Phuket Snorkel Tour Information

This is a guide on selecting and booking a snorkel tour in Phuket. For information on Phuket Snorkeling Sites please visit our Phuket Snorkeling Information page and for a selection of snorkeling tours that can be booked online through our site, please visit our Phuket Snorkeling Tours page.

Choosing a snorkeling tour while in Phuket on holiday should be straightforward. Most people who come to Phuket go on the Snorkeling Tour recommended to them by a tour desk - bad idea. It is amazing the number of 'snorkeling tour companies' that open and close every year in Phuket. Many Phuket Snorkel Tours are fly by night operations whose only concern is money. More people on the boat - more money, cheap food - more money, no insurance - more money, unqualified staff - more money. You get the picture.  The problem is multiplied by the fact that the only concern of the tour desks, even hotel tour desks, is money...

What should you do? Collect brochures and do your own quick Internet search. You will be surprised at how many do not even exist other than on that brochure your holding. Look for travel reviews on the companies and your best bet - ASK OTHER TRAVELLERS for recommendations on which tours were good and bad during their holiday in Phuket.

Making advanced reservations for snorkeling tours in Phuket is a good idea. Good snorkeling tours fill up fast as those companies usually limit the number of people for each snorkeling tour.

Reserving your Phuket Snorkeling Tour Online

When making Phuket snorkel tour reservations online look for the following:

1. Is the tour company registered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)? If they are they will display their OTD (TAT) number clearly on their site.
2. Does the tour company belong to the ATTA (Association of Thai Travel Agents)?
3. Do they use a safe and secure payment gateway for making payments?

Are all Snorkeling Tours in Phuket the Same?

There are several different types of Snorkeling Tours in Phuket.

Standard Snorkeling Tour

A standard snorkeling tour is a full or half day trip to one of Phuket's Snorkeling Sites. Lunch is usually provided and you are given a mask and snorkel (fins cost extra and usually only a few sizes are available). The boats arrive at teh island / snorkeling site and drop you on the beach or in the water to snorkel. No information or tour of the reef is provided. These tours account  for the majority of snorkeling tours offered in Phuket.

Guided Snorkeling Tour

The guided snorkeling tours that are available have a Foreign or Thai guide that will swim with the guests and point out different marine creatures. Usually these tours visit some of the better reefs as the guide wants to be able to point out as many different things as possible. The equipment on these tours varies, but it is usually a bit better than a standard tour. Mask and Fins are always included, but again sometimes fins are extra.