A tropical holiday is an excellent time to explore a new location and learn a new sport or skill. Many people have watched people snorkelling on TV or in the movies and wish they could learn how to do it in warm, calm, clear tropical waters.

A magical holiday spent at the stunning, 5-star Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is the perfect setting to take the plunge and learn how to snorkel in the calm and crystal-clear waters of Karon Beach. If you're a first-time snorkeller, Karon Beach offers the ideal setting to enjoy learning the easiest way to experience the colour and wonder of the undersea world.

Snorkelling Equipment

Snorkelling isn’t difficult to master and the equipment consists of only a mask, snorkel and fins. The snorkel is held up by threading it through your mask strap, which positions the end of the snorkel up and to the side of the head, well clear of the waterline. 

Your mask should fit snugly and form a tight seal around your face without discomfort. Masks with prescription lenses to correct common levels of myopia are also available. 

You'll find snorkels that have a floating baffle at the air intake end to prevent water from entering the snorkel tube when you dive down in the water. However, baffles are optional, and not all snorkels have them. You can easily clear the tube of a snorkel without a baffle by exhaling sharply into the snorkel tube when you resurface. Always put the entire snorkel mouthpiece inside your mouth and form a seal with your lips around the mouthpiece. 

You'll see two types of fins sold in dive shops. The lighter type that fit over your bare feet are generally snorkelling fins. The heavier types with adjustable straps are meant for scuba divers. Be sure to choose fins that are wide enough for your feet to help prevent foot cramps. 

You should rent snorkelling equipment from one of several nearby dive shops in Patong Beach, Karon Beach or Kata Beach for your initial snorkelling adventure. Renting equipment provides you with an excellent initial snorkelling experience and also gives you a frame of reference to find the right fit once you go shopping for your own snorkelling gear.

Master the Mechanics of Snorkelling

Once you get used to breathing through a tube with your face submerged, you should be able to snorkel comfortably with an hour or two of practice. Breathing with your face submerged is the biggest obstacle for many people. The thought of inhaling while your face is underwater is counterintuitive and may take some time to overcome. Be patient if you don't pick it up immediately, and keep trying. The rewards are worth the effort. 

Start your snorkelling exploration in the safety and comfort of the main swimming pool at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket. 

Stand in waist-deep water and simply lower your head underwater with your face pointing towards the bottom and start breathing in and out until you feel comfortable. This is also a good opportunity to check that your mask fits snugly and provides a watertight seal before venturing into the ocean. 

Once you can breathe calmly and steadily, practice swimming slowly around the pool with your face submerged. Snorkelling among the rocks, corals, and marine life of Karon Beach should always be done at a leisurely pace to avoid disturbing marine life and conserve your energy.

Snorkelling Season in Karon Beach

The snorkelling season in Karon Beach is from November to April. The seas are calm and flat during this time, and visibility is the best. However, the ocean can be rough from late May to October and offers low visibility.

Snorkelling Spots in Karon Beach

One of the best snorkelling spots is conveniently near Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket. The north end of Karon Beach has rocks and corals that are the ideal habitat for the local marine life. There are also some rocks and corals at the southern end of the beach if you're taking a long walk along the beach and want to cool off and check out the snorkelling quality. 

The best time of day to go snorkelling is the morning or late afternoon. Many species of marine life avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and you may not see much marine life in the early afternoons on a sunny day.

Marine Life to See

The waters of Phuket host an inordinate amount of marine life, and you'll be certain of seeing several species even when snorkelling so close to the beach. Phuket waters offer a wide variety of corals, and the corals act as a habitat for anemonefish, also known as clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, and even octopi and moray eels. You may also spot a lionfish with their array of dangerous spines or a barracuda leisurely patrolling the area. Barracuda may look fearsome, but they avoid people.

Snorkel Politely

Snorkelling enthusiasts exploring Phuket’s tropical waters should adopt marine conservation habits. 

Sustainable snorkelling means refraining from touching, handling, or holding any marine life, including coral. This is for your own safety as much as that of marine life. To protect corals and reefs, swim cautiously and prevent your fins from making contact. The thrills of an underwater paradise should be an experience that is taken care of for others to enjoy.

Book a Holiday at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

Centara offers the perfect 5-star accommodation to discover the joys of snorkelling in Karon Beach. For your next holiday, book a Phuket private pool villa or a spacious deluxe room with an ocean view and discover the exclusive comfort offered at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket. Book your stay and get ready to dive into snorkelling in the calm, clear waters of Karon Beach.