9 Budget-Friendly Scuba Diving Islands in Phuket: EP1

Visiting Phuket and not experiencing scuba diving would be a missed opportunity! This article will guide diving beginners to Phuket’s affordable islands perfect for an underwater adventure. These destinations cater to all, including those less confident in swimming, who can still enjoy shallow dives to marvel at the stunning coral reefs surrounding Phuket. The best part? Each location is reasonably priced, so let’s explore some of these fascinating spots.

Koh Racha Yai & Koh Racha Noi

Snorkeling Koh Racha Diving | Cr Image: Nikorn Marine

These two majestic islands are definitely worth visiting. Koh Racha Yai not only offers delicious food and comfortable facilities on the island, but its expansive diving area is perfect for underwater exploration. Choose from 5 different bays: Batok Bay, Siam Bay, Tue Bay, Konkae Bay, and La Bay. If you’re looking for picturesque sea views, La Bay is highly recommended, boasting beautiful coral reefs, sea anemones, and colorful fish. For a more laid-back and private experience, try Koh Racha Noi, the southernmost island of Phuket. This small island offers crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for diving and admiring coral reefs. The peaceful and serene atmosphere is a bonus, but please note that there are no accommodations on the island.

Check out tour packages for Koh Racha here.

Koh Hey

Snorkeling Koh Hay

Koh He, with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches, rivals any other island in the area. In addition to its stunning scenery, visiting this island won’t break the bank. Like Koh Racha Yai, Koh He is bustling with activity and offers shallow dives to explore coral reefs and observe small fish. The pristine waters make for ideal shallow diving conditions, with separate areas designated for other water activities. The island’s coral reefs are among the most vibrant and diverse, featuring brain corals, lettuce corals, stag-horn corals, and plate corals, as well as a variety of small fish. Koh He is undoubtedly an exciting island to visit, offering both day trips for shallow diving and overnight accommodations.

Check out tour packages for Koh Racha here.

Phi Phi Island

Snorkeling Phi Phi Island

This is the famous island that everyone should visit at least once in their life. Although the island is located in Krabi province, it can be easily accessed from Phuket. Phi Phi Island is surrounded by the sea and is home to many beautiful coral reefs. Many bays on Phi Phi Island are perfect for snorkeling, such as Runtee Bay on Phi Phi Don Island and Loh Samah Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island. With its rich underwater world, this is an ideal spot for admiring the beauty beneath the sea.

Check out tour packages for Phi Phi Island here.

Mai Thon Island

Snorkeling Mai Thon Island

A small private island that has impressed many visitors with its beauty, often called the Maldives of Thailand. In addition to being just 15 minutes away from Phuket, it has a clear blue sea that makes you feel like you’re in a foreign country. You can snorkel right at the beach, and the highlight of this place is that you can find cute little clownfish as well. Mai Thon Island is the true habitat of clownfish and features beautiful coral reefs, sea flowers, and a rich underwater world, making it worth visiting for snorkeling.

Check out tour packages for Mai Thon Island here.

Similan Island

Snorkeling Similan Island

Another must-visit famous island in the Similan Islands group, considered one of the most beautiful islands with fine white sand beaches and stunning rocks. The highlight of snorkeling here is the chance to encounter adorable sea turtles, as the area is their habitat. Who knows? You might be lucky enough to meet a turtle up close. You can also find various rare fish species and hard-to-find coral reefs, making it another rich underwater world to explore. If you have the opportunity, try snorkeling here for an unforgettable experience.

Check out tour packages for Similan Islands here.

That concludes the five snorkeling island destinations in Phuket we recommend. The price for snorkeling depends on the package you choose, ranging from hundreds to thousands of baht, but it is definitely worth the beauty. If you’re interested in any of these locations, plan a trip to Phuket and enjoy snorkeling at least once in your life. We guarantee that the underwater world of our home is more beautiful and fascinating than you might think.