I am going to talk to you about Snorkelling and scuba diving in Asia, but more specifically in Thailand and Bali.
Key points to remember
For snorkeling, Bali and Thailand offer spots at unbeatable prices. In Bali, aim for Amed, Menjangan, or the Gili Islands. In Thailand: Koh Tao, Koh Lipe, Similan. Expect to pay 15 to 40€ for a day of snorkeling with mask and snorkel included.
I am going to talk to you about 2 spots that I really liked in these 2 countries!
Snorkelling and Diving in Bali
I did a interview about diving in Bali a few years ago!
Did you know?
Menjangan Island, northwest of Bali, is one of the few sites in the world where you can swim above an underwater cliff over 60 meters deep (“wall diving”). The water is crystal clear with visibility of 30 meters.
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Amed
Since that interview, I have been to Indonesia and Bali, and I have tried several spots such as Amed!
Amed is located on the east of Bali island; in my opinion, it is the best diving spot on Bali to see a wreck.
The reason I say they are very accessible is that the diving spots are not far from the coast.
Therefore, if you come with your partner and he/she does not want to go diving, you always have the option of mask and snorkel (snorkelling).
| Spot | Country | Key Wildlife |
|---|---|---|
| Amed | Bali | Turtles, Japanese wreck |
| Menjangan | Bali | Corals, wall diving |
| Gili Trawangan | Indonesia | Many turtles |
| Koh Tao (Sairee) | Thailand | Reef shark |
| Koh Lipe | Thailand | Schools of clownfish |
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Nusa Lembongan
It is a island located one hour from Bali, it is very popular for scuba diving. It is known for swimming with manta rays and for seeing large fish (they are very big fish).
The big plus of this island is that it is quite small and quite calm, very far from the touristy aspect of the main island which is Bali.
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The Gili Islands
My experience
My first real snorkeling was in Koh Tao. I rented a mask for 100 baht (3€) at my hotel, then swam 5 minutes from Sairee beach. In 30 minutes: schools of fish, rays, a harmless reef shark. You don’t need to go far.
The Gili Islands are located a few hours from Bali; it is a group of 3 islands where there are no cars or scooters because they are prohibited.
As a result, you can enjoy the beach, go snorkeling to see turtles.
Each of the Gili islands has its own charm:
- Gili Trawangan, known for bars and partying
- Meno, where you go for the calm
- and the last one, Gili Air, is a more rustic island.
Snorkeling and Diving in Thailand
The first time I went in 2011, I went to learn to dive, then the second time to discover more spots, and the last time I went in 2018, I did a refresher on my basics.
Advantages
- Very low cost (equipment + boat)
- Ultra-accessible spots
- Abundant wildlife (turtles, rays, tropical fish)
- No certification required
- Can be combined with beach and relaxation
Weak points
- Degraded corals at the most frequented sites
- Crowded boats in high season
- Chemical sunscreen prohibited at some sites
- Visibility dependent on weather
- Jellyfish possible depending on the season
However, now I am equipped with a underwater scooter or underwater thruster which will allow me to have even more fun and go to even shallower depths without a tank.
The best diving spots are found on the islands in Thailand.
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The island of Koh Phi Phi
This island is completely magical because of its snorkeling and scuba diving spots.
Depending on your level, you will have different places where you can dive to see large coral reefs with many fish.
The classic trap to avoid
Avoid snorkeling sites offered from hotels in Kuta or Phuket: too touristy, wildlife scared by boats. Go as far as Amed (Bali), Koh Lipe or the Similan Islands for truly preserved snorkeling.
You can also go on day cruises where you will snorkel and visit Maya Bay island!
There are also trips to see reef sharks if you wish!
The diving spots are intended for beginners or intermediate levels.
Some additional resources if the topic interests you: where to dive to lay the foundations, places to party for practical aspects, and underwater scooter to go further.
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The island of Koh Tao
This is the island where I learned to scuba dive in 2011.
There are many places where you can dive and depending on the time of year you can even see whale sharks.
However, when I went, it was not that season but this island is great for getting your PADI at a low cost and also to enjoy the beach and water activities.
What is the best time to snorkel in Thailand?
From November to April on the Andaman side (Phuket, Koh Lipe). From May to September on the Gulf side (Koh Tao, Koh Samui).
Do you need your own snorkeling gear?
Not essential, equipment can be rented everywhere for 3-5€/day. Having your own mask remains more comfortable and hygienic.
Bali or Thailand for snorkeling?
Thailand for the diversity of accessible sites, Bali for more preserved seabeds (Amed, Menjangan). Indonesia is generally more pristine.
