Snorkling in Thailand??

[oxyhacker]

Can anyone tell me what the typical situation is for snorkling in Thailand? Is there good snorkling off the shore at most destinations, like the Carribean, or do you have to take a boat to get to a reef like on the Keys?

I'm going to be in Thailand with some non-divers, and am hoping to find a spot that has some good diving for me, but good snorkling to keep them happy.

 

[travelem]

Thailand isn't as good as Carribean, vis is around 10-20m.
Try Koh Phi Phi, they can snorkel and you can relax fun diving around phuket, PP and Hin Mouang, Hin Daeng.
http://www.phi-phi.com

The other option is Khao Lak, both of you can take day trip to Similan, which offer the best snorkeling and diving in Thailand, But you have to spend time on speed boat 1.5 hr each way.

http://www.khaolak.de

 

[stevenl]

Snorkeling is here different from the Carribean. You almost everywhere have to take a boat out, and if you want good diving combined with snorkeling you definately have to take a boat out.

Here in Phuket the closest by combined snorkeling/diving site is 1,5 hours sailing away. You can also take daytrips to Phi Phi where you can combine snorkeling and diving.

Alternatively, you can make daytrips (or stay 1 night or more on a boat) to Similans. Excellent for both diving and snorkeling, and always very relaxing. With snorkelers I wouldn't stay longer than 1 night.

Check out www.sea-bees-kata.com

 

[oxyhacker]

Thanks, StevenL.

We were going to go to Ko Lanta, just because it seemed more laid back and less touristy, but we are leaning towards Phuket now just because everyone is saying that's where the really stellar diving and snorkling is. Also lots of good food we hear.

Do you have any suggestions for reliable dive operators offering one or two night boat stays in the Similans?