Snorkelling On Samui

[voodoomagicman]

I have just purchased snorkelling kits for my two children, attempted Hint Yai and Lipa Noi beaches today, not much visibility and pretty barran too. Could one of you more learned residents suggest a nice spot on the island to take them? My children are Eight and Six so trips on a boat might be too much for them.

Thanks in advance.

[itishothere]

Snorkeling is not that great on Samui. Fantastic over on Koh Tao, and parts of KPP but that means taking the boat. Although the ferry trip to Tao that Seatran (?) does could be fun for them? Couple of hours at sea, some snorkelling and then lunch on board, some more water, then back home.

You could try the north end of Chaweng beach, but be careful with the tides/currents etc. Also a long tail boat over to Koh Taen can be fun in good weather, and there are always fish there. Take a few bananas with you!

We have had a lot of strong winds recently, and that limits visibility wherever you are.

[samuijimmy]

The best place on Samui is Grandfather Grand Mother rocks.... the small bay and rock area to the left of Grandpa! is about the best area (that I have found on Samui) ...

It's not advertised probably to help protect what little is left of the coral... nice when sea not rough... if your kids are good swimmers you can head to the rocks directly in front of you.... but it can be deep in spots, depending on the tides....(at 6 & 9 years old perhaps a "life jacket" a good idea)

Other areas not much to see.... Been many places around the island and nothing worth while...

If you head to Koh Phangan, Mae Haad / Koh Ma area on NW corner, still has some good coral and fish, but getting harder to find.... but is still there.... in spots, there is a long rope that helps guide you to the spots that are still pretty good!

Day trips to Marine park includes some snorkeling, depending on tour company, (Grandsea Adventure tours is good), also as Itsohothere mentions, Koh Toa, but a long trip (about 2 hours each way) for the day,.... you might have some niggle kids by the end of the day!

Weather and choppy sea dependent... for good snorkeling.... it can vary a lot around different areas...

Edited March 12, 2012 by samuijimmy

[voodoomagicman]

I did think about life jackets, and I think they would be necessary for when we go on a tour. Will look into that tour company you suggested, where are they based or where can I book?

Many thanks.

[Birdman]

no, there is no place on Samui great for snorkeling. That's why tourists make day-tours to Koh Tao and you can book everywhere all over Samui...

[voodoomagicman]

Found Grand Sea Adventures website thanks, and they are fully insured too which is a big plus!

[itishothere]

I did think about life jackets, and I think they would be necessary for when we go on a tour. Will look into that tour company you suggested, where are they based or where can I book?

Many thanks.

Seatran. Any hotel or travel agent will book you in - probably including a pick up from where you stay. Or go along to the Big Buddha pier, 8am departure. Many other possibilities through private operators. Again, ask at any travel agent.

Life jackets are wise - for safety, but also added bouyancy. Makes it so much easier for the kids to float and look down and feel safe. And for Dad to spot where they are.

[PoorSucker]

Between Chaweng south and Chaweng Noi, on Chaweng side.

This time of year pretty murky, I suggest Ko Taen, 20 min boat ride from Thong krut at south side of Samui.

http://www.thailand.com/travel/beach/beach_surat_thongkrut.htm

[Tropicalevo]

One of the few places that I have found coral off the beach on Samui is Crystal Bay Resort (?) just north of Lamai (where the road bends to the right through 90 degrees when heading south). Same bay as the yacht club signs.

Mind you, that was a few years ago now.

[doingok]

when we first come here i did a bit at hinta hinya and it was ok for the first week are so than the weather hit and it was not good so we went to Ko Taen just go the south and find the boats there we paid 4 or 6 hour 1.000 for a long boat just me and my wife and it was great

Edited March 13, 2012 by doingok

[voodoomagicman]

Will definately look into koh taen, I think an all day tour might be too much for the kids, will have a look around Thong Krut and see if I can hire a boat for a few hours, just have to purchase the life jackets now!

Thanks for the responses.

[PoorSucker]

Will definately look into koh taen, I think an all day tour might be too much for the kids, will have a look around Thong Krut and see if I can hire a boat for a few hours, just have to purchase the life jackets now!

Thanks for the responses.

They have life jackets on the boats and snorkeling equipment.