Best Snorkelling and Diving in Asia
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With so much of Asia being made up of islands and coastlines, it’s one of the best places you can go to snorkel and dive.
Asia is a diverse continent stretching from the edge of Europe in the West through to the many islands of Indonesia in the East. Choosing where to go in such a vast area can be challenging.
We’ve gathered advice from real people who have been out there, splashing around and comparing the coral to tell you the best places for snorkelling and diving. Whether you’re looking for a white, sandy beach to walk into the water from or a multi-day dive trip, there is a spot in Asia that is perfect for you.
Coron in The Philippines
Coron, part of Palawan in the Philippines, is a diver’s paradise known for its WWII shipwrecks, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear lagoons. This destination offers something for both snorkellers and divers, with a mix of underwater history, epic marine life, and jaw-dropping limestone landscapes.
Coron’s Japanese shipwrecks from WWII are some of the best-preserved in the world, sitting at depths accessible to both newbies and more experienced divers. If you don’t want wrecks… the Barracuda Lake dive, known for its thermoclines and surreal limestone formations, is another unique experience.
Most dive shops offer single-day dive trips, while liveaboard boats explore farther wrecks and remote reefs. A single-day trip usually includes the day on a boat, 2-3 dive sites (depending on depth) and lunch. It is slightly more expensive than average for Southeast Asia, but it’s still cheap (I paid less than $100 USD for three dives, though you can spend A LOT more).
For snorkellers, take one of the many boat tours offered from Coron. Siete Pecados Marine Parkand Twin Lagoon are two of the most popular sites, boasting vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life.
Coron Town is the main base for diving and snorkelling around Coron Island. Flights are available from Manila and Cebu to Busuanga Airport, followed by a short van transfer to town. I decided to take the (much cheaper) overnight ferry from Manila.
Once you’re there, a range of accommodations exists, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. If you’re a backpacker, HOP Hostel and Outpost Hostel are two of the best options.
Filipino winter (i.e. November to May) offers the best conditions, with calm seas and optimal visibility. The waters are warm pretty much all year round!
Insights from Matt at Matt’s Next Steps
Halong Bay in Vietnam
When I travelled with my friend in Vietnam, it was clear to us that one of the places we wanted to visit was Halong Bay. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. It is also known as an excellent destination for snorkelling.
The best way to get there is through an organised cruise that offers accommodation on the ship. You can book the cruise online or go to one of the travel agencies in Hanoi to inquire. There are both budget and luxury cruises – the price depends on the type of ship, food, and the number of days. We took a two-night cruise, one night on the boat and the second in a hotel on Cat Ba Island. If you want to snorkel, ensure the cruise includes a snorkelling stop. Our cruise included several activities, such as snorkelling, visiting a cave, kayaking, and a bike tour on a small island along the way.
The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes about 3-4 hours and is arranged by the cruise company.
You can do it independently by taking a bus to Halong Bay and renting a small boat to explore the bay and snorkel.
On Cat Ba Island, you can also snorkel, as the island is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it a great place for underwater exploration.
Insights from Nofar Ronen at My Life in Cyprus
Baa and South Ari Atolls in The Maldives
The Maldives is a beautiful destination, both above and below the water. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy crystal clear waters that are full of life. Two of the best spots for diving and snorkelling are Baa Atoll and South Ari Atoll.
Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for its Hanifaru Bay. Snorkellers can witness massive manta ray gatherings from June to November. Whale sharks also migrate here, making this a fantastic destination. Diving isn’t allowed, but snorkelling tours provide close encounters with these gentle giants.
Stay at luxury resorts like Soneva Fushi or Anantara Kihavah. More budget-friendly guest houses are on Dharavandhoo Island, just a quick boat ride away.
South Ari Atoll offers one of the most consistent year-round sightings of whale sharks near Maamigili Island. Snorkeling and diving tours allow travelers to swim alongside these huge peaceful creatures.
The LUX South Ari Atoll or Conrad Maldives Rangali Island are two luxury hotel options. Budget travellers can find guest houses in nearby Dhigurah or Maamigili. Other activities in the area include dolphin cruises and iconic sandbank picnics.
These Maldivian atolls offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, surrounded by beautiful tropical scenery.
Insights from Liz Jurkowski from Suitcase and Sunglasses
Koh Lipe in Thailand
I’ve snorkelled and scuba-dived in some incredible places around the world, and I remember fondly my time travelling in Koh Lipe as it was really colourful when I went both diving and snorkelling.
Located in the south of Thailand, you can go by boat from Langkawi in Malaysia or take a bus and a boat from other popular locations in Thailand such as Krabi or Koh Lanta.
Koh Lipe is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, so you can expect incredible waters brimming with wildlife. This means that you will find many scuba diving agencies where you can get your PADI certification if you don’t have one, and you can also go on snorkelling tours that will take you through several nearby beaches.
I didn’t see any big fauna, but you can sometimes see sperm whales, whale sharks, dugongs, dolphins, and other big tropical fish. No matter the conditions, you’re guaranteed a natural spectacle!
You can go snorkelling and scuba diving in Koh Lipe year-round. The water is always at a pleasantly warm temperature, between 26-29°C, and if you swim in the evenings, you will see bioluminescent plankton, which is also a pretty magical thing to experience.
I loved my time in Koh Lipe as it’s well developed but didn’t feel crowded, because of this, you will find plenty of accommodation options to suit your budget.
To complete your trip, one of the best things to do in Koh Lipe is to go to the nearby island of Koh Adang. It’s only a few minutes away by boat and a lot less developed, so you can walk around the island, take a little hike to one of the viewpoints, and relax without too many people.
Insights from Juan from planetofadventures.com
Mirissa in Sri Lanka
Surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has no shortage of amazing snorkel and dive spots. One of our favourites, Mirissa, is situated on the southeast coast and is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise-blue sea. It plays host to one of the world’s largest gatherings of turtles, and it is perfect for snorkelling with the warm, shallow water. You can access most areas directly from the beaches, and away from the seagrass, you’ll find stunning corals with thousands of colourful fish. Divers won’t be disappointed either, with several highly rated dive sites just a short boat trip from the shore.
The seasons vary across the island, so do check before you book. We visited in late March, and the weather was warm, with blue skies and no rain. There are plenty of options for accommodation, with a range of hotels and self-catering apartments that are perfect for families.
Getting around the island is easy, with decent road and rail links across the country. If you are travelling as a group, a private taxi is a great, reasonably priced choice and is usually the fastest option.
Raja Ampat in Indonesia
Raja Ampat is located in Indonesia’s West Papua province and is one of the world’s best diving destinations. It is best known for its vibrant marine life and pristine coral reefs. While it’s a bit of a journey, getting to Raja Ampat is manageable. You will need to fly to Sorong (the nearest city), which is a four-hour flight from Jakarta. From here, the dive boats or homestays will transfer you to your base for the week.
There are several exceptional places to stay in Raja Ampat, from luxurious resorts and homestays to live-aboard dive boats. From experience, a liveaboard is the best way to dive into these islands, as the best sites are a long cruise from Sorong.
One of the many dive sites in the region is Manta Sandy, where you can witness graceful manta rays gliding through the water. Another top site is Cape Kri, which is known for holding the record for the most fish species observed on a single dive. The reefs of Misool are a haven if you want to explore vibrant coral gardens, with 4 Kings being stunning. Closer to Sorong, Blue Magic offers opportunities to see large schools of fish, including barracudas and jacks, with a manta cleaning station on the top of the reef. If you love macro critters, the waters are filled with fascinating creatures like pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs.
Beyond diving, Raja Ampat offers plenty of activities to enjoy. Kayaking and snorkelling allow you to explore the surrounding islands while hiking on Gam Island, which offers the chance to spot rare bird species, including the beautiful bird-of-paradise, and understand more of the islands' history.
Insights from Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Surin Islands in Thailand
Located about 55 kilometres off Thailand’s west coast, you’ll find one of the best snorkelling spots in the country — if not the best. The place I’m talking about? The Surin Islands in the Andaman Sea.
Although overnight tours are available, most people opt for a day trip and stay in Khao Lak. You can find plenty of accommodations here, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious beach resorts.
If you book a snorkelling tour to the Surin Islands from Khao Lak, a van will pick you up and take you to Namkhem Marina Pier near a small town called Khura Buri. The drive to the pier takes about one hour; from there, it's another 90 minutes by speedboat to the Surin Islands.
Sure, getting to the Surin Islands takes much longer than it does to get to other snorkelling spots in Thailand, but believe me when I say it is absolutely worth it.
At the Surin Islands, you’ll see abundant marine life, including clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and different types of sea stars. And if you’re lucky, you might spot black-tip reef sharks or sea turtles.
So, if you’re visiting Thailand and want to go snorkelling, the Surin Islands should be at the top of your list!
Perhentian Islands in Malaysia
The Perhentian Islands, located off the coast of Malaysia, are one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems for snorkelers and divers. Known for their coral reefs and marine life, they offer a tranquil escape from more crowded islands in the region.
The easiest way to reach the Perhentian Islands is by flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bharu. From the airport, a quick taxi ride will take you to Kuala Besut, where you can hop on a boat that will take you directly to the islands.
The Perhentian Islands offer some great diving experiences. The “Temple of the Sea” is a well-known dive site, and the sunken shipwreck nearby is teeming with wildlife. “Shark Point” is also perfect for spotting blacktip reef sharks.
The islands are home to several dive schools, an ideal destination to get your diving license. Prices for diving are incredibly affordable, starting from as low as $20 USD per dive – making it one of Southeast Asia's most budget-friendly diving locations.
With warm water temperatures, a short wetsuit will be suitable for your diving experience.
Accommodations around the Perhentian Islands are simple, with many budget-friendly options, such as the Flora Bay Chalet on Perhentian Besar. However, they can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so booking in advance is essential.
Be sure to pack a mosquito net, as many rooms do not have them, and many mosquitoes are around.
For more on essential packing, check out this perfect Southeast Asia Packing List, where you’ll find everything you need for your Asia trip.
Aside from diving and snorkelling, you can relax on the beaches or hike through the jungle to reach the other side of the island. Fun Fact: there are no roads on the Perhentian Islands!
Insights shared by Sophia from The Always Wanderer
Gili Islands in Indonesia
The Gili Islands are three islands in Indonesia, just off Lombok. They are easily accessible from Bali, making them a popular spot. These Gilis comprise Gili Trawangan (called Gili T), Gili Meno (The smallest Island) and Gili Air. Fun fact: Gili means small island in Sasak, the native language of Lombok, so in English, we’re technically calling them the Small Island Islands!
You can get to the Gili Islands from both Lombok and Bali. From Lombok airport, the drive is approximately 1.5 hours drive, then it’s a short boat ride. From Bali, you can take the 3-hour speed boat from Sanur to the Gilis.
Gili Meno and the underwater statue museum are among the most popular snorkelling spots on these idyllic islands. Daily trips are organised from all the islands, so it doesn’t matter where you’re staying. Gili Meno is known for its rich coral life and spotting sea turtles.
Scuba diving at the Gilis is a must-do as the Gili Islands offer rich aquatic life. Famous spots to dive are the Shallow Turbo, perfect for corals and spotting sea turtles, and Bounty Wreck, which is great for a wreck dive, where divers can spot schools of barracuda fish and others.
Once you’ve finished your underwater adventure, park up on Gili Air to enjoy the sunset. Gili Air offers the tranquil side of the islands, and it is famous for its blissful sunsets overlooking Mount Rinjani to the East and Mount Agung to the West.
One of the best places to stay is the Flamingo Boutique Hotel. There are two hotels - one on Gili T and the other on Gili Air. It is the perfect Instagram Hotel for those who want to indulge in a pink flamingo vibe.
Insights shared by Ruba Shahzada from Travel with Ruba
Komodo National Park in Indonesia
The Komodo National Park, east of Bali and Lombok, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. While many people prioritise seeing the incredible (and terrifying) Komodo dragons, there’s much more to this underrated area of Indonesia. Komodo has some of the richest marine biodiversity in the world, including manta rays, turtles, dolphins, over 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, and 14 species of whale. Needless to say, Komodo is a diving and snorkelling paradise.
The gateway to Komodo is the up-and-coming Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. Several snorkelling and diving options exist, such as half-day or full-day tours to nearby reefs. But I’d recommend taking a longer liveaboard trip, with two types available.
There are diving and snorkelling only, where there are different itineraries available. These will tailor the trip. However, these depart less frequently and there are few options available.
Instead, I would recommend a 3-day/2-night Komodo Dragon and Island trip. You’ll not only get to see the Komodo dragons, you’ll get multiple snorkelling stops. These will often include seeing turtles and manta rays. However, you can’t dive on these trips.
There's a range of accommodations available in Labuan Bajo, and many people on my trip stayed at the central Seaesta Hostel. I chose a quieter location: the budget G-Rima Homestay, ten minutes outside town. The local family make you feel part of the community!
Labuan Bajo now has more direct flights from Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and other cities.
A trip to Komodo gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snorkel or dive in some of the most pristine waters in the world, seeing both manta rays and turtles on the same trip. Visit Komodo now, before it becomes a mainstream tourist hotspot!
Insights shared by Ems from Globe Trotting Gems
Malapascua in The Philippines
Just north of Cebu, tucked away in the Visayan Sea, Malapascua is the kind of island divers dream about but rarely find. With its white sand beaches, tranquil vibes, and friendly locals, it feels like a little slice of paradise. But what would bring divers to this tropical island, you might ask? The answer is thresher sharks!
You’ll need to take a bus or taxi to the north tip of Cebu to a small town called Maya to get here. There are several boat and ferry options to get you to the island. Many dive shops also arrange boat transfers too.
This tiny island is one of the only places in the entire world where divers can reliably encounter thresher sharks at dawn when they visit the Monad Shoal dive site for their daily “cleaning ritual” from the smaller reef fish. In addition to the thresher sharks, you may also be lucky enough to encounter eagle and manta rays coming for the same service.
It’s important to note that Monad Shoal is a deeper dive site, so you’ll need your advanced certification to reach it. However, don’t worry if you haven’t already got it. There are plenty of dive shops on the island where you can get certifications in open water, advanced open water, Nitrox, and more. I got my advanced open water in Malapascua with Devocean Divers and would highly recommend them as they were friendly, professional, and affordable. The average cost of fun dives on the island, including equipment rental, is around $30-40 USD, while an advanced course is around $300 USD.
Lastly, if diving with sharks isn’t your thing, there are also incredible reefs and wreck dives. So whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, Malapascua offers a unique, world-class diving experience for your time in Asia.
Insights shared by Megan from Travel Wrighter
