quick saltwater fix these spots are perfect.
When To Snorkel
The best time is November to April when the sea is calm and the water looks like something straight out of a travel commercial. Boats run daily during this season and visibility is at its peak.
If you come in the rainy season well you’ll still have a good time but the ocean might have a little attitude and some tours don’t run when the weather is too bad.
Tips So You Don’t Struggle
- Bring a rash guard unless you enjoy turning crispy
- Don’t step on coral unless your goal is to be the villain of the ocean
- Morning trips have calmer seas
- Take an underwater camera because you will absolutely want your 10 instagram followers to know how awesome it was
Final Splash
Snorkeling around Koh Lanta is one of those things that looks great, feels great and makes you wonder if you should just move to an island forever. With reefs this colorful and water this clear it’s pretty much impossible not to fall in love with the underwater world.
Two of the most popular tours are the 4 Island Tour and the Koh Ha/ Koh Rock Snorkeling Tour, both are awesome, so it is very hard to choose. But one thing I know is, that you will not be disappointed.
