Is There Anywhere To Go Snorkeling In Pattaya
Snorkeling is an ideal activity in Thailand’s seaside city of Pattaya as it provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the Gulf Of Thailand, get up close and personal with the marine life and see sights that you would have missed otherwise.
Snorkeling in Pattaya is particularly great from June through September, when water temperatures are warmest and visibility is at its peak. The southern coast of the country, including Pattaya, experiences some of the highest levels of rainfall in the world.
These conditions make it difficult for coastal ecosystems to flourish naturally. Fortunately, snorkeling in Pattaya also offers a wide range of aquatic habitats for you to explore – including shallow tide pools, coral reefs and offshore islands.
Where To Go Snorkeling In Pattaya
Jomtien
Jomtien beach is one of the best beaches in Pattaya and the local Jomtien Dive Centre do regular trips out to sea for snorkeling trips. People of all ages are welcome and all gear is supplied so get a place booked and snorkel away.
Koh Krok
Koh Krok is the ideal place to relax after a long day of exploring the island’s famous temples, museums, beaches, and nightlife or shopping in the bustling markets. There aren’t any hotels here like there are on Koh Larn but it’s much quieter and less populated.
The government has banned jet skis as part of an initiative to restore the area’s natural beauty, something that is sorely lacking on the Pattaya mainland. You can enjoy the beautiful sights of the marine life in just one beach with water that is crystal clear blue and due to its secluded nature, a visit to this beach is an absolute must.
Koh Larn
To go to Koh Larn Island from Pattaya is only 7 kilometres from Bali Hai Pier and when you get there, grab your snorkeling gear and dive headfirst into the ocean’s depths in search of the unknown.
Thousands of people frequent this island every day in peak season so make sure you get a place on the ferry and head over to this lovely island to check out what the surrounding waters have to offer.
Best Snorkeling Beaches In Pattaya
If you’re new to snorkeling, we recommend you try it out on one of the best beaches in Pattaya for this activity so here are a few of our favourites…
The beach at Pattaya is a great place to get started with snorkeling in Pattaya. This is a lovely beach with soft sand and a great swimming environment. You can also find a quiet stretch of sea away from the main crowd at this beach, making it a great snorkeling spot too.
One of the best things about Pattaya, in our opinion, is the sheer range of different beaches you can visit. On the east coast you’ll find a broad range of beaches, from secluded coves to busy public beaches.
You’ll find that snorkeling in Pattaya is easiest at beaches with a fine sand or coral sand for you to walk on. When it comes to finding a good beach for snorkeling in Pattaya, we’d recommend keeping a few things in mind. First of all, you want to find a beach with good water clarity, so you can see the marine life clearly.
Next, you want to find a beach that’s not too far from the city center and finally, the best beaches for snorkeling in Pattaya are ones that are less crowded. This means you have more space to swim around and explore the seabed like the beach at Jomtien.
Offshore Island Snorkeling In Pattaya
Offshore island snorkeling from Pattaya is a truly adventurous way to explore the waters of this part of the country. There are a number of incredibly remote offshore islands in Thailand’s Andaman Sea that are considered to be among the best snorkeling sites in the world.
We’d recommend visiting the remote islands of Ko Tao, Ko Phayam and Ko Adang as these are all considered to be some of the best snorkeling sites in the world. You can also explore some of the other offshore islands of the Andaman Sea, such as Ko Tarutao and Ko Similan which are equally as great.
Shallow Tide Pool Snorkeling In Pattaya
Shallow tide pool snorkeling is a great way to see the marine life in Pattaya and is a low-cost activity and also relatively easy to do. While some people may find it challenging, it’s completely manageable with a bit of practice. It’s a great way to explore the tide pools while taking in some fantastic marine life.
You can easily find tide pools in the southern part of Pattaya as they are typically located close to shore or on small islands or reefs. You can find some incredible coral reef ecosystems, as well as some remarkable offshore island ecosystems, during your snorkeling in Pattaya.
When To Go Snorkeling In Pattaya
Pattaya’s water temperature is typically a constant 77°F so you should think about visiting when the water temperature is at it’s warmest during the summer months of June to September. During this time of the year, the visibility is also at its highest but is also the wettest time of the year in Pattaya.
If you’d like to visit during the dry season, we recommend you go between October and April. This is when the southern coast of Thailand experiences its lowest levels of rainfall.
Things To Know Before You Go Snorkeling In Pattaya
Snorkeling gear can be expensive, especially if you don’t buy it locally so it’s a better idea to buy your gear online and ship it to Thailand.
Buying a ticket or a day pass for your snorkeling trip is essential. It’s good for one day and for one person only. This is essential for busy beaches, where you might want to visit multiple sites.
You should purchase a life jacket for all passengers, regardless of their age. This is a legal requirement and it’s essential for everyone to wear a life jacket while snorkeling in Thailand.
You’ll want to bring plenty of water with you on your snorkeling trip. You should also bring snacks, sunscreen, a towel and a hat.
Finally, if you’re not used to strong waves and currents, then be careful while snorkeling in Pattaya as strong waves can make it hard to keep your bearings while you’re in the sea.
Practice makes perfect – This is especially important when you’re new to snorkeling. You should also try to explore different types of snorkeling sites and meet new people.
You should also try to avoid drinking too much seawater if you can. This can cause salt build up in your mouth, which is hard to clean out and can make it harder to see and breathe while you’re out at sea.