Is Koh Chang good for snorkelling? An honest answer

Yes, Koh Chang is good for snorkelling, with one honest condition: you go by boat. The clearest water near the island is to the south, around Koh Rang, a protected marine park. The beaches along the west coast are for swimming and sunsets, so do not plan your snorkelling around stepping off the sand.

The best season is the dry months, roughly November to April, and that is just beginning as we write this in mid-November. Here is how to make the most of a day on the water.

Where the good water is

Koh Rang is a group of islands south of Koh Chang, inside the marine national park. Because it is protected, the reefs are in better shape and the water is often clearer than around the main island. Expect hard and soft corals and schools of reef fish. On a good day the visibility is wonderful.

For something cheaper and closer, there are three-island trips to the Koh Wai area. They are a fine introduction if you are new to snorkelling or watching your budget, though Koh Rang is the one to choose for the best coral.

At Paradise Cottage, the shore in front of us is rocky. It is lovely for sunsets and not for paddling, and the sandy part of Lonely Beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk. So for us, a snorkelling day always means a boat from Bang Bao or Kai Bae.

When to go

The sea is calmer and clearer in the dry season, roughly November to April. That is when snorkelling on Koh Chang is at its best, and the same months suit diving too (see our diving season guide).

In the rainy months, roughly June to October, the sea decides. Some days the trips run beautifully, and on others they are called off because of the waves. November is a settling month: the rain is easing and the sea is calming, so conditions can vary from day to day. If you are visiting now, ask the team the day before and keep one spare day in your plans.

For the wider picture, our month by month weather guide shows how the year runs.

How a trip works

• Departure. Most Koh Rang trips leave from Bang Bao or Kai Bae around 09:00 to 09:30.
• Crossing. Reaching the reefs takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the boat.
• Stops. Usually several snorkelling spots, plus a beach or lunch stop.
• Park fee. The marine park fee is ฿200, usually paid on top of the trip price.
• Gear. Masks and snorkels are normally included. Fins often rent for around ฿100 if they are not.
• Koh Wai trips. The cheaper three-island option typically leaves about 10:30 and is back around 16:00.

Prices for the trip itself vary by boat and season, so we will not quote one here. Ask what is included, how many snorkel stops there are and exactly when you will be picked up.

Choosing your boat

Speedboats are faster, so you spend more time in the water and less time crossing, usually with fewer people on board. They cost more and bounce more on choppy days.

Big wooden boats are slower and more social, with shade, space to stretch out and lunch on deck. If you get seasick, the bigger boat is usually the gentler ride. If you want to snorkel as much as possible, take the speedboat.

Travelling with children or snorkelling for the first time? A wooden boat with calm beach stops and life jackets on board is a good choice. Our Koh Rang and island hopping guide goes through the choices in more detail.

What to bring, and how to snorkel kindly

• Cash for the marine park fee and fin rental.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, plus a rash vest or T-shirt to protect your back.
• A dry bag for your phone, and a towel.
• Motion sickness tablets if you need them, taken before you board.
• Water, a hat and sunglasses.

Coral is alive and grows slowly. Never stand on it or touch it, keep your fins up in shallow water, do not feed the fish and take all your rubbish home. If you are not a confident swimmer, wear a life jacket. You will float more calmly and see more.

Do the boat trip early in your stay, so a rough-sea day does not use up your last chance. Then come back to the deck, rinse off and have a cold drink while the sun goes down.

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