Snorkelling on Koh Yao Yai means boat days to coral reefs around Phi Phi, Poda and Koh Khai Nai, plus scuba diving at some of the best-known dive sites in the Andaman Sea.
Best season
November to April
Snorkel trips
Phi Phi, Railay & Poda
Gear
Mask & snorkel included
Level
Beginners welcome
Booking
Arranged by our team
The Andaman Sea
Koh Yao Yai sits in Phang Nga Bay, where the water close to the island is calm and green, fed by mangroves and tides. For clear water and coral, you take a boat out to the islands on the edge of the bay.
The best snorkelling from Koh Yao Yai is around Phi Phi and the Krabi islands: Koh Bida Nok, Viking Cave, Poda Island and Koh Khai Nai. Speedboats leave the island at 9:00 and you are back by 15:00.
Tell us which trip you like and our team will book it with the boat operator and arrange your transfer to the pier. On a stay of four or five nights, many guests choose one snorkelling trip and one island day, with a quiet beach day in between.
Snorkelling Trips
All three trips leave from Koh Yao Yai. Speedboat trips include lunch, soft drinks, fruit and an English-speaking guide; the national park fee is paid in cash on the day.
Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Snorkel at Koh Bida Nok and Viking Cave, then swim in the green water of Pileh Lagoon. The clearest water of the three trips.
3,500 THB per adult · park fee 400 THB · mask and snorkel included
Monday & Thursday
Easy, shallow snorkelling at Poda Island and Koh Khai Nai, with the Tup Island sandbar and Railay Beach in between. The shortest boat ride.
3,500 THB per adult · park fee 400 THB · mask and snorkel included
Ask us for days and prices
A late-morning trip on a long-tail boat from the fishermen’s village, with two fishing stops, a picnic lunch and time to swim and snorkel.
A slower, local day on the water
Scuba Diving
Some of the best-known dive sites in the Andaman Sea lie between Phuket and Phi Phi, within reach of a day trip from Koh Yao Yai.
A group of rocky pinnacles in a marine sanctuary, covered in soft corals and known for leopard sharks resting on the sand.
A submerged pinnacle carpeted in sea anemones, with clownfish, lionfish and large schools of reef fish.
A passenger ferry that sank in 1997 and is now an artificial reef, for experienced divers. The deepest part lies at about 30 metres.
We work with a local dive centre and organise everything for you. Tell us your dates and diving experience, and we will arrange your dive day.
Ask Us to Arrange a DiveGood to Know
A few simple things make a snorkelling day more comfortable, and help protect the reefs. Our team is happy to go through them with you before your trip.
Go between November and April for calm seas and the clearest water
Wear reef-safe sunscreen, or a rash guard to cover up
Never touch or stand on coral
Bring a towel, a hat and cash for the national park fee
Tell us if you are a weak swimmer, so the guide knows
Trips depend on the weather and sea conditions
Back on Dry Land
Island-hop to James Bond Island and Hong Island, or stay on the island for scooter rides, mangrove kayaking and quiet beaches.
Questions
Around Phi Phi (Koh Bida Nok, Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon) and the Krabi islands (Poda Island and Koh Khai Nai). The water close to Koh Yao Yai itself is calmer and greener, so the boat trips are the best way to see coral.
No. The guides help beginners, and Poda Island and Koh Khai Nai have calm, shallow water. Let us know if you are not a confident swimmer.
Yes, a mask and snorkel are included on the Phi Phi and Railay & Poda speedboat trips.
Yes. We work with a local dive centre and organise everything with them. Tell us your dates and diving experience when you book.
November to April, when the sea is calm and the water is clearest. From May to October some days are rougher and boat trips depend on the weather.
Book Direct
We meet you at the agreed Koh Yao Yai pier and bring you directly to the resort.
Speak with the people at the resort about rooms, arrival times and special requests, with no third party in between.
Transfers, island trips, massages and celebrations, arranged with you before you arrive.
Your Island Awaits
Book directly with Yao Bada Badoo for breakfast included, pier pickup and a team that helps you plan every island day.
