Local Reef Snorkelling and Deserted Beach
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Khao Lak, Thailand
- 1 day (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Go snorkelling on the coast of Khao Lak where you can see marine wildlife without traveling for hours or contending with crowds. Visit a local reef and deserted beach along the Khao Lak coast, stopping to snorkel and relax on the sand. Your tour includes lunch, round-trip transportation, and use of snorkel gear.
- Snorkel near Khao Lak and avoid the crowds at Phi Phi, the Similans, and Surin
- Pass by mangrove forests and local fishing villages
- Lunch and snorkel equipment provided
- Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Khao Lak
What's Included
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Soda/Pop
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We pick up from all hotels in the Khao Lak area. Pick up times may change depending on the tides.
Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Select your preferred activity option to see hours.
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- In the event that it is not possible to snorkel due to unforeseen sea or weather conditions, an alternative program will be offered.
- The best time for snorkeling in Khao Lak is from November to April. Mid-May until mid-October is the monsoon season in Thailand.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Hailey_W
My partner and I, due to a packed schedule, had to decided on a snorkelling experience to cancel. It came down to either this experience or one of the more famous ones on the Similan Islands.
We can categorically say that we are very happy that we chose this one.
We opted for a private tour and we were picked up from our resort and transported to a local fishing village where their operation is. From there we were greeted by Sam who joined us on our tour. From the get go we could tell he was a highly qualified and passionate guide and he made the whole trip a pleasure. Even as we made our way to the reef he gave information on the local area and wildlife (including monkeys).
When we arrived at the reef, we were fitted with our gear (which we had preselected sizes) and we hopped into the water. We were very lucky that the weather was immaculate and the waters were crystal clear. From here we were granted a very generous hour to swim at leisure and snorkel around the area, where an amazing array of marine wildlife was visible. On this day we missed out on sea turtles, but, the sheer variety of other wildlife more than made up for this.
Once we finished we were taken by boat to a private beach/dining area where we were served a delicious local lunch and were permitted to roam around the area. The beach itself stretched far in both directions and was great for private walks/swims. Once we were done our guides happily transported us back to our resort.
If you want a great wildlife experience without the crazy crowds we highly recommend this and we would do it again.
Love from Australia 🐨🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🦘
Reviews
4.7
based on 94 reviews
Hailey_W, Feb 2026
My partner and I, due to a packed schedule, had to decided on a snorkelling experience to cancel. It came down to either this experience or one of the more famous ones on the Similan Islands.
We can categorically say that we are very happy that we chose this one.
We opted for a private tour and we were picked up from our resort and transported to a local fishing village where their operation is. From there we were greeted by Sam who joined us on our tour. From the get go we could tell he was a highly qualified and passionate guide and he made the whole trip a pleasure. Even as we made our way to the reef he gave information on the local area and wildlife (including monkeys).
When we arrived at the reef, we were fitted with our gear (which we had preselected sizes) and we hopped into the water. We were very lucky that the weather was immaculate and the waters were crystal clear. From here we were granted a very generous hour to swim at leisure and snorkel around the area, where an amazing array of marine wildlife was visible. On this day we missed out on sea turtles, but, the sheer variety of other wildlife more than made up for this.
Once we finished we were taken by boat to a private beach/dining area where we were served a delicious local lunch and were permitted to roam around the area. The beach itself stretched far in both directions and was great for private walks/swims. Once we were done our guides happily transported us back to our resort.
If you want a great wildlife experience without the crazy crowds we highly recommend this and we would do it again.
Love from Australia 🐨🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🦘
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so very much for this great review and recommending our trips. It is great to know that you enjoyed your day snorkelling with our team. Khao Na Yak reef is a great place to explore without the crowds. Don't forget to book with us again next time you are in Khao Lak!
Matthias_M, Jan 2026
Man was tour guide and he was amazing. Both my wife and I had a great experience and highly recommended this trip.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Man really is a great guide. Very knowledgable about the local area and eco-systems, and great fun to be with.
Thank you for the review. I hope we will be seeing you again soon.
Ruta_R, Nov 2025
Excellent trip!!! Must do!!! Absolutely great guide Mr. Ohm and his crew!!! So so accommodating and friendly! Doing their best to show the best places and colourful fishes!!! Can’t thank them all enough!!! Deserted beach and lunch there was something unbelievable and beautiful!!! Thanks a million!!!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Ohm really is a great guide. I am so please to read that you had such a good time with him and the rest of the crew. We love having such a beautiful snorkelling reef such a stunning beach so close to Khao Lak.
See you again next time (and don't forget to tell your friends)!
Paul_C, Jul 2025
Nice day out on the boat around the estuary, however poor snorkelling this time of year, they shouldn’t really be marketing it out of season. Also horrendous amounts of rubbish and glass in the shallows, making in not nice to look at. Maybe better in summer season
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear that your experience didn’t fully meet your expectations.
During the green (monsoon) season, sea conditions can change rapidly and are sometimes unpredictable, which does affect snorkeling visibility. We do our best to explain this clearly at the time of booking and always let guests know that we may need to adjust the itinerary depending on the conditions on the day. When snorkeling is possible, we go ahead; when it isn’t, we offer alternative activities such as visiting a waterfall or local conservation site to ensure guests still have a meaningful experience.
Regarding the rubbish and glass in the shallows, we share your concerns. Unfortunately, during this time of year, strong winds and tides can bring in debris from elsewhere, and some areas become natural collection points. Our team is actively involved in local beach and reef clean-up efforts, and we continue to work closely with the community to improve these situations where possible.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in the dry season, when the conditions are more stable and the reef is at its best.
Sarah_D, Apr 2025
Whenever we’re holidaying in Khao Lak we usually book this tour and in the last couple of years we have been booking the Private version of this tour, as for us it’s a little bit more special.
Being the natural environment, including tidal-movements, etc… the wide variety of snorkeling sights varies each time we do this tour.
The last two times to Khao Lak, ‘Kiwi’ has been our amazing guide on this tour, including joining us in the water to be our snorkeling guide, leading us to the best spots and searching out the most colourful fish and coral, especially the cute clown fish (nemo!).
The beautiful, soulful beach, lunch and boat crew are all good and there are no large groups to seen anywhere.
Pleasingly on this 2025 holiday there were no jellyfish (last year in the water, Kiwi, using her great eyesight, led us away from any jellyfish, resulting in no stings).
In summary, this ‘Local Reef Snorkeling and Deserted Beach’ is a great, chilled-out trip and the tour provider, Discovery Travel, are so professional and well-organised.
Tip: Take a look at Discovery Travel’s Sunday Market outing to soulful Takua Pa. When we did it, it included a gorgeous, scenic hill-top restaurant lunch and a number of fascinating stops at places of interest as well…
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Wow! What a fantastic review. Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experiences in such detail. It is great to know that yet again, Kiwi and the rest of our team were able to help make your time in Khao Lak special.
Thank you for mentioning both of the trips you did with us. The snorkelling trip is one of our most popular tours. And the local temples and market town trip is a great way to see more of the local area.
We look forward to seeing you again next time!
Robert_C, Feb 2025
Really great trip - some good snorkelling, a lovely lunch/beach at the end, and our board captain and guide Ya Ya were lovely.
A really nice, relaxing alternative than going to the Similan Islands
Response from Host, Feb 2025
I am very happy to read that you enjoyed your day snorkeling with Yaya and our crew. She really does have such a fun and bubbly personality.
Personally, I agree with you 100%! On a good day, the local reefs are just as beautiful as anything found around the Similan Islands.
I hope we will be seeing you again very soon.
Nikki_P, Feb 2025
My friend and I throughly enjoyed this trip. There were only 4 of us on the boat and everything was well organised and fully explained to us. We had a stop on a beach for a quick bob in the ocean and then onto a local reef. The water was shallow enough for just snorkelling but also good for shallow Freediving. There were some great fish especially the clown fish which were so cute. If it had not been our last day we would have done the trip twice! Thanks to all 🤙
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for the review. I agree 100%! On a good day our local reef is much better than many of the snorkel sites in the Similan Islands, and much less crowded too. And of course, finding Nemo is always fun.
It is a shame that you didn't have time to come with us again this time, but there is always next time to look forward to. I hope we will see you back again soon.
Heather_C, Feb 2025
Snorkling is off the boat via a ladder. Snorkeling equipment provided is very new and good.Can be choppy and so need to be a good swimmer.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for taking the time to review us Heather. I hope you enjoyed your trip.
Yes, if there is a bit of a breeze there can sometimes be a bit of a wave in the sea when we are snorkelling. To help with this, we recommend that all guests take a life jacket with them while they are snorkelling. Even if you prefer not to wear it, having a life jacket with you provides you with something to hold on to if you need to adjust your mask, somewhere to rest and also acts as a marker to ensure that you are easily visible to boats. Our expert crew are also on hand at all times to help out as and when needed.
I hope we will be seeing you again soon.
Minttu_L, Feb 2025
This was a very pleasant trip in a well maintained longtail boat where we first snorkled on a reef near Laem Ao Kham lighthouse (saw some Nemos !), then continued onwards through the mangrove waterways, to arrive at the beautiful golden sandy beach of Khoa Na Yak where the swimming in gin clear water was fantastic. Our guide Chard and boat driver Amin took care of everything and couldn't be more hospitable. Chard even shared his lunch with us, as we all agreed his was more interesting than the one provided for us by the tour operator ;)
All in all this was a very enjoyable and tranquil trip for just over 4 hours, if you'd rather not make the full day trip to the Similian Islands, this one's for you...
Response from Host, Feb 2025
What a fantastic review. It sounds as if you had an amazing day with Chat and Amin.
Next time we will be sure to add a bit more spice to your lunch for you.
Enjoy the rest of your stay here in Thailand and we look forward to seeing you again very soon.
Fiona_L, May 2024
Fabulous trip - from a quiet pier we went by 6-seater long-tailed boat between mangrove forests to the local reef, where 'Garfield' the very informative guide checked the water for currents before I started snorkelling. There were plenty of fish and corals to see, and there were no crowds and no rushing. I saw crab-eating monkeys on a couple of the beaches we passed, as well as a monitor lizard. The picnic lunch in the mangrove area near the huge and deserted beach was delicious, and I saw lots of rainbow lizards there while I relaxed in the shade. The twins who crewed the boat were cheerful and helped me in and out of the boat whenever needed.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thanks for the review! With all of our trips we always try to avoid the crowds and create a more unique experience. You were obviously lucky with the snorkeling that day as this time of year can sometimes be a bit rough. It is great to know that Garfield and the twins were key to helping you enjoy your day. Our in-house chef will also be pleased with the mention.
I hope we will be seeing you again very soon.
WENDY_M, May 2024
Unfortuanatly at the time of travel Too many jellyfish to snorkel in some areas
tuk tuk transport was not a good option for travelling to site too long and the road to the pier was very uncomfortable
There really was not many fish and coral was diapointing
Expected a private island as described but there were at least four other groups on the same island We paid for a private tour Not worth the money
Man our guide was awesome
Response from Host, May 2024
I am sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your trip as much as we would have hoped.
It is unfortunate that sometimes jellyfish do drift in on the tides. As I am sure you can understand, this is a natural phenomenon and can occur anywhere and at any time. As it is impossible to predict when and where we might find jellyfish, our team are fully trained and equipped to deal with stings should they occur.
As we are drawing to the end of the high season and entering the monsoon season now, it is not always possible for us to snorkel in the more exposed places due to the waves and water clarity. This does somewhat limit our choices of where we can snorkel. To ensure that people know what to expect at this time of year, we make a point of informing all customers that the snorkeling does depend on the sea and weather conditions each day when booking.
With regards to the island, the area we visit is actually a peninsular that is only accessible by boat. The beach is over 34km long and is usually only ever visited by small groups (approximately 4-8 people) on longtail boats. This is a National Park and not a private island, however it is far from crowded. We have described the beach as "hidden" or "secluded", but never "private". I am sorry if this caused some confusion. It is not possible for us to guarantee that there will be no other visitors to the public beach or snorkel sites, but we do provide private transfers, a private boat, a private guide and a private lunch.
Our pier is located approximately 20 minutes' drive south from Khao Lak center (of course the drive time is a bit longer from those hotels located out of town). We use the local tuk-tuk style taxis for this part of the tour because some minibuses sometimes find it difficult to access the pier, as the last 500 meters is on an unpaved track. While this can be slightly uncomfortable for the last few minutes, it does mean that we are able to avoid the busier piers and large groups of tourists on their way to the Similan Islands. It also gives us a beautiful cruise along the edge of the mangroves. The tuk-tuk taxi also allows us to easily carry all of the equipment needed for the day and helps to reduce our carbon footprint. Again, this is also clearly mentioned in the tour description.
I hope this experience will not stop you from booking with us again. For the best local snorkeling experience, I recommend coming between November and April.
Thank you for motioning guide Man, he always does his very best to ensure people have a great trip.
halina_g, Feb 2024
Tour guide was brilliant. Trip was really lovely, no crowds, beautiful scenery, fabulous lunch, what more can you ask for.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
It sounds like you had a perfect day! We are happy we were able to help make your trip to Khao Lak special. I hope we will be seeing you on another adventure very soon.
Janet_G, Jan 2024
Excellent guide called Nine. Easy transport all on time. No crowds. Average snorkelling. Good lunch.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
It is fantastic to know that Nine was able to make your day snorkeling with us special. Thank you also for taking the time to review us.
Miika_S, Jan 2024
Well organized trip overall. The guide was very professional and also came to water with the group. Can recommend.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thank you for reviewing us. Our guides always do their best to make your experiences special. Thank you for joining us!
Lisa_S, Nov 2023
Great tour! Our guide Garfield was really nice and we had a blast🤩
The tour was a little different because of the wheater, but that made the day more special for us!
The snorkeling was nice and we saw a lot of beautiful reef and fish!
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great time on our tour with the wonderful Garfield. It's heartening to know that despite the weather presenting a unique twist, it made the day more special for you.
We're glad you enjoyed the snorkeling experience and had the opportunity to witness the beauty of the reef and fish. Your positive feedback encourages us to continue providing memorable and unique adventures.
We look forward to welcoming you back for more exciting experiences in Khao Lak!
Daniela_S, Nov 2023
The private beach is so lonely and white like you only see in movies and pictures. It was pure perfection.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Thanks for the review! we are all really happy that you enjoyed it.
Thomas_G, Mar 2025
Super, la plongée était un peu moins évidente car il y avait un peu de courant et cela effrayé un peu mes filles, mais autrement encadrement au top.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for taking the time to review us. I am glad to see that you enjoyed your trip. I hope we will see you again very soon.
Regina_S, Feb 2025
Super Guide, hat sehr viel über die Flora und Fauna, Tiere etc. erzählt. Haben viele Fische gesehen, das Mittagessen war fantastisch, der einsame Strand wunderschön. Hat alles perfekt geklappt! Für Kinder geeignet.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
It sounds as if you and your family had an amazing day snorkeling with our team. Thank you for taking the time to review us. I hope we will see you again soon.
Giorgia_T, May 2024
Se si vuole stare da soli in un parco naturale questo è il tour perfetto!!!! Con una barca di pescatori si raggiunge prima un bel sito per snorkelling e poi una spiaggia bianca incontaminata. Nessun turista, nulla, pace e natura!!!!
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your trip. It is great to know that you enjoyed it! I hope we will see you again soon.
Matthias_K, Mar 2024
Ein entspannter und wunderschöner Ausflug mit einer kleinen Gruppe. Zuerst ein bisschen Schnorcheln und dann entspannen am wirklich wenig besuchten Strand.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you very much for the review. It is great to know that you enjoyed your trip. I hope we will see you again soon.
Nadine_S, Nov 2023
Dieser Ausflug war einfach fantastisch! Wir waren als Pärchen mit einer kleinen Familie unterwegs.
Die Abholung erfolgte in einem typisch thailändischem Taxi (nicht in so einem klimatisierten modernen Bus). Kiwi unsere Tourbegleiterin begrüßte uns außerordentlich freundlich & herzlich und checkte noch mal ab ob wir alles dabei hatten! Danach gab es erstmal einen kleinen Snack (thailändischer Kuchen). Nach nur 30 Minuten Fahrt erreichten wir das Longtailboot. Aufgrund des Wetters konnten wir auch nur einen Schnorchelstopp anfahren - hier verbrachten wir dann eine Stunde. Kiwi schnorchelte mit uns mit und zeigte uns die Wasserwelt. Sie machte auch Fotos mit unserer GoPro - sie tauchte ab und machte zB Videos von den Moränen.
Das Essen auf der einsamen Insel war großartig! Das war der schönste Ausflug während unseres Aufenthaltes.
Kiwi erzählt auch immer mal wieder was zu den Pflanzen und der Umgebung - das fehlte mir bei all den anderen Touren.
Wir sahen außerdem noch Affen und Warane.
Beim nächsten Urlaub wird der Ausflug wieder gebucht!!!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with Discovery Travel! It's heartening to hear that you had a fantastic trip with us. We take pride in providing a personalized and authentic experience, and it's clear that Kiwi, your guide, played a significant role in making your day memorable.
The use of a typical Thai taxi for pick-up adds to the local flavor, offering a different and more intimate transportation experience. We're delighted to know that Kiwi's warm greeting and attention to detail ensured a smooth start to your adventure.
Snorkeling is always a highlight, and we appreciate your understanding regarding the weather conditions. It's fantastic that Kiwi went the extra mile by snorkeling with you, providing insights into the underwater world, and capturing moments with your GoPro.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to the food we offer on our trips, and we're thrilled that you enjoyed the culinary experience on the desert island.
Kiwi's knowledge sharing about local plants and the environment reflects our dedication to providing informative and enriching tours. It's these extra touches that set Discovery Travel apart.
The sightings of monkeys and monitor lizards are indeed special moments that showcase the unique biodiversity of the local area.
We're grateful for your positive feedback, and we look forward to welcoming you again on your next holiday! If you have any specific highlights or preferences you'd like to share for future tours, feel free to let us know. Safe travels!
Peter_P, Sep 2022
Der Strand war einsam und riesig (23km lang). Das Schnorcheln 🤿 war leider nur bedingt gut, da das Wasser an diesem Tag etwas trüb war. Man bot uns aber sofort als Alternative Schnorcheln am Wasserfall an.
Obwohl man sehr viel Wert auf Nachhaltigkeit legt, hat Thailand ein Problem mit Müll, der vom Meer angespült wird. Mir war gar nicht bewußt, wieviel Müll in unseren Meeren schwimmt.
Trotzdem war diese Tour sehr umweltbewusst gestaltet, was bei uns große Anerkennung fand. Das Essen war vielfältig und sehr lecker.
Tourguides waren sehr nett. Wir würden es sofort wieder machen.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you for taking the time to review us. We are so happy you enjoyed your trip. Unfortuatly there was a very high tide and a bit of a storm a few days before your trip which adds to the trash on the beach. This is of course a worldwide problem, but we are doing what we can to have a positive impact.
I hope we will be seeing you again very soon!
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